Calimetrix aims to develop a commercial prototype of a quantitative computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) FAT phantom necessary for quality assurance and harmonization of CT and…

Award Details: Calimetrix LLC received a $399,998 Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, supports the development of a commercial-grade quantitative computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fat phantom for quality assurance and harmonization of imaging metrics.

Products and Services: Under this Phase II project, Calimetrix will develop and deliver the following key products and services: (1) tissue-mimicking gels that replicate the CT and MRI properties of fat-infiltrated skeletal muscle, building upon liver-mimicking gels developed in Phase I; (2) a modularized phantom housing design enabling end-users to exchange tissue-mimicking components; and (3) comprehensive shelf-life evaluation of the phantom. These deliverables are intended to establish a new commercial subscription model for the CT/MRI fat phantom, enabling opportunistic screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and myosteatosis in millions of Americans undergoing routine clinical CT imaging. Calimetrix will leverage consulting services from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to support development activities. The intended beneficiaries include academic imaging communities, clinical CT and MRI providers, contract research organizations, and industrial researchers.

Activities

Calimetrix plans to perform the following activities during its phase II project:1) develop gels that mimic the CT and MRI properties of FAT-infiltrated skeletal muscle, augmenting the liver-mimicking gels that were developed during phase i.2) modularize the phantom housing design to enable exchange of the tissue mimicking components by the end user.3) evaluate the phantom shelf-life.

Expected outcomes

The goals and objectives of this phase II project will enable an entirely new commercial subscription model and if they are successful, will significantly expand the commercial potential of the CT/MRI FAT phantom for both QA and for opportunistic screening for masld and myosteatosis.

Intended beneficiaries

Academic imaging community, clinical CT and MRI markets, contract research organizations, and industrial researchers.

Subrecipient activities

The award recipient intends to fund consulting services from staff at the university of wisconsin-madison.