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(11)

EP 0 998 277 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 10.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/19 (21) Application number: 98924874.5 (22) Date of filing: 26.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/215, A61K 31/38 (86) International application number: PCT/US9810/606 (87) International publication number: WO 9853/809 (03.12.1998 Gazette 1998/48)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 30.05.1997 US 48140 P 18.09.1997 GB 9719842 (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. (a New Jersey corp.) Rahway, N.J. 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: PONTICELLO, Gerald, S. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) SUGRUE, Michael, F. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James et al European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)