(19)

(11)

EP 1 006 945 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/24 (21) Application number: 98933098.0 (22) Date of filing: 01.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61F 2/06 (86) International application number: PCT/US9813/792 (87) International publication number: WO 9901/089 (14.01.1999 Gazette 1999/02)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FR GB LI (30) Priority: 01.07.1997 US 51439 P (71) Applicant: BROWN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION Providence, RI 02912 (US)	(72) Inventor: VALENTINI, Robert, F. Cranston, RI 02905 (US) (74) Representative: Portal, Gérard  Cabinet Beau de Loménie158, rue de l'Université 75340 Paris Cédex 07 75340 Paris Cédex 07 (FR)