(19)

(11)

EP 1 017 811 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/28 (21) Application number: 98949466.1 (22) Date of filing: 24.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12N 15/12, C12N 15/63, C12N 15/00, C12P 21/02, C07K 14/47, C07K 16/00, G01N 33/53, C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/US9819/979 (87) International publication number: WO 9915/660 (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 59863 P (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: LIU, Qingyun Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BAILEY, Wendy, J. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MCDONALD, Terrence, P. 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)