I have been very fortunate in my scientific career. My previous mentors/professors allowed me to stand on their shoulders and see much further than I would have alone. They trained me in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, microbiology, physiology, and animal care medicine. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience in human medicine by collaborating with research scientists, physicians, healthcare providers, radiologists, patients, and patient family members. My ongoing goal is to better understand human biology and biochemistry, and to identify key and subtle differences between health and disease. My most important goal is to discover and develop new therapies targeting major diseases that affect humans and animals around the world.

​

My immediate plan is to develop 3-BP anticancer technology for global commercialization to help as many cancer patients as possible. In 2000, I discovered that the small molecule 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) is a highly potent and effective anticancer agent with preferential selectivity for cancer cells. 3-BP works by targeting the most common property of cancer cells - their markedly elevated capacity to metabolize glucose and glutamine. It enters cancer cells quickly via mono-carboxylate transporters (MCTs) and immediately targets the mitochondria. It does all of this while leaving most normal cells unharmed. As I have continued to study and research the unique qualities of 3BP, I have come to believe that there are three potentially significant opportunities for the use of this molecule. 

​

1. My research continues to confirm the powerful potential of 3-BP as an anticancer therapeutic;

2. I also believe that there is a strong potential for 3-BP to act as an immunological modulator; and

3. I believe that 3-BP may also function as a metabolic modulator which may correct abnormal metabolic functions.

​

Since founding KoDiscovery to further develop 3-BP as an anticancer therapy, I now believe that these additional qualities may add further value and therapeutic benefits to address a myriad of other unmet medical needs. I hope to help patients who have run out of treatment options, and those who wish to be treated with 3-BP as the first therapy. Ultimately, I will work on a broad range of additional research projects associated with neurological diseases, injuries/wounds, infections, inflammation, and other health conditions, in order to help the millions affected by these devastating conditions. 

With gratitude,
Young Ko