(19)

(11)

EP 1 058 581 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.12.2000 Bulletin 2000/50 (21) Application number: 99908596.2 (22) Date of filing: 01.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01L 3/00, G01N 31/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9904/454 (87) International publication number: WO 9944/742 (10.09.1999 Gazette 1999/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 03.03.1998 US 76581 P 24.06.1998 GB 9813578 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventor: FEIGLIN, Marc 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)