(19)

(11)

EP 0 946 193 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 06.10.1999 Bulletin 1999/40 (21) Application number: 97954795.0 (22) Date of filing: 18.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C12N 7/ 04( . ) A61K 9/ 08( . ) A61K 39/ 13( . ) A61K 39/ 20( . ) A61K 39/ 25( . ) A61P 31/ 12( . ) A61K 47/ 26( . ) A61K 9/ 00( . ) A61K 39/ 00( . ) A61K 39/ 165( . ) A61K 39/ 245( . ) A61K 39/ 29( . ) A61K 9/ 19( . ) A61K 47/ 42( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/023668 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/028000 (02.07.1998 Gazette 1998/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 20.12.1996 US 19960033565P 12.02.1997 GB 19970002820 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: VOLKIN, David, B. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BURKE, Carl, J. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) SHEU, Su-Pi Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr., et al  Merck & Co., Inc. European Patent Department Terlings Park Eastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)