RSDecon to Demonstrate Products Line as Part of Open House at The Accelerator

Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL®), a breakthrough in medical technology that is already benefitting U.S. military personnel, will be on display during an open house for the RSDecon division of Bracco Diagnostics Inc., on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at The University of Southern Mississippi's business/science incubator known as The Accelerator.

Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., RSDecon (http://www.rsdecon.com) became an Accelerator tenant in the fall of 2010 and began production shortly thereafter of its patented lotion that neutralizes chemical warfare agents. A soldier using the lotion will realize significantly reduced effects after exposure to chemical warfare.

Those who attend the open house (set for 1:30-3:30 p.m.) will have an opportunity to tour RSDecon's robotic production line and catch a first-hand glimpse of how cutting-edge technology is being developed in the heart of South Mississippi.

“RSDecon, a global leader in medical countermeasures for skin decontamination, had opportunities to expand their business and develop their technology elsewhere,” said Accelerator Executive Director Sunny Webb. “Their decision to partner with The University of Southern Mississippi is a clear indicator that we are competitive at a global business level. The relationship with RSDecon is a perfect example of how The Accelerator is designed to work as a launching point for creating innovative technologies and new jobs.”

RSDecon is developing and manufacturing its products in Hattiesburg as part of its Healthcare Protective Products Division (HPPD). Initially, 10 people were hired to operate the new facility and Webb noted that discussions are ongoing between HPPD and Southern Miss to develop additional products, which could lead to more employment opportunities.

State and local dignitaries are expected to attend the open house, along with Southern Miss administrators and HPPD representatives. Tim Henry, vice-president and general manager of BDI's HPPD, said the open house provides an opportunity to highlight the company's success as an Accelerator tenant.

“We look forward to celebrating the cooperation between the U.S. Government, the State of Mississippi and The University of Southern Mississippi that allowed the Healthcare Protective Products Division of BDI to create a U.S. manufacturing base for our potentially life-saving medical devices,” said Henry. “The recently hired and future employees at the HPPD facility within the Hattiesburg Accelerator can be proud that these medical devices are already on their way to the U.S. Department of Defense and first responders to help make the battlefield and homeland a little safer.”

The Accelerator, which opened in March 2011, is the university's newest initiative to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The $30 million facility offers more than 60,000 square feet of world-class resources and equipment to support early-stage science companies.