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Meet Young Hee Ko M.S., M.S., Ph.D. 

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 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. 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 3BP as an anticancer therapeutic;

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

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

Since founding KoDiscovery to further develop 3BP 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 3BP 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

Cancer is a terrible disease that touches us all. We ask that you remember that while Dr. Ko is a passionate and dedicated research scientist, she is not a practicing medical physician. Because of this, she is unable to currently treat patients on an individual basis. By allowing her to focus her efforts, perfect her research, and make KAT-3BP available for all, we will be supporting her goal of successfully treating cancer and bringing this great gift to humanity as quickly as possible.

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The information provided on this website by KoDiscovery, LLC does not constitute a medical recommendation.

It is intended for informational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied, are being made. 

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