Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids from their saturated fatty acid precursors.

SCD1 introduces a cis-double bond at the Δ9 position of stearoyl and palmitoyl-CoA.

SCD1 has been shown to be a crucial factor in lipid metabolism and body weight control.

SCD1 inhibitors are claimed to be new treatments for various diseases, such as skin disorders, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Alzheimer’s disease, or cancer.