KoDiscovery

Early research contributions

• As a Master of Science student at Iowa State University, she contributed to research on cholesterol metabolism and nutrition, including approaches to reducing cholesterol in foods.
• As a pre-doctoral student at Washington State University, she worked on the enzyme isocitrate lyase, contributing to fundamental understanding that has implications for therapeutic options in bacterial and parasitic infections.

Work at Johns Hopkins University

• Dr. Ko joined Johns Hopkins University in 1991 as a postdoctoral fellow under Dr. Peter (Pete) Pedersen.
• Her work there included:
• Research on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), contributing to understanding protein misfolding and the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis.
• Discovery and characterization of a mitochondrial membrane protein complex referred to as the ATP Synthasome, an important target for cancer therapy because it fuels many metabolic and physiological processes.
• Extensive work on mitochondrial bioenergetics and ATP synthase structure and mechanism.

Discovery of 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) as an anticancer agent

• As an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Ko discovered that the small molecule 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) is a highly potent and selective anticancer agent.
• Her research helped establish that 3BP targets the elevated glucose metabolism characteristic of many cancers and can disrupt tumor energy production.

Independent research and global collaborations

• Through KoDiscovery and collaborations in Germany, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Korea and elsewhere, Dr. Ko has been involved in translational research taking 3BP from bench-side discovery toward bedside application.
• Her work includes:
• Preclinical studies in animal models.
• Case reports and translational studies in human cancer.
• Investigation of metabolites, proteins/peptides and natural compounds for treating other dysfunctional conditions.

Publications and reviews

• Dr. Ko has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed original research articles and review papers.
• Topics include:
• Enzymology and structural biology of isocitrate lyase.
• CFTR structure and function and protein misfolding in cystic fibrosis.
• Mitochondrial ATP synthase and related bioenergetics.
• Cancer metabolism, the "Warburg effect" and mitochondrial targets for anticancer therapy.
• Detailed mechanistic and translational studies on 3BP and related metabolic interventions.
• Her curriculum vitae on the KoDiscovery website lists extensive publications in journals such as Journal of Biological Chemistry, Cancer Research, Oncogene, American Journal of Cancer Research, J. Bioenerg. Biomembr., and others.

For readers seeking full publication lists, detailed citations and abstracts, KoDiscovery provides Dr. Ko's complete curriculum vitae on the website.

Phone

• Phone: 410-929-0349 (listed on the KoDiscovery website main page).

General contact

• KoDiscovery provides web contact forms for general inquiries and messages of support.
• After submitting a message or contact information through the site forms, visitors are shown a confirmation that their information was sent successfully.

Donations and research support inquiries

• Individuals interested in making a single tax-deductible donation or exploring other options to support Dr. Ko's research and efforts to bring 3BP fully to market are invited to send their contact information through the KoDiscovery site.
• KoDiscovery will follow up to discuss options for supporting this work.
• In response to requests for targeted or recurring donations, KoDiscovery has a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to supporting Dr. Ko's 3BP research; details and a link are provided on the website.

Email updates and newsletters

• Visitors may subscribe on the website to receive updates from Dr. Ko about ongoing projects, research progress and related news.

Important medical disclaimer

• The KoDiscovery website emphasizes that, although Dr. Young Hee Ko is a highly experienced research scientist, she is not a practicing medical physician.
• Because of this, she cannot provide individual medical treatment or manage patients directly.
• Information on the KoDiscovery website is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a medical recommendation.
• No claims, either real or implied, are made that the information or products described will diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Individuals with health concerns, including cancer or other serious conditions, should consult directly with licensed healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Preclinical studies

First preclinical study (mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model)

• A mouse model involving 34 mice with hepatocellular carcinoma was conducted.
• 19 mice were treated with 3BP and 15 untreated mice served as controls.
• All 19 treated mice were reported as completely cured and lived out a normal lifespan.
• All 15 control mice ultimately had to be euthanized.

Second preclinical study

• The second preclinical study focused on further evaluating safety and potential toxicology of KAT 3-BP.
• Dr. Ko views this study as critical to validating the safety profile needed to move toward human use.

Third preclinical study (in conjunction with radiation therapy)

• Conducted in partnership with the University of Maryland (2018).
• Evaluated the effect of KAT 3-BP used with radiation therapy (RT) in non-small cell lung cancer models.
• Designed to explore the impact of 3BP on tumor growth when combined with RT.

Fourth preclinical study (pancreatic cancer model)

• Publication: "3-Bromopyruvate inhibits pancreatic tumor growth by stalling glycolysis and dismantling mitochondria in a syngeneic mouse model" (American Journal of Cancer Research, 2022).
• Key points from the study abstract as summarized on the KoDiscovery website:
• Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal cancer with low 5-year survival rates; most locally advanced cases are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• 3BP is described as a promising anticancer drug against pancreatic cancer, acting by inhibiting hexokinase II (HK2) in the glycolytic pathway of cancer cells.
• KAT 3-BP killed a high percentage of Panc-2 cells and markedly inhibited ATP production by disrupting interactions between HK2 and mitochondrial VDAC1.
• Electron microscopy showed severe damage to mitochondrial membranes in cancer cells.
• Immunohistochemistry found inhibition of HK2 and TGFβ and increased markers of apoptotic cell death.
• Reduced lactic acid production was observed, which is associated with aggressive tumor behavior.

Human case experience

First human to receive 3BP

• The first reported human recipient of 3BP for cancer, Yvar Verhoeven, received treatment in the Netherlands.
• KoDiscovery notes that Yvar had previously been told he would not live to his 17th birthday; a photo on the site shows him at age 18 after multiple treatments with 3BP.
• A detailed case report describing his experience is referenced on the KoDiscovery website.

Access to detailed publications

• KoDiscovery provides extensive scientific publications, abstracts, and review articles authored or co-authored by Dr. Ko and collaborators.
• These cover topics such as cancer metabolism, mitochondrial bioenergetics, ATP synthase, cystic fibrosis, and detailed mechanistic and translational work on 3BP.

For full articles, data and technical details, visitors are directed to the original journals, NIH resources, and the case study links provided on the KoDiscovery website.

Important note: The studies and case reports summarized here describe research findings only. They do not constitute treatment recommendations or guarantees of outcome for any individual patient.

• Individuals who wish to make a single, tax-deductible donation or explore other options to support Dr. Ko's research and efforts to bring 3BP fully to market are invited to share their contact information via the KoDiscovery website.
• After contact details are received, KoDiscovery can follow up to discuss options for supporting the research, including targeted or regular contributions.

GoFundMe campaign

• In response to requests for targeted or regular donations, KoDiscovery has launched a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to supporting Dr. Ko's 3BP research.
• The campaign is described on the KoDiscovery website as being controlled directly by Dr. Ko, with 100% of the funds going toward her research and related efforts.
• A link to the GoFundMe page is provided on the KoDiscovery site under the donations/support section.

Use of funds

• Donations are intended to support KoDiscovery's ongoing research and development efforts, including laboratory work, collaborations and steps toward broader access to 3BP-based therapies.

For the most current details on how to contribute or to confirm tax-deductible status, potential donors should use the contact forms and donation information provided on the KoDiscovery website.

Purpose and concept

• KOfactor is a line of proprietary nutritional supplements developed by Dr. Young Hee Ko based on her background in nutritional physiology, cellular metabolism, and cancer research.
• The formulations are designed to support cellular health using specific natural compounds that target key metabolic and signaling pathways with minimal risk and toxicity, based on experimental data.

Scientific rationale

• Dr. Ko's early academic training included a master's program in nutritional physiology, which underpins her interest in the links between nutrition, metabolism and health.
• The KOfactor formulations are based on the idea that certain natural compounds in plants and other sources act as "medicine" by influencing epigenetics and cellular metabolites.
• The supplement line emphasizes:
• Use of specific natural compounds selected for clearly defined cellular targets.
• Use of combinations of compounds that demonstrate combinational synergy, where each ingredient enhances the effects of the others.

KOfactor 1 and KOfactor 1 Advanced (historical information)

• KOfactor 1 was the initial formulation, developed after many years of research and testing at the KoDiscovery laboratory.
• The formula was designed to support:
• Changes in gene expression associated with promoting cellular health.*
• Normalization and support of cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death).*
• Later, Dr. Ko and collaborators enhanced the original formula to create KOfactor 1 Advanced, adding proprietary ratios of additional compounds (including resveratrol and quercetin) for improved effects.
• In October 2021, three KOfactor 1 Advanced supplement products were released, including flavored powder formulations with added protein from carefully selected sources.
• KoDiscovery has indicated that the long-term plan is to expand the KOfactor product line to include additional targeted formulations addressing a wide range of health concerns.

Disclaimers

• Statements about KOfactor products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• KOfactor products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
• Information about KOfactor supplements is educational and research-oriented only and does not constitute medical advice.

For the latest status on KOfactor availability and formulations, users should refer to current notices on the KoDiscovery website or contact KoDiscovery directly.

Clinical practice and patient care

• Dr. Young Hee Ko is a research scientist and is not a practicing medical physician.
• Because of this, she is unable to treat patients on an individual basis.
• KoDiscovery does not operate as a clinic or medical practice.

Use of information

• The information presented about 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), KAT 3-BP, metabolic cancer therapy and KOfactor supplements reflects research and case-study experience.
• These descriptions are not treatment recommendations and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment.
• Individuals with cancer or other medical conditions should consult their own licensed healthcare providers for diagnosis, treatment decisions and risk–benefit discussions.

Intellectual property and reproduction

• KoDiscovery notes that information from its website may not be copied or reproduced without the expressed consent of KoDiscovery, LLC.

If a caller asks for diagnosis, treatment plans, drug dosing or any other personalized medical advice, they should be directed to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Mission and focus

• Advance the discovery, development and commercialization of 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) as a potent anticancer agent.
• Explore 3BP as a potential immunological and metabolic modulator.
• Conduct and support preclinical and translational research aimed at major diseases including cancers, neurological conditions, injuries/wounds, infections and inflammatory conditions.
• Share updates on 3BP studies, clinical experiences and outcomes.

3-bromopyruvate (3BP) in brief

• 3BP is a small molecule discovered by Dr. Ko in 2000 to be a highly potent and selective anticancer agent.
• It targets a common feature of many cancer cells: markedly elevated glucose and glutamine metabolism.
• 3BP enters cancer cells via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and acts on mitochondria and glycolytic pathways, aiming to disrupt cancer cell energy production while leaving most normal cells comparatively unharmed.
• KoDiscovery's proprietary therapeutic formulation based on 3BP is often referred to as KAT (KoDiscovery Anticancer Therapeutics).

What KoDiscovery offers

• Scientific research and development on 3BP and related metabolic therapies.
• Collaboration with academic and clinical partners on preclinical and translational studies.
• Educational information about the science of metabolic cancer therapy, case studies, and publications.
• Development of supportive nutritional concepts such as the KOfactor supplement line (when available), based on natural compounds with specific metabolic targets.

What KoDiscovery does *not* provide

• KoDiscovery and Dr. Ko do not currently operate as a clinical practice and do not offer individual patient treatment or medical consultations.
• Information on the website and in related materials is for educational and research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment recommendations.

For individuals seeking treatment decisions, KoDiscovery encourages working with licensed healthcare professionals who can evaluate personal medical needs.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.