(19)

(11)

EP 0 958 381 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.11.1999 Bulletin 1999/47 (21) Application number: 97952359.0 (22) Date of filing: 11.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C12N 15/ 09( . ) C12Q 1/ 68( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/022655 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/026096 (18.06.1998 Gazette 1998/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE DK FR GB IT LI NL (30) Priority: 12.12.1996 US 19960032555P (71) Applicant: SMITHKLINE BEECHAM CORPORATION Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19103 (US)	(72) Inventors: MOONEY, Jeffrey, L. Limerick, PA 19468 (US) DEBOUCK, Christine, Marie Wayne, PA 19087 (US) (74) Representative: Mallalieu, Catherine Louise, et al  D. Young & Co., 21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)