(19)

(11)

EP 1 240 311 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.09.2002 Bulletin 2002/38 (21) Application number: 00983952.3 (22) Date of filing: 07.12.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12N 9/00, C12N 9/10, C12N 1/20, C12N 15/00, C07H 21/02, C07H 21/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US0033/065 (87) International publication number: WO 0104/2434 (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: 09.12.1999 US 169970 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventors: LIU, Xiaomei Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) BAI, Chang Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) METZKER, Michael, L. 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)