(19)

(11)

EP 1 019 530 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/29 (21) Application number: 98944538.2 (22) Date of filing: 26.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/48, C12N 9/10, A01N 43/00, A01N 43/40, A01N 43/50, A61K 31/55, A61K 31/415, A61K 31/445 (86) International application number: PCT/US9817/698 (87) International publication number: WO 9910/524 (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 57228 P 06.04.1998 GB 9807361 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)

(72) Inventors: BURKHARDT, Anne, L. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) HUANG, Pearl, S. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) KOBLAN, Kenneth, S. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) KOHL, Nancy, E. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) LOBELL, Robert, B. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BUSER-DOEPNER, Carolyn, A. 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)