(19)

(11)

EP 1 024 810 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 98931510.6 (22) Date of filing: 22.06.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/54 (86) International application number: PCT/US9813/038 (87) International publication number: WO 9900/133 (07.01.1999 Gazette 1999/01)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 26.06.1997 US 50835 09.01.1998 GB 9800449 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventor: SUGRUE, Michael, S. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James  European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)