(19)

(11)

EP 1 255 988 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.11.2002 Bulletin 2002/46 (21) Application number: 00982140.6 (22) Date of filing: 14.11.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 31/00, G01N 27/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0031/515 (87) International publication number: WO 0103/6961 (25.05.2001 Gazette 2001/21)

(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: 15.11.1999 US 165437 P (71) Applicant: Cyrano Sciences Inc. Pasadena, CA 91107 (US)	(72) Inventors: SUNSHINE, Steven, A. Pasadena, CA 91106 (US) HERMANN, Bruce Winston-Salem, NC 27104 (US) MUNOZ, Beth, C. Pasadena, CA 91102 (US) (74) Representative: Manitz, Finsterwald & Partner GbR  Martin-Greif-Strasse 1 80336 München 80336 München (DE)