Trace Biosciences is focused on eliminating surgical nerve damage using nerve targeted fluorescence imaging agents. Nerve injury is a feared surgical complication affecting 50 million patients annually and incurring undue pain, loss of function, and high cost for follow on treatment and pain management. Currently, surgeons are entirely unassisted in nerve identification and preservation, relying solely on naked eye visualization or anatomical knowledge. Our technology provides direct highlighting of nerves during surgery in real time and is currently under clinical translation. Since our recent spinout we have completed lead optimization and preclinical development of bright, water-soluble, and safe compounds compatible with clinical imaging systems for planned first in human clinical trials in mid-2023.