(19)

(11)

EP 1 239 855 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 06.12.2001 (43) Date of publication: 18.09.2002 Bulletin 2002/38 (21) Application number: 00983963.0 (22) Date of filing: 07.12.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61K 31/21, A61K 31/55, A61K 31/19 (86) International application number: PCT/US0033/098 (87) International publication number: WO 0104/1704 (14.06.2001 Gazette 2001/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 13.12.1999 US 170403 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventors: SPARROW, Carl, P. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) ONDEYKA, John, G. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) SINGH, Sheo, Bux 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)