(19)

(11)

EP 0 931 141 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.07.1999 Bulletin 1999/30 (21) Application number: 97944395.0 (22) Date of filing: 23.09.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 33/ 50( . ) C12N 9/ 50( . ) G01N 33/ 15( . ) C12N 9/ 48( . ) C12Q 1/ 37( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/017029 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/013482 (02.04.1998 Gazette 1998/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 27.09.1996 US 19960027274P 12.12.1996 GB 19960025802 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: SARDANA, Vinod, V. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BLUE, Jeffrey, T. 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)