(19)

(11)

EP 1 173 609 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 11.10.2001 (43) Date of publication: 23.01.2002 Bulletin 2002/04 (21) Application number: 00909502.7 (22) Date of filing: 10.03.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0000/916 (87) International publication number: WO 0055/364 (21.09.2000 Gazette 2000/38)

(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: 12.03.1999 EP 99301933 (71) Applicant: Amersham Pharmacia Biotech UK Limited Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire HP7 9NA (GB)	(72) Inventors: REEVE, Michael, Alan Henley-on-Thames,Oxfordshire RG9 1PL (GB) WORKMAN, Nicholas, Ian Aylesbury,Buckinghamshire HP21 7NZ (GB) MARTIN-PARRAS, Luis High Wycombe,Buckinghamshire HP13 7NW (GB) (74) Representative: Rollins, Anthony John et al Group Patents, Amersham International plc, White Lion Road Amersham, Bucks HP7 9LL Amersham, Bucks HP7 9LL (GB)