Illuminare Biotechnologies reported first‑in‑human Phase 1 data for Illuminare‑1, a fluorescent imaging agent that binds myelin and enables surgeons to visualize nerves under blue light. Investigators observed rapid onset and sustained nerve contrast during the trial, potentially reducing iatrogenic nerve injury in multiple surgical procedures. Chief medical officer Stewart McCallum discussed the unmet need—nerve injury rates ranging from ~1.5–15% across surgeries—and the agent’s potential to improve intraoperative decision making. The Phase 1 results focused on safety and visualization metrics; further studies are planned to test clinical outcomes like reduced nerve transection rates. If larger trials confirm outcome benefits, the agent could become a surgical adjunct across urology, head and neck, and reconstructive procedures where nerve preservation is critical.