(19)

(11)

EP 0 969 852 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/02 (21) Application number: 97946442.7 (22) Date of filing: 30.10.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 38/00, A61K 31/55, A61K 31/495, A61K 31/44, A61K 31/47, A61K 31/445 (86) International application number: PCT/US9719/880 (87) International publication number: WO 9818/481 (07.05.1998 Gazette 1998/18)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 31.10.1996 US 29233 P 30.05.1997 GB 9711042 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: SMITH, Roy, G. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) CASCIERI, Margaret, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MACINTYRE, Euan Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MACNEIL, Douglas, J. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MENKE, John, G. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Horgan, James Michael Frederic et al Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)