(19)

(11)

EP 1 069 822 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.01.2001 Bulletin 2001/04 (21) Application number: 99917384.2 (22) Date of filing: 09.04.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A01N 1/02, C12P 19/34, C12M 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9907/816 (87) International publication number: WO 9952/356 (21.10.1999 Gazette 1999/42)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 09.04.1998 US 58619 (71) Applicant: Charlotte-Mecklenberg Hospital Authority Charlotte NC 28232 (US)	(72) Inventors: HALBERSTADT, Craig, R. Cornelius, NC 28031 (US) HOLDER, Walter, D., Jr. Charlotte, NC 28226 (US) (74) Representative: Cornish, Kristina Victoria Joy et al Kilburn & Strode,20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PJ London WC1R 4PJ (GB)