A NEW CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER IN THE HEART OF LOS ANGELES
The Loker Medical Arts Pavilion on the California Hospital Campus, Downtown Los Angeles
1513 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90015
OUR MISSION
WE ARE DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES, OBESITY, METABOLIC LIVER DISEASE, AND RELATED CONDITIONS THROUGH INNOVATIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Juan Pablo Frías, MD, is an internationally recognized endocrinologist and clinical researcher with over 30 years of experience advancing therapies for diabetes, weight management, and metabolic liver disease. He serves as Medical Director and Principal Investigator of Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
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Dr. Frías earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and completed fellowship training in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of California, San Diego. He has held academic appointments at UC San Diego and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, combining a distinguished academic career with leadership roles in industry and clinical research.
He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, including landmark papers in The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. His work has helped shape the development of many of today’s most important metabolic therapies, from GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide to next-generation treatments for metabolic liver disease.
At Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research, Dr. Frías leads with a vision to advance cutting-edge research, deliver compassionate patient care, and help shape the future of metabolic medicine.
ABOUT
THE INSTITUTE
We are here to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes, obesity, metabolic liver disease, and related conditions through high-quality, community-connected clinical research that advances safe and effective therapies.
We conduct Phase 1b through Phase 4 outpatient clinical studies investigating medications and medical devices for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic liver disease.
VIDEO TOUR
Construction has completed and our doors are open. Our first clinical studies started in January 2026, and we’re excited to be serving the Los Angeles community.
ADVANCING HEALTH THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH
FEATURED UPDATES
Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research — a state-of-the-art clinical research center dedicated to diabetes, weight management, metabolic liver disease, and related conditions — in downtown Los Angeles on the campus of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center.
AUTUMN 2025
Community outreach and preparation for Institute's launch
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DECEMBER 2025
Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research opened its doors
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JANUARY 2026
First clinical study evaluating individuals with overweight and obesity began enrollment
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FEBRUARY & MARCH 2026
First clinical studies evaluating metabolic liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes began enrollment
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SPRING 2026
Multiple additional clinical studies in metabolic diseases opening for enrollment
STAY CONNECTED
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