Steven Smith

Partnering with Asia’s largest pharmaceutical company to find obesity treatments

by Patrick Bartosch on February 11, 2013 at 11:00 pm | 0 Comments

Drs. Smith (TRI), Izumo (Takeda), and Kelly (Sanford-Burnham; left to right) in traditional Japanese coats at the signing ceremony for the renewed partnership

We held a special signing ceremony today at our Lake Nona, Orlando, campus to renew our research agreement with Florida Hospital and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. The renewal extends our collaboration to discover and evaluate new therapeutic approaches to obesity. The collaboration uses a research and drug-development model that creates an early feedback loop in the discovery pipeline. We and our partners expect this model will shorten the time to develop new therapeutics.

Interest in the development of obesity treatments remains strong, as the regulatory approval of two new obesity therapeutics in 2012 offered a proven pathway for drug candidates. “As the worldwide obesity crisis continues to escalate, we are seeing a rise in the prevalence of severe obesity—defined by BMI greater than 40—and we know that this subset of the obese population experiences increased mortality and associated diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer,” said Steven R. Smith, M.D., scientific director of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI) and president-elect of The Obesity Society. “These statistics are staggering and clearly demonstrate the need to rapidly develop treatment strategies for obesity.”

How belly fat differs from thigh fat—and why it matters

by Heather Buschman, Ph.D. on January 9, 2013 at 6:20 am | 4 Comments

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Researchers discover that the genes active in a person’s belly fat are significantly different from those in his or her thigh fat, a finding that could shift the way we approach unwanted belly fat—from banishing it to relocating it.

Men tend to store fat in the abdominal area, but don’t usually have much in the way of hips or thighs. Women, on the other hand, are more often pear-shaped—storing more fat on their hips and thighs than in the belly.

Why are women and men shaped differently?

The answer still isn’t clear, but it’s an issue worth investigating, says Steven Smith, M.D., director of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes. That’s because belly fat is associated with higher risks of heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, hip and thigh fat don’t seem to play a special role in these conditions.

Translational Research Institute establishes new research paradigm for metabolic diseases

Originally published March 27, 2012

Florida Hospital and Sanford-Burnham today celebrate the opening of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes’ (TRI) new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Orlando, Fla., dedicated to the advancement of a new paradigm of personalized approaches to researching and treating diabetes and obesity.

“We are witnessing the rise of personalized medicine, most notably in cancer. Our goal at the TRI is to accelerate the advancement of personalized medicine in diabetes and obesity,” said Steven Smith, M.D., Sanford-Burnham professor and scientific director of the TRI. “We are working to rapidly expand knowledge of complex genetic and molecular causes of diabetes and obesity so that we can better define disease subpopulations. By working independently and in partnership with industry, we hope to develop therapies and treatment approaches tailored to those subpopulations. Our ultimate goal is that our discoveries will someday lead to cures for certain patients.”

Steven Smith named president-elect of The Obesity Society

by Patrick Bartosch on October 25, 2012 at 5:24 am | 0 Comments

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Dr. Steven Smith was appointed president-elect of TOS in September

Steven R. Smith, M.D., co-director of translational research at Sanford-Burnham and scientific director of the Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI), recently began his term as president-elect of The Obesity Society (TOS), following the organization’s September meeting. As the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity, TOS is committed to encouraging research into the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances.

“The Obesity Society is focused on education, research, and action to reverse the obesity epidemic and to help all Americans achieve better health,” says Smith. “Society is plagued by this epidemic that threatens our health and burdens our health care delivery system. In my new role, I look forward to helping educate the public, fellow clinicians, and policy makers about the impact of obesity. It is also imperative that we advocate for increased research funding in parallel with ongoing efforts to improve health through nutrition and physical activity.” At Sanford-Burnham and the TRI, Smith and his team hope to “crack the code” of obesity and provide more individualized, tailored approaches to treatment and prevention.

FDA approves first weight-loss drug in 13 years

by Patrick Bartosch on July 13, 2012 at 5:22 am | 0 Comments

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Scientists at Sanford-Burnham are committed to finding compounds that help fight obesity

In late June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Arena Pharmaceuticals’ new weight-loss drug, Belviq® (lorcaserin), making it the first prescription drug for weight loss to enter the U.S. market in more than a decade. Belviq works by regulating the serotonin 2C receptor, which controls appetite in the brain. People taking the drug eat less because they feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. Belviq was approved as an addition to lifestyle changes that include a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. The approval follows an endorsement by an FDA advisory committee from earlier this year.

The FDA specifically approved the drug for obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) above 30, and for overweight adults with a BMI of 27 or above if they also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. In clinical trials, patients lost approximately 3 to 3.7 percent of their body weight after one year. The trials were co-conducted by Sanford-Burnham’s Dr. Steven R. Smith on behalf of Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and were published in the New England Journal of Medicine as well as in Obesity.

And the Cancer Center Pilot Project Program grants go to…

by Patrick Bartosch on May 10, 2012 at 9:40 am | 0 Comments

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Two research teams, including Dr. Ranjan Perera (left) and Dr. Steven Smith (right), were awarded Pilot Project Program grants from Sanford-Burnham's NCI-designated Cancer Center

As part of its Pilot Project Program, Sanford-Burnham’s National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center received and reviewed 10 applications for funding this year. Applications for these grants, designed to kick-start new collaborative projects, were submitted by scientists from all of the Institute’s research centers and they were reviewed by a panel of senior faculty members, including adjunct faculty, scientific advisory board (SAB) members, and external experts.

More than 20 researchers and experts participated in this year’s peer-review process to select the winners of the grants. The applications and the respective reviews were then discussed by a panel, which ranked the grants and determined the winners.

On May 1, the two grants of $75,000 each were awarded to:

A “twisted” grand opening ceremony

by Patrick Bartosch on March 29, 2012 at 3:35 pm | 0 Comments

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TRI grand opening speakers (from left to right): John Reed, Terry Owen, Dan Kelly, Steve Smith, Lars Houmann, Des Cummings, Don Jernigan

“My goal is to cure diabetes,” Steven Smith, M.D., scientific director of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI), said boldly at the opening ceremony of the TRI’s new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Orlando on March 27. “We believe that personalized medicine is our best shot at discovering cures for our most serious health problems like diabetes.”

The ceremony’s highlight was the unveiling of a spectacular nine-foot double-helix DNA structure that will be placed at the main entrance of the building, symbolizing the fundamental research being conducted at the TRI, as well as the synergies and collaborations the TRI represents. Selected board members and presenters each added one illuminated “bar,” representing a nucleotide, to the double helix.

“This is one of those rare times when the reality far exceeds the dream,” said John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Sanford-Burnham. “The TRI is a wonderful opportunity for our organization, which will bring more and more to life our slogan From Research, the Power to Cure. We’re very excited about this opportunity to take our relationship with Florida Hospital to the next level.”

Translational Research Institute establishes new research paradigm for metabolic diseases

by Patrick Bartosch on March 27, 2012 at 6:00 am | 0 Comments

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New TRI Facility in Downtown Orlando

Obesity research advances to clinical testing

by Patrick Bartosch on March 6, 2012 at 6:00 am | 8 Comments

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Orexin targets brown fat cells

Discoveries made in the laboratories of Sanford-Burnham will, for the first time, advance to the clinical research stage involving human studies at the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI). The research will focus on orexin, an appetite-inducing hormone produced in the brain, which appears to resolve obesity without requiring a reduction in food consumption or elevation in physical activity. This research exemplifies the translational research focus at Sanford-Burnham and the TRI – advancing science from laboratory bench to patient bedside. The studies will provide insight into individual responses and contribute to the development of personalized therapies for treating metabolic diseases – a focus area for both the TRI and Sanford-Burnham.

Appetite-suppressing drugs have traditionally been the basis of weight-loss treatments since obesity is thought to be caused by excessive energy intake and low physical activity. However, appetite suppressants can produce unacceptable side effects and, after the treatment ends, patients usually the weight they lost. Recent data indicate that orexin leads to weight loss by releasing excess energy as heat instead of storing it.

Taking stock: obesity research progress with Takeda

by Deborah Robison on February 15, 2012 at 6:01 am | 0 Comments

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Sanford-Burnham scientists met with Takeda partner in Japan in January

Scientists from the Diabetes and Obesity Research Center and their colleagues from Florida Hospital recently returned from Japan, where they reviewed the progress that has been made at the mid-point of a research partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical. The two-year collaboration focuses on the discovery and evaluation of new therapeutic approaches to obesity. In Japan, Sanford-Burnham scientists reported benchmark data that sets the stage for a key element in future drug development—the testing of obesity drug candidates.

“The data generated thus far lays the groundwork for analysis of how individuals respond differently to disease,” said Steven R. Smith, M.D., director of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI), where the clinical studies are being performed with volunteers. “This partnership with Takeda, TRI, and Sanford-Burnham establishes a model to accelerate the development of safe and effective therapies.”

Sanford-Burnham experts talk about why Americans are fat

by Deborah Robison on January 6, 2012 at 10:11 am | 0 Comments

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Fireworks over the Sydney Opera House

New Year’s resolutions and dieting seem to go hand-in-hand. Setting a personal goal to lose weight and exercise more may jump-start the New Year but “February frustration” can derail even the most determined. Scientists in Sanford-Burnham’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Center recently shared their expertise on the causes of weight gain and the metabolic challenges that make it so hard to keep off the extra pounds. Their insights on genetics, diet, metabolism and lifestyle were included in a four-part series called “What’s making Americans so fat?” that ran in the Orlando Sentinel beginning January 1. Medical reporter Marni Jameson spoke with national obesity experts to compile a list of 40 reasons for why 60 percent of U.S. adults are obese or overweight.

“It’s not gluttony, and it’s not lack of willpower,” says Dr. Steven Smith, scientific director of the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes. “No scientist in the field will say the problem is strictly one of willpower,” he says. “It’s a result of the way our genes are interacting with an environment that is stacked against them.”

Here’s an excerpt of how the experts weighed in:

All weight gain is not the same

by Deborah Robison on January 4, 2012 at 2:09 pm | 0 Comments

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Steven R. Smith, M.D.

Malnutrition in its many forms remains a world-wide epidemic. In the United States, more than 60 percent of adults are classified as overweight or obese, whereas third-world nations are struggling with under-nutrition and insufficient food supplies. A new study provides scientific insight that may benefit development of public health policy to influence healthy weight gain.

The study, published January 4 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), examines the impact of diets containing varying amounts of protein on weight gain, body composition, and energy expenditure. The research, led by Sanford-Burnham’s Steven R. Smith, M.D. and George Bray, M.D., Pennington Biomedical Research Center, found that total calories account for increases in body fat, while increasing the percent of dietary protein during overfeeding led to more lean body mass storage. This work appears to be the first to analyze the impact of dietary protein during overfeeding and provides guidance on dietary composition for healthy weight gain.

Obesity is not one condition: an interview with Dr. Steven Smith

by Heather Buschman, Ph.D. on October 21, 2011 at 9:28 am | 0 Comments

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Dr. Steven Smith, scientific director of the Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes

Dr. Steven Smith is the scientific director of the Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, a collaboration between Sanford-Burnham and Florida Hospital. In a special presentation at Obesity 2011: The Obesity Society 29th Annual Scientific Meeting, held October 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., Dr. Smith discussed some up-and-coming anti-obesity agents, how they work, and how physicians might be able to put them to use. In his talk, he emphasized the importance of better understanding the fundamental cellular mechanisms that fuel obesity. With a greater appreciation for human metabolism, Dr. Smith explained, scientists will be able to develop new medications that focus less on appetite suppression (the target of most current weight loss drugs) and more on peripheral targets such as muscle or fat.

Why are we so fat?

by Heather Buschman, Ph.D. on July 11, 2011 at 2:33 pm | 0 Comments

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New report shows the percent of the population considered obese has increased over the past two decades.

A new report released by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation held dire news about the state of America’s obesity epidemic. The report, aptly named “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011,” revealed several eye-opening statistics. Here are a few:

• Twenty years ago, no state had an obesity rate above 15 percent. Now every state does.
• Today, 12 states have obesity rates over 30 percent. Four years ago, only one did.
• Since 1995, diabetes rates (long associated with obesity) have doubled in eight states. Then, only four states had diabetes rates above six percent. Now, 43 states have diabetes rates over seven percent, and 32 have rates above eight percent.

To understand why the nation’s weight problem has ballooned over the past two decades, obesity researchers are increasingly looking to our environment. The Orlando Sentinel interviewed obesity expert Dr. Steven R. Smith, Sanford-Burnham professor and scientific director of the Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI), a collaboration between Florida Hospital and Sanford-Burnham. He said:

“Our genes haven’t changed that much in thousands of years, but we have seen a rapid change in the environment, and that has interacted with our genetic propensity toward obesity.”

Coming soon: Medscape’s “Developments to Watch”

by Kristina Meek on July 1, 2011 at 7:08 am | 0 Comments

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Dr. Evan Snyder (right) interviews his colleague, Dr. Steven Smith, on the Medscape set.

Dr. Evan Snyder interviews his colleague, Dr. Steven Smith, on the Medscape set.

Last week, Sanford-Burnham’s Fishman Auditorium, on the Institute’s La Jolla campus, was transformed into a temporary television studio. It was hardly recognizable under the bright lights and set dressing. Medical website Medscape recorded interviews with three Sanford-Burnham researchers for a new video series called “Developments to Watch.” The talk show-like discussions were hosted by Dr. Evan Snyder, who directs the Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology Program at Sanford-Burnham. Dr. Snyder is both a medical doctor who regularly sees patients and a scientist who conducts research in his own lab – the perfect person to help explain how discoveries made today might one day help patients.

Medscape is part of the network of sites run by WebMD. With this newest video series, Sanford-Burnham scientists will be providing expert commentary and information to help keep Medscape’s audience – primary care physicians, specialists and other health professionals – up-to-date on the latest medical research and what it means for their patients.

Partnering with Asia’s largest pharmaceutical company to find obesity treatments

How belly fat differs from thigh fat—and why it matters

Top 10 most-read blog posts of 2012: #9

Translational Research Institute establishes new research paradigm for metabolic diseases

Steven Smith named president-elect of The Obesity Society

FDA approves first weight-loss drug in 13 years

And the Cancer Center Pilot Project Program grants go to…

A “twisted” grand opening ceremony

Translational Research Institute establishes new research paradigm for metabolic diseases

Obesity research advances to clinical testing

Taking stock: obesity research progress with Takeda

Sanford-Burnham experts talk about why Americans are fat

All weight gain is not the same

Obesity is not one condition: an interview with Dr. Steven Smith

Why are we so fat?

Coming soon: Medscape’s “Developments to Watch”

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