The objective project “Enhanced Resolution MRI Ocular Scanner- ERMOS) is to show the feasibility of an innovative low cost, high resolution, dedicated scanner, to be used for ocular MRI, based on a very compact 0.2T permanent magnet, on a specifically designed proprietary electronics and on a high temperature super-conducting (HTS) multi-coil receiver. Specific objectives of Phase 1 were:
1. Obtaining IP protection.
2. Elaborate a business plan for the production and commercialization of the device under different hypothesis.
3. Contact possible partners (subcontractors) for clinical testing of the device.
4. Contact companies that could be involved in the commercialization of ERMOS in different markets.
5. Contact academic partners that, in the form of subcontractors, could contribute to increase the diagnostic value of ERMOS by studying specific sequences.
Two patents have been filed at the Italian Patent Office one related to a MRI system dedicated to ocular MRI and the second to the design and the shimming techniques of a permanent magnet that could be used for the head and for different dedicated applications.
We have elaborated a business plan for the product in two different hypothesis, the first in which ITAsrl starts the commercialization by itself, the second in case of a cooperation with a company active in the ophthalmic market. We have contacted and agreed for cooperation in a phase 2 project of an academic team for sequence development and of a clinical team, which is an excellence centre for ophthalmic care and surgery. We have contacted a small company with a large experience in vacuum and cryogenic application that agreed to cooperate at the end of phase 2 for the production of the cryogenic receiver.
Furthermore we have contacted a large company active in the ophthalmic market which is very interested in the development of ERMOS and that would be the possible partner for the worldwide commercialization of ERMOS.
