Collaborations

GE Technology Development (GE) scientists discovered and optimized the fluorescent nerve-labeling compound that forms the foundation of Illuminare-1 — with foundational preclinical work carried out in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Following this joint early-stage development, Illuminare licensed GE3126 from GE, establishing the core intellectual property behind Illuminare's entire product platform. This tri-party collaboration between GE, MSK, and Illuminare enabled a mature, well-characterized compound to move efficiently from the laboratory into a full clinical development pathway.

• GE scientists discover and optimize the nerve-labeling compound GE3126, in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
• Illuminare licenses GE3126 from GE, establishing the foundational IP for Illuminare-1 and formalizing the three-way partnership with GE and MSK.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been Illuminare's primary clinical and research partner since the earliest stages of development. MSK scientists and surgeons led the preclinical program — including pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics studies — and guided the compound through formulation optimization. The Illuminare-1 clinical protocol subsequently passed review at over a dozen MSK review boards, and the MSK IRB granted Phase 1 approval. Following FDA IND approval and Fast Track Designation, MSK completed the Phase 1 first-in-human trial of Illuminare-1 in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in 2025 conducted with the Intuitive Surgical Da Vinci™ robotic platform and the Karl Storz D-Light PDD System. The results of this landmark trial were published in JAMA Surgery.

• Strong collaboration established between Illuminare, MSK and GE to bring Illuminare-1 through clinical development. FDA Pre-IND meeting held.
• Preclinical studies — including pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics — initiated at MSK. Formulation optimized.
• Pig and dog studies of Illuminare-1 completed with the Karl Storz D-Light C PDD System and the Intuitive Da Vinci robot. Preclinical safety and efficacy studies finalized. Phase I protocol developed.
• Illuminare-1 clinical protocol passes review at over a dozen MSK review boards. MSK IRB approves Phase 1 protocol.
• Illuminare-1 IND approved and awarded Fast Track Designation by FDA. Phase I first-in-human trial in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy completed at MSK in 2025.