(19)

(11)

EP 1 042 486 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 11.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/41 (21) Application number: 98962628.8 (22) Date of filing: 23.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12N 15/53, C12N 15/82, C12N 15/52, C12N 9/04, C12Q 1/68, C12Q 1/32, C12P 17/04, A01H 5/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9803/903 (87) International publication number: WO 9933/995 (08.07.1999 Gazette 1999/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE (30) Priority: 23.12.1997 GB 9727255 07.04.1998 GB 9807358 07.04.1998 GB 9807360 (71) Applicants: Ascorbex Limited Exeter,Devon EX4 4QR (GB) Biotechnology South West Limited Exeter,Devon EX4 4QR (GB)	(72) Inventors: SMIRNOFF, Nick ExeterDevon EX4 4QR (GB) WHEELER, Glen ExeterDevon EX4 4QR (GB) (74) Representative: Dean, John Paul et al Withers & Rogers,Goldings House,2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)