(19)

(11)

EP 0 896 628 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.02.1999 Bulletin 1999/07 (21) Application number: 97920222.0 (22) Date of filing: 07.04.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C12N 1/ 16( . ) C12N 1/ 32( . ) C12N 1/ 18( . ) C12N 15/ 81( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/005799 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/038122 (16.10.1997 Gazette 1997/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 10.04.1996 US 19960015250P 03.05.1996 GB 19960009275 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: ZHANG, Jinyou Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) GREASHAM, Randolph, L. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James, et al  European Patent Department, Merck & Co., Inc., Terlings Park, Eastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)