Agilent Collaborates with University Researchers Investigating Risk Factors for Eczema
January 16 2020 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is collaborating with
researchers at two UK universities who are looking into the risk
factors for atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), a
chronic skin condition that affects one in five children and one in
12 adults.
The aim of the collaboration is to help the medical community
diagnose the condition early and to administer the best possible
treatment.
To that end, UK researchers at the University of Sheffield and
the University of Manchester are conducting a study to follow a
group of 175 babies during their first year of life to see how skin
matures, and identify which babies are most at risk of developing
eczema.
Underpinning the study is the researcher’s use of Agilent’s
specialized Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
technology. Agilent has developed a prototype sampling approach
that enables researchers to work non-invasively, and with speed and
accuracy. This technology, built around Agilent’s 4300 Handheld
FTIR, is already being used in studies for direct skin
measurements, where it provides higher-quality data more reliably
when compared to prior methods. Agilent is currently considering
making the new sampling device available so that others working in
skin research can take advantage of its unique capabilities.
The early identification of high-risk babies creates an
opportunity to prevent eczema developing—and could also potentially
be used to prevent the development of other inflammatory skin
disorders.
“A growing body of evidence suggests a critical role for the
skin barrier in the development and course of atopic eczema. A
greater understanding of skin barrier optimization from birth,
promises to identify susceptible individuals early on, and enable
novel therapeutic options to improve standards of neonatal skin
care and prevent clinical eczema development,” said Simon G. Danby,
the lead researcher of the Skin Testing for Atopic eczema Risk
(STAR) study and research fellow in the Sheffield Dermatology
Research group at the University of Sheffield.
Dr. Alison Cooke, co-investigator from the University of
Manchester adds, “Apart from the importance of early identification
of high risk babies, the STAR study also provides a comprehensive
dataset of skin care practices from birth which will inform
consistency in clinical practice for newborn skin care.”
“This study represents a perfect example of the combination of a
pioneering medical research approach, collaboration, and
application of cutting-edge technology to overcome barriers to
research,” said Phil Binns, Agilent Vice President, and General
Manager of the company’s Spectroscopy division. “In a world led by
technology, there is no better time for collaborations between
Agilent and academic researchers to help realize the potential of a
clinical research idea and move fields of research forward.”
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life
sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. Now in its 20th
year as an independent company delivering insight and innovation
toward improving the quality of life, Agilent instruments,
software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers
to customers' most challenging questions. The company generated
revenue of $5.16 billion in fiscal 2019 and employs 16,300 people
worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at
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Victoria Wadsworth-Hansen T: +45 8830 5223
victoria.wadsworth-hansen@agilent.com
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