(19)

(11)

EP 1 017 709 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/28 (21) Application number: 98951942.6 (22) Date of filing: 24.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C07H 21/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US9820/101 (87) International publication number: WO 9915/545 (01.04.1999 Gazette 1999/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 24.09.1997 US 59868 P (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: LIU, Qingyun Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) ABRAMOVITZ, Mark Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MCDONALD, Terrence, P. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) O'NEILL, Gary, P. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) WANG, Ruiping 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)