Peripheral nervous system — Illuminare-1 nerve visualization
Peripheral Nervous System
Clinical Stage Biotechnology

Improved nerve visualization to reduce unintended intraoperative nerve injury

Developing a clinical solution to enhance real-time intraoperative visualization of nerves for surgeons.

Illuminare Biotechnologies is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on intra-operative nerve visualization to reduce the risk of nerve damage. Our proprietary lead candidate, Illuminare-1, is a small molecule with an immediate onset of action and sustained duration of nerve illumination.

Phase 1 — Completed
First-in-human trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — demonstrated safety and initial efficacy.
Published
JAMA Surgery
July 2025
Phase 2
Expected 2026
Broader applications
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About Illuminare-1

Our proprietary lead candidate designed for performance and safety.

The Small Molecule

Proprietary lead candidate, Illuminare-1, is a highly specialized small molecule optimized for surgical environments.

Rapid Onset of Action

Immediate onset of action allows surgeons to proceed without delay, integrating seamlessly into workflow.

Sustained Duration

Sustained duration of nerve illumination ensures visibility throughout critical portions of the procedure.

Phase 1 — Published

Results published in JAMA Surgery — July 2025

The article was accompanied by an invited editorial commentary. The company expects to enter Phase 2 in 2026.

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Live Visualization

Illuminare-1 in the OR

Watch Illuminare-1 selectively fluoresce peripheral nerves within minutes of injection — making nerve identification straightforward in complex surgical fields.

Illuminare-1 fluorescence visualization in the OR

Clinical Progress

Milestones on our path to safer surgery.

Current Status

Phase 1: Completed

Completed a first-in-human trial in radical prostatectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and demonstrated safety and initial efficacy improving visualization of nerves. Results published July 2025 in JAMA Surgery, accompanied by an invited editorial commentary.

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Expected 2026

Phase 2 Initiation

The company expects to enter Phase 2 in 2026 to further validate efficacy across broader surgical applications.