(19)

(11)

EP 1 012 155 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/26 (21) Application number: 98923517.1 (22) Date of filing: 19.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C07H 17/00, C12P 21/06, C12N 1/20, C12N 15/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9810/215 (87) International publication number: WO 9852/958 (26.11.1998 Gazette 1998/47)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 20.05.1997 US 47179 P 08.08.1997 GB 9716886 09.12.1997 US 69141 P (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: LIU, Qingyun Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) CHEN, Fang Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr. et al Merck & Co., Inc.European Patent DepartmentTerlings ParkEastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)