JHU, DuPont agreement sets stage for 2016 Ebola suit production

The Johns Hopkins University and DuPont have signed license and collaboration agreements allowing DuPont to commercialize the CBID/Jpiego-designed healthcare worker protection suit. The suit — a result of a 2014 US Aid Grand Challenge — was designed to increase the protection and comfort of healthcare workers battling Ebola and other deadly infectious diseases.

DuPont is a global leader in personal protective apparel. They will expedite wide market access for the garment and make it available in the marketplace during the first half of 2016.

The prototype garment was developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (CBID), with input from global health partner, Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins affiliate. Incorporating some elements from the Johns Hopkins prototype, the garment design from DuPont will feature a rear zipper and a “cocoon-style” removal, or doffing, process that requires far fewer steps to reduce risk. The DuPont garment may include an integrated hood with a large clear visor.

The collaboration with DuPont, a global leader in personal protective apparel, will expedite wide market access for the garment. For more than 40 years, the company has been providing such apparel to help protect the safety of industrial and healthcare workers. Under the agreements, Johns Hopkins will assist DuPont in evaluating prototype garments produced by DuPont and will aid in the preparation of information for users. DuPont will be responsible for all aspects of commercialization. Further terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Learn more about this agreement on The Hub.