About the Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research

Who We Are

The Los Angeles Institute for Metabolic Research is a physician-led clinical research center located in Downtown Los Angeles on the campus of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center. We work with people living with metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and metabolic liver disease (often called “fatty liver disease”), connecting them with FDA-regulated, medically supervised clinical trials. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles County by providing access to clinical trials close to home. 

What We Do

We conduct clinical trials for people living with metabolic diseases and work to make participation as simple and clear as possible. Trials are offered at no cost to participants, include compensation for time, and are carried out with medical oversight from licensed physicians and trained research staff. We explain the process clearly and handle all scheduling and study visits during the trial. 

What Is a Clinical Trial? 

A clinical trial is a research study that helps show how a treatment works, including its safety and effectiveness. Trials are an important part of the process for bringing new treatments to people and for learning more about treatments already in use. Each trial follows a pre-approved study plan and set of rules, is reviewed by an independent ethics board, and must meet federal research standards. Before joining, people receive clear information about what the trial involves, such as the number of visits, how long the trial lasts, and the treatment being studied. There is no cost to participate, and trials include compensation for their time. Joining a trial is always a choice, and it may offer a way to contribute to future treatments for people living with similar conditions. 

Types Of Conditions We Study? 

We conduct clinical trials that evaluate treatments for people living with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic liver disease (often called “fatty liver disease”). We also conduct trials for health conditions that are commonly linked with these diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, and sleep apnea. These conditions are increasing in prevalence and affect many individuals and families across Los Angeles County. Our goal is to study potential therapies that may improve care for people living with these closely connected conditions. 

“By taking part in a clinical trial, people with common metabolic conditions may gain access to new treatment options and help develop future therapies to better manage and potentially prevent these conditions in Los Angeles and beyond.”

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Leadership

  • Juan Pablo Frías, MD

    FOUNDER

    Juan Pablo Frías, M.D., is an internationally recognized endocrinologist and clinical researcher with over 30 years of experience advancing therapies for diabetes, weight management, and metabolic liver disease. Read More…

  • Emmett Marsh

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Eleanor Parks

    SENIOR STUDY COORDINATOR

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Jane Doe

    SENIOR STUDY COORDINATOR

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

We are fortunate to be located on the campus of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

The hospital has served the community for more than 135 years and is known for its commitment to compassion, access, and meeting the needs of diverse populations. Its long history and community-focused mission make this an ideal setting for welcoming people from across Los Angeles. 

Want to learn if a clinical trial may be right for you?

To schedule a free health screening and learn if a trial may be right for you, please call (213) 373-8380 or click the button below.

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