The project aims to advance the development of BL-760, a near-infrared contrast agent designed for clear intraoperative identification of bile ducts. This novel dye addresses the significant medical issue of bile duct injury during hepatobiliary surgeries (e.g., cholecystectomy, hepatectomy), impacting over 1 million patients annually. The project plans to produce BL-760 with high quality standards (GMP) and to conduct rigorous safety tests in a controlled lab environment (GLP), at the allow for Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies to test the dye in humans. The project outcome will improve patient outcomes and set a new standard of care in the field of hepatobiliary surgery.