(19)

(11)

EP 1 034 256 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/37 (21) Application number: 98953452.4 (22) Date of filing: 13.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12N 5/12, C07K 16/00, G01N 33/53 (86) International application number: PCT/US9821/596 (87) International publication number: WO 9919/463 (22.04.1999 Gazette 1999/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 14.10.1997 US 61839 P 20.03.1998 GB 9806037 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: BEDNAR, Bohumil Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BOLLAG, Daniel, M. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) GOULD, Robert, J. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Horgan, James Michael Frederic et al Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)