(19)

(11)

EP 1 084 236 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/12 (21) Application number: 99927250.3 (22) Date of filing: 04.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12N 15/00, C12N 5/00, A61K 48/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9912/548 (87) International publication number: WO 9964/577 (16.12.1999 Gazette 1999/50)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 09.06.1998 US 88605 P 20.08.1998 US 97258 P (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: MORSY, Manal, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) SANDIG, Volker 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)