(19)

(11)

EP 1 121 113 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 08.08.2001 Bulletin 2001/32 (21) Application number: 99954865.4 (22) Date of filing: 12.10.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/19, A61K 31/66, A61K 31/35 (86) International application number: PCT/US9923/755 (87) International publication number: WO 0021/523 (20.04.2000 Gazette 2000/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 15.10.1998 US 104338 P 09.11.1998 GB 9824574 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: HARADA, Shun-Ichi Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) MACHWATE, Mohamed Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) RODAN, Gideon, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) RODAN, Sevgi, B. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James  European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)