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.

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.

"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.

"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."

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