Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the detection of transthyretin (TTR), retinol binding protein (RBP) and retinol complex formation. The methods and compositions described herein also provide for the screening of modulators of retinol-RBP-TTR complex formation. Furthermore, the methods and compositions provide for therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of age-related macular degeneration and/or dystrophies.

Abstract: Described herein are combination methods, compositions and therapies for treating ophthalmic conditions or diseases arising from, associated with or leading to the overproduction of waste products in the visual cycle. Agents included within these combinations are 13-cis-retinyl derivatives; other agents included within these combinations are selected from vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, inducers of nitric oxide production, anti-inflammatory agents, and negatively-charged phospholipids. Such combination methods may be used as single or multiple administration therapies, or in combination with other agents or therapies.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the detection of transthyretin (TTR), retinol binding protein (RBP) and retinol complex formation. The methods and compositions described herein also provide for the screening of modulators of retinol-RBP-TTR complex formation. Furthermore, the methods and compositions provide for therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of age-related macular degeneration and/or dystrophies.

Abstract: Compounds that reduce serum retinol, serum RBP, and/or serum retinol-RBP levels may be used to treat ophthalmic conditions associated with the overproduction of waste products that accumulate during the course of the visual cycle. We describe methods and compositions using such compounds and their derivatives to treat, for example, the macular degenerations and dystrophies or to alleviate symptoms associated with such ophthalmic conditions. Such compounds and their derivatives may be used as single agent therapy or in combination with other agents or therapies.

Abstract: Compounds that cause reversible night blindness may be used to treat ophthalmic conditions associated with the overproduction of waste products that accumulate during the course of the visual cycle. We describe methods and compositions using such compounds and their derivatives to treat, for example, the macular degenerations and dystrophies or to alleviate symptoms associated with such ophthalmic conditions. Such compounds and their derivatives may be used as single agent therapy or in combination with other agents or therapies.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for treating certain retinol-related diseases and conditions by modulation of transthyretin (TTR) and retinol binding protein (RBP) availability in the subject. For example, the methods and compositions provide for therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of age-related macular degeneration and/or dystrophies, metabolic disorders, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, hyperostosis, and protein misfolding and aggregation diseases. The compositions disclosed may be used as single agent therapy or in combination with other agents or therapies. In addition, described herein are methods and assays for selecting appropriate agents that can modulate the TTR and RBP availability in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detecting fluorescent molecules that are relevant to the health of the eye and related tissues. The presence of such molecules in the eye and related tissues can be used to diagnose whether the patient has certain diseases, including the macular degenerations and macular dystrophies. The amount of such molecules in the eye and related tissues can be used to determine the extent and stage of these diseases, to monitor the progress of these diseases, to design treatment strategies, to monitor the effectiveness of such treatments and to develop new therapies.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the detection of transthyretin (TTR), retinol binding protein (RBP) and retinol complex formation. The methods and compositions described herein also provide for the screening of modulators of retinol-RBP-TTR complex formation. Furthermore, the methods and compositions provide for therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of age-related macular degeneration and/or dystrophies.