(19)

(11)

EP 0 973 737 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/04 (21) Application number: 98903459.0 (22) Date of filing: 06.01.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C07D 205/04, C07D 209/44, C07D 211/14, C07D 221/04, C07D 295/088, C07D 295/092, C07D 295/096 (86) International application number: PCT/US9800/578 (87) International publication number: WO 9830/540 (16.07.1998 Gazette 1998/28)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 10.01.1997 US 34926 P 28.02.1997 GB 9704194 17.04.1997 US 42021 P 30.04.1997 US 45167 P 20.05.1997 GB 9710393 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: CHEN, Cheng, Yi Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) XU, Feng Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) TILLYER, Richard, D. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) ZHAO, Dalian Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr.  Merck & Co., Inc.European Patent DepartmentTerlings ParkEastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)