(19)

(11)

EP 1 017 852 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/28 (21) Application number: 98947647.8 (22) Date of filing: 05.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9802/958 (87) International publication number: WO 9918/236 (15.04.1999 Gazette 1999/15)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 03.10.1997 GB 9720992 (71) Applicants: The Victoria University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL (GB) Christie Hospital NHS Trust Manchester M20 4BX (GB)	(72) Inventors: HAMPSON, Ian Noel Sale,Cheshire M33 4GA (GB) HAMPSON, Lynne Sale,Cheshire M33 4GA (GB) (74) Representative: Atkinson, Peter Birch et al MARKS & CLERK,Sussex House,83-85 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3LG Manchester M2 3LG (GB)