(19)

(11)

EP 1 222 308 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.07.2002 Bulletin 2002/29 (21) Application number: 00970565.8 (22) Date of filing: 04.10.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/34, C12N 9/14, C12N 15/09, A01N 43/02 (86) International application number: PCT/US0027/337 (87) International publication number: WO 0127/314 (19.04.2001 Gazette 2001/16)

(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: 08.10.1999 US 158708 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventors: SCHMATZ, Dennis, M. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) GURNETT, Anne, M. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) SAMARAS, Samantha, D. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr.  Merck & Co., Inc.European Patent DepartmentTerlings ParkEastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)