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EP 0 998 282 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 10.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/19 (21) Application number: 98924989.1 (22) Date of filing: 29.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/42, A61K 31/415, A61K 31/425, A61K 31/505, C07C 255/03, C07D 207/08, C07D 217/18, C07D 231/04, C07D 263/04, C07D 277/04, C07D 285/12, C07D 295/023, C07D 413/10, C07D 417/10 (86) International application number: PCT/US9810/952 (87) International publication number: WO 9853/818 (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: 29.05.1997 US 47954 P 07.07.1997 GB 9714335 25.11.1997 US 66787 P 14.01.1998 GB 9800684 (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. (a New Jersey corp.) Rahway, N.J. 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: DURETTE, Philippe, L. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) HAGMANN, William, K. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MacCOSS, Malcolm Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MILLS, Sander, G. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MUMFORD, Richard, 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)