The Joan and Sanford I. Weill Center for Metabolic Health brings together scientists and clinicians across Weill Cornell Medicine and our Tri-I partners to advance the understanding of diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic diseases. Our mission is to drive breakthrough discoveries and develop new therapeutics. Directed by Dr. Laura Alonso, our investigators leverage stem cells, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, proteomics, and nutritional research to uncover the molecular mechanisms of these critical conditions. The Metabolic Phenotyping Center conducts sophisticated metabolic studies in rodent models and delivers the highest-quality assays of blood markers.
Our work is at the forefront of advances in metabolic health, including research on the biology and therapeutic use of GLP-1/GIP agonists to manage diabetes and obesity. We unite faculty across institutions to catalyze transformational team science and collaborative growth, fostering faculty and trainees to address pressing real-world challenges in metabolic health. We are proud to support 47 faculty members (20 PhDs, 18 MDs, and 7 MD-PhDs). Meet our members.
May 12, 2026
While injectable GLP-1s work well for weight loss, keeping the weight off after discontinuing the therapies is challenging. The results of the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial, published May 12 in Nature Medicine led by Metabolic Center member Dr. Louis J. Aronne, showed that switching to the once-daily orforglipron pill may address this need and help maintain the cardiometabolic benefits.
April 30, 2026
Metabolic Center member Dr. Anyanate Gwendolyne Jack has been selected for the newest class of fellows for the Healthcare Leadership Fellows Program. Launched in 2012 at Weill Cornell Medicine and aimed at identifying the institution’s “leaders of tomorrow,” the competitive program provides funds to support leadership training and educational opportunities for fellows. It also provides individual mentoring, small group meetings with nationally known leaders and networking opportunities with current and past fellows.
February 23, 2026
December 29, 2025
November 10, 2025
October 14, 2025
Scientists have discovered a method to induce human endothelial cells from a small biopsy sample to multiply in the laboratory, producing more than enough cells to replace damaged blood vessels or nourish organs for transplantation, according to a preclinical study led by Metabolic Center member Dr. Shahin Rafii. The findings, published Oct. 14 in Nature Cardiovascular Research, may provide a reliable way to generate an enormous number of a patient’s own endothelial cells, enabling vascular grafts for heart disease, diabetes treatments and organ transplants and strategies to target abnormal tumor blood vessels.
October 2, 2025
A new tool greatly improves scientists’ ability to identify and study proteins that regulate gene activity in cells, according to a study reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences led by Metabolic Center Member Dr. Shuibing Chen. The technology should enable and enhance investigations in both fundamental biology and disease research.
