Simeon Taylor, MD, PhD
Elected 1985

During my career as a physician-scientist, I have contributed to several aspects of translational research related primarily to diabetes and endocrinology. While working in the NIDDK Intramural Research Program (1979-2000), my research group conducted research to elucidate mechanisms of insulin resistance. We were best known for identification of mutations in the insulin receptor gene in patients with genetic syndromes of insulin resistance, but also contributed to the literature on mutations causing lipoatrophy/lipodystrophy. In addition, we initiated research related to therapies for lipodystrophy -- including metreleptin and thiazolidinediones. In the next chapter of my career (2000-2013), I served as Vice President of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Research at Bristol-Myers Squibb -- during which time I made substantial contributions to R&D leading to four approved drugs: saxagliptin, dapagliflozin, apixaban, and metreleptin. Since returning to academia (2013-present), my research team has focused on several projects: (1) safety issues related to SGLT2 inhibitors, especially mechanistic studies of the pathphysiology of adverse effects on bone health; (2) pharmacogenomics of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists; and (3) homeostatic regulation of vitamin D metabolism. Over the course of my career, I have served in several leadership roles, including: Chief of the Diabetes Branch (NIDDK, NIH); Director of NIH Inter-Institute Training Program in Endocrinology; Vice President of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Research (Bristol-Myers Squibb); Director of NIDDK-funded Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Obesity Research Center (Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine); Director of NIDDK-funded T32 Institutional Training Program in Diabetes.