(19)

(11)

EP 0 977 567 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/06 (21) Application number: 97943428.9 (22) Date of filing: 09.09.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/425, C07D 519/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9716/786 (87) International publication number: WO 9810/761 (19.03.1998 Gazette 1998/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 13.09.1996 US 26182 P 27.01.1997 GB 9701605 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: CAMA, Lovji, D. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) WILKENING, Robert, R. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) RATCLIFFE, Ronald, W. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BLIZZARD, Timothy, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James  European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB) (56) References cited: :