(19)

(11)

EP 0 882 026 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/50 (21) Application number: 96944785.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C07D 239/ 36( . ) C07D 239/ 22( . ) C07B 61/ 00( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/019651 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/021687 (19.06.1997 Gazette 1997/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE Designated Extension States: RO SI (30) Priority: 14.12.1995 US 19950008641P 28.08.1996 GB 19960017968 (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. (a New Jersey corp.) Rahway, N.J. 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: HU, Essa, H. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) SIDLER, Daniel, R. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) DOLLING, Ulf, H. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) PATANE, Michael, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Cole, William Gwyn, et al  European Patent Department, Merck & Co., Inc., Terlings Park, Eastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)