(19)

(11)

EP 1 290 230 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 23.05.2002 (43) Date of publication: 12.03.2003 Bulletin 2003/11 (21) Application number: 01939609.2 (22) Date of filing: 29.05.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/70, G01N 33/53, A61B 5/055, C07K 16/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US0117/302 (87) International publication number: WO 0109/3804 (13.12.2001 Gazette 2001/50)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR (30) Priority: 02.06.2000 US 209089 P (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway,New Jersey 07065-0907 (US)	(72) Inventors: CONLEY, Anthony, J. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) MCKENNA, Philip, M. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) PRZYSIECKI, Craig, T. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) KELLER, Paul, M. Rahway, NJ 07065-0907 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James  European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)