(19)

(11)

EP 1 025 269 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/32 (21) Application number: 98943409.7 (22) Date of filing: 27.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C22B 15/00, C22B 19/00, C22B 23/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9817/712 (87) International publication number: WO 9910/546 (04.03.1999 Gazette 1999/09)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE (30) Priority: 28.08.1997 GB 9718123 (71) Applicant: Avecia Inc. Wilmington, DE 19850-5457 (US)	(72) Inventor: Ferguson, Christopher Allen Wilmington, DE 19850-5457 (US) (74) Representative: Revell, Christopher et al Avecia LimitedIntellectual Property Group,PO Box 42,Hexagon House Blackley,Manchester, M9 8ZS Blackley,Manchester, M9 8ZS (GB)