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.

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My immediate plan is to develop 3BP anticancer technology for global commercialization to help as many cancer patients as possible. In 2000, I discovered that the small molecule 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) is a highly potent and effective anticancer agent with preferential selectivity for cancer cells. 3BP 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.

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I founded a start-up company called KoDiscovery to further develop 3BP as an anticancer therapy. I hope to help patients who have run out of treatment options, and those who wish to be treated with 3BP as the first therapy. Ultimately, I will work on a myriad 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. 

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With gratitude,
Young Ko