(19)

(11)

EP 1 038 037 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/39 (21) Application number: 98964080.0 (22) Date of filing: 18.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/70, G01N 33/53 (86) International application number: PCT/US9826/945 (87) International publication number: WO 9931/280 (24.06.1999 Gazette 1999/25)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 18.12.1997 US 68035 P (71) Applicant: SEPRACOR, INC. Marlborough, MA 01752 (US)	(72) Inventors: HEEFNER, Donald, L. Hudson, MA 01749 (US) ZEPP, Charles, M. Hardwick, MA 01037 (US) RUBIN, Paul, D. Sudbury, MA 01776 (US) (74) Representative: Killin, Stephen James et al Venner, Shipley & Co.,20 Little Britain London EC1A 7DH London EC1A 7DH (GB)