(19)

(11)

EP 1 230 029 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/33 (21) Application number: 00948877.6 (22) Date of filing: 20.07.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01L 3/02, G01N 1/10 (86) International application number: PCT/US0019/968 (87) International publication number: WO 0107/161 (01.02.2001 Gazette 2001/05)

(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: 23.07.1999 US 145292 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventor: GARYANTES, Tina, K. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) (74) Representative: Thompson, John Dr. et al Merck & Co., Inc.European Patent DepartmentTerlings ParkEastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)