# Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Phantoms

> **NIH NIH R44** · CALIMETRIX, LLC · 2020 · $745,064

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 The overall goal of this SBIR Phase II proposal is to refine and evaluate advanced quantitative magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) phantoms that mimic the simultaneous presence of fat, iron and fibrosis. Fat, iron
and fibrosis are three principal histological coexisting features of many important disease states. Phantoms are
highly controlled test objects that accurately reflect tissue characteristics in both normal and pathological
tissues. Emerging quantitative MRI methods introduced in the past ~5 years are increasingly used for non-
invasive diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring in both clinical care and clinical trials. However, the lack
of viable MRI phantoms that mimic the combination of fat, iron and fibrosis experienced in disease states is a
major barrier to the development of new quantitative MRI biomarkers, as well as effective quality assurance in
clinical environments. Such phantoms are also needed for quality assurance and qualification of MRI scanners
for use in multicenter drug development trials.
 This collaborative Phase II proposal between Calimetrix, LLC, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will
build upon the successful proof-of-concept prototype developed in an STTR Phase I project. Specifically, this
proposal will refine and evaluate novel quantitative MRI phantoms for the validation and quality assurance of
MRI techniques to assess fat, iron and fibrosis in tissue. The investigative team will optimize and determine the
manufacturing accuracy of the phantom (Aim 1), as well as its manufacturing precision (Aim 2), will conduct
accelerated shelf-life testing (Aim 3), and will evaluate the phantom in a multi-center study across various sites,
MRI vendors, and two field strengths (Aim 4). Successful design, development and validation of advanced
phantoms that accurately reflect tissue characteristics are a critical step in the development and dissemination
of quantitative imaging biomarkers, which will have major impact by reducing cost, improving safety, and
improving early diagnosis and treatment of disease, affecting the health of millions of Americans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9980388
- **Project number:** 5R44EB025729-03
- **Recipient organization:** CALIMETRIX, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Jean H. Brittain
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $745,064
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9980388

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9980388, Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Phantoms (5R44EB025729-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9980388. Licensed CC0.

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