(19)

(11)

EP 0 946 163 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 06.10.1999 Bulletin 1999/40 (21) Application number: 97953050.0 (22) Date of filing: 09.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61P 29/ 00( . ) C07C 231/ 24( . ) A61K 31/ 167( . ) C07C 233/ 25( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/021638 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/027931 (02.07.1998 Gazette 1998/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 20.12.1996 US 19960771176 (71) Applicant: McNEIL-PPC, INC. Skillman, NJ 08558-9418 (US)	(72) Inventors: OHANNESIAN, Lena, A. Blue Bell, PA 19422 (US) NADIG, David Lansdale, PA 19446 (US) HIGGINS, John, D., III West Chester, PA 19380 (US) REY, Max CH-8304 Wallisellen (CH) (74) Representative: Mercer, Christopher Paul  Carpmaels & Ransford 43, Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)