(19)

(11)

EP 1 079 835 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/10 (21) Application number: 99923087.3 (22) Date of filing: 14.05.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/535 (86) International application number: PCT/US9910/730 (87) International publication number: WO 9959/591 (25.11.1999 Gazette 1999/47)

(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: 19.05.1998 US 85980 P 24.06.1998 GB 9813580 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: SANDERSON, Philip, E. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) STANTON, Matthew, G. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) BALANI, Suresh, K. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Horgan, James Michael Frederic  Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)