(19)

(11)

EP 0 880 601 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/49 (21) Application number: 97903495.0 (22) Date of filing: 17.02.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 33/ 573( . ) C12Q 1/ 32( . ) C12Q 1/ 02( . ) G01N 33/ 74( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/000445 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/030175 (21.08.1997 Gazette 1997/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 16.02.1996 GB 19960003326 (71) Applicant: ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF MEDICINE London NW3 2PF (GB)	(72) Inventors: COOKE, Brian, Royal Free Hospital School Medicine London NW3 2P (GB) MICHAEL, Anthony, Royal Free Hosp. School Medicine London NW3 2PF (GB) (74) Representative: Cresswell, Thomas Anthony  J.A. KEMP & CO. 14 South Square Gray's Inn London WC1R 5LX London WC1R 5LX (GB)