The Science Behind Cha Therapeutics
CHA1 Technology
CHA1 is a proprietary combination of EGCG and Decitabine, designed to enhance the immune response against solid tumors. Through pre-clinical studies, CHA1 has demonstrated efficacy at doses that are clinically attainable for human patients.
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate)
EGCG is a catechin-based flavonoid found in green tea. Studies have shown that consuming about 5 cups of green tea per day was associated with a reduced rate of initial and recurrent breast cancer in Japanese women, with similar findings reported in Korea, China, and Los Angeles. EGCG has been the subject of over 92 Phase 1 clinical trials, including research focused on breast cancer.
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Green tea contains catechins like epicatechin and epicatechin gallate, along with their gallic acid esters.
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EGCG makes up approximately 30% of the weight of dried tea leaves. One cup (200 ml or 8oz) contains about 180 mg of EGCG (2 mM; MW 458.37). Consuming 10 Japanese cups (5 American cups) provides about 900 mg of EGCG.
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EGCG works through multiple mechanisms, including Wnt signaling suppression, as shown in studies such as Kim et al. (2006).
Decitabine (DAC)
Decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine) is a cytidine analogue approved by the FDA for the treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and is used off-label for leukemias. Decitabine works by incorporating into DNA and inhibiting DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), which results in gene demethylation.
Mechanism of Action
CHA1 works by converting “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors, making them more susceptible to immune system attack. This transformation is achieved through several key processes:
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Re-expression of PDL1 on tumor cells, which helps activate immune responses.
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Decreased Wnt signaling, which is linked to tumor progression and immune evasion.
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Increased antigen presentation, enhancing the visibility of tumors to the immune system.
These changes result in a "hot" tumor immune landscape, characterized by:
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Increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells which attack tumor cells.
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Decreased presence of T regulatory (T reg) cells, which normally suppress immune responses.
CHA1 offers a promising approach to enhancing the body’s natural immune defenses against cancer.
