Scientific Advisory Board
Guiding Innovation Through Science and Excellence
Professor Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Chief, Diabetes Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Deputy Director, Texas Diabetes Institute.
Dr. DeFronzo, a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Medical School, completed his medical training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, followed by fellowships at the NIH, University of Pennsylvania, and Baltimore City Hospitals. A world-renowned clinician-scientist, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the pathogenesis and treatment of type 2 diabetes and elucidating the role of insulin resistance in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.
Through pioneering use of the euglycemic insulin clamp technique, he defined the biochemical and molecular basis of insulin resistance, reshaping modern understanding and therapy of diabetes. With over 900 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. DeFronzo is among the most cited authorities in endocrinology and metabolism.
His numerous honors include the Banting Award (ADA), Claude Bernard Award (EASD), Prince Mahidol Award, Hamm International Prize, and the Distinction in Endocrinology Award. As a mentor and visionary researcher, Dr. DeFronzo continues to influence global diabetes care through scientific innovation, clinical excellence, and a lifelong commitment to advancing metabolic health.
Professor David A. Horne, Ph.D.
Pioneer in Translational Oncology & Drug Discovery
Vice Provost and Deputy Director, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope.
A medicinal chemist with three decades of experience, Dr. Horne spearheaded the development of AOH1996, a groundbreaking PCNA inhibitor in clinical trials, and the ‘Meditope’ antibody-drug platform. His leadership bridges fundamental chemistry and clinical innovation, accelerating next-generation cancer therapeutics.
Professor Wendong Huang, Ph.D.
Global Leader in Cancer Metabolism & Diabetes Research
Professor, Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope; Adjunct Professor, Keck School of Medicine, USC.
Dr. Huang’s pioneering work on bile acid signaling, microbiome-host interaction, and metabolic regulation has led to breakthroughs in cancer and liver regeneration research. With over 160 peer-reviewed publications in Science, Cancer Cell, and Nature Communications, his discoveries redefine molecular medicine and metabolic therapy.
Professor Yuguang (Roger) Shi, Ph.D.
Innovator in Metabolic Biology & Longevity Science
Distinguished Chair Professor, Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio.
Dr. Shi’s landmark discovery of ALCAT1, a key enzyme regulating mitochondrial aging, has driven the development of first-in-class therapeutics for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Formerly at Eli Lilly, he co-led the creation of Byetta, the first GLP-1 analogue, paving the way for Tirzepatide and Semaglutide.
Dr. Yunbo Liu
A Tianjin-born physician, graduated top of his class from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and later earned a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine in the United States. He is the Director of NEWMED Health Center in California, Vice President of the North American Society of Integrative Medicine, and Chief Scientist at NUFARGO Biotech. A pioneer in medical thermography and integrative medicine, Dr. Liu has spent nearly four decades combining traditional Chinese medicine with advanced biotechnology, developing FDA-certified natural formulations with proven clinical effectiveness.