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(11)

EP 1 159 447 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.12.2001 Bulletin 2001/49 (21) Application number: 00912106.2 (22) Date of filing: 01.03.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/48, C12N 9/10 (86) International application number: PCT/US0005/338 (87) International publication number: WO 0052/198 (08.09.2000 Gazette 2000/36)

(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: 05.03.1999 US 122997 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventors: BERGSTROM, James, D. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) RESZKA, Alfred, A. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) RODAN, Gideon, A. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (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)