(19)

(11)

EP 0 880 320 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/49 (21) Application number: 97904147.0 (22) Date of filing: 27.01.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61K 31/ 4164( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/001599 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/027752 (07.08.1997 Gazette 1997/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 30.01.1996 US 19960010860P 19.03.1996 GB 19960005699 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: DINSMORE, Christopher, J. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) HARTMAN, George, D. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr., et al  Merck & Co., Inc. European Patent Department Terlings Park Eastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)