abstract |
Disclosed is the use of a retinal derivative as represented by the general formula (II) in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of an endogenous 11-cis-retinal deficiency in the eye of a human subject; wherein A is CH2OR, CH(OH)OR, CH(ORa)ORb or CH=NOH and each R, Ra, and Rb is an aldehydic group, an alkane group, a carboxylate group, an alcohol group or a carboxylic acid. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition which comprises i) a retinal derivative as defined above; and ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, where the composition is formulated for oral administration or for ophthalmalogical administration. Of particular importance is the use of the retinal derivatives 11-cis-retinyl succinate, 11-cis-retinyl citrate, 11-cis-retinyl ketoglutarate, 11-cis-retinyl fumarate, 11-cis-retinyl malate or 11-cis-retinyl oxaloacetate. |