Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the investigation of amyloid formation. In preferred embodiments, amyloid formation associated with type II diabetes is monitored by fluorescence spectroscopic measurements of the activity of p-cyano-phenylalanine-substituted islet amyloid polypeptide, and derivatives thereof, under an amyloid-forming condition. In some embodiments, the amyloid-forming condition is associated with a diseased, or putatively diseased, cell or tissue. In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of evaluating the severity of the amyloid-forming condition, and changes therein induced by agents that inhibit, or potentially inhibit, amyloid formation.