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(11)

EP 1 009 854 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/25 (21) Application number: 98944537.4 (22) Date of filing: 26.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/48, C12N 9/10, A01N 43/40, A01N 43/50, A01N 43/62, A61K 31/55, A61K 31/415, A61K 31/445 (86) International application number: PCT/US9817/697 (87) International publication number: WO 9910/523 (04.03.1999 Gazette 1999/09)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 27.08.1997 US 57340 P 18.11.1997 GB 9724331 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: BARNETT, Stanley, F. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) HEIMBROOK, David, C. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) HUBER, Hans, E. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) PATRICK, Denis, R. 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)