Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a difficult condition to live with & can have dire consequences. There’s no actual cure right now and that’s why a lot of people are turning to Stem Cell Therapy.
But does it actually work, is it safe & how much does stem cell treatment for COPD cost?
We answer all of these questions & more in this article. Feel free to use the Contents table to get to your question quicker!
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe.
Think of your lungs like a sponge with millions of tiny, elastic air sacs.
In healthy lungs, these sacs fill with air and spring back easily, pushing air out.
COPD damages these sacs, causing them to lose their elasticity, while also making the airways swollen and clogged with mucus.
This damage traps old air inside, making it feel like you can’t get a full breath in or out, which leads to shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.
It’s a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. It’s most commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. For a more detailed overview, you can read more on the CDC’s page for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
There’s no actual cure to COPD which is why people are turning to Stem Cell Therapy. But will it actually help? We break down how it really works below.
How Stem Cells work for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Stem cell therapy for COPD primarily works by having the cells release healing signals that calm the chronic inflammation responsible for damaging the lungs
Currently, there’s no evidence they “turn into” lung cells. Research has shown the Paracrine Effect to be the most common way Stem Cells help:
- Healing Signals (Paracrine Effects)
- This is considered the primary mechanism by which stem cells exert their effects in COPD. Instead of transforming into new lung cells, the stem cells function through a process known as the paracrine effect.
- This means they secrete a complex mixture of molecules, including growth factors and extracellular vesicles, that act as healing signals within the lungs.
- These signals can reduce Inflammation, protect existing cells & encourage Self Repair.
- Direct Cell Replacement (Differentiation)
- The other potential mechanism is that stem cells could directly replace damaged cells in the lungs by transforming (or “differentiating”) into new, healthy lung tissue.
- However, the research suggests that this is a minor part of their effect. The anti-inflammatory signaling being far more significant
Stem Cell Clinics That Specialise in COPD Treatment
Stem Cell Types being used to Explore COPD
Clinics are using Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived from the patient themselves or from donated umbilical cord tissue.
- Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs): The most promising and commonly studied adult stem cells for COPD, sourced from tissues like bone marrow, fat, and umbilical cords.
In current Trials, researchers are using:
- Lung Progenitor Cells: The lung’s own native adult stem cells responsible for its maintenance and repair.
- Bronchial Basal Cells: A specific type of lung progenitor cell found in the airways (bronchi). Their natural job is to replace damaged cells in the lining. These are collected from the patient, grown in a lab and placed back into the lungs.
- Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BMMC): A mixture of cells taken from the patient’s bone marrow that are then infused back into the body.
- Small Mobile Stem Cells (SMS cells): SMS cells are a type of adult stem cell derived from blood and then grown in a lab. They’re smaller than normal stem cells & work with existing mesenchymal stem cells to release signals to reduce inflammation. They are in the early stages of being explored, you can read more about them on SMS Biotech’s platform.
- The main delivery methods being studied for stem cell therapy in COPD are:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Direct delivery into the lungs via a bronchoscope
- Inhalation through a medical nebulizer.
- In Clinics, the most common delivery method is through an IV.
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Stem Cell Treatment cost for COPD
Stem Cell Treatments costs for COPD range from $18,000 to $35,000.
We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s more of a breakdown by country, bear with us as we get more cost information from different regions:
- Colombia: $18,000 to $20,000 (View Colombia Cost Guide)
- Panama: $25,000 to $35,000. (View Panama Cost Guide)
- Mexico: $8,500. (View Mexico Cost Guide)
Not sure where to get COPD stem cell treatment? We’ll help you choose safely & secure you exclusive discounts.
Do Stem Cells turn into Lung Cells for COPD?
No, for patients with COPD, research is showing us that stem cells aren’t turning into new lung cells.
Their main benefit comes from releasing healing signals that calm chronic inflammation.
How Successful is Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
According to the latest research that we’ve collated in our research article, Stem Cell Therapy for COPD often succeeds in making patients feel better, improves their quality of life and have fewer dangerous flare-ups. But Stem Cells haven’t been able to repair the lungs or improve how they perform on breathing tests on a consistent basis.
Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for COPD
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
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We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
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Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for COPD
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics globally who treat COPD. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare Clinics GloballyWhat does the latest research in 2026 say about Stem Cells treating COPD
Key Benefits
Success in Improving Quality of Life
- This is where the treatment shows the most promise. Multiple studies report that patients experience a significant improvement in their daily lives after receiving stem cell therapy.
- Reduced Breathlessness: Patients often feel less short of breath, which is a major symptom of COPD.
- Fewer Flare-ups: The number of severe exacerbations (flare-ups requiring medical care) was dramatically reduced in the months following treatment in several studies.
- Better Overall Well-being: Questionnaires that measure how COPD affects a person’s life consistently showed notable improvement, meaning patients felt better and their symptoms were less burdensome.
Key Limitations
Limited Success in Improving Lung Function
- While patients report feeling better, the research does not show a significant improvement in the actual physical function of their lungs.
- No Major Change in Breathing Tests: Lung function is often measured with the Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) test. Across most studies, this measurement did not significantly improve after treatment.
- Temporary or Minor Benefits: In the rare cases where an improvement in lung function was noted, the benefits were often slight or temporary.
- No Change in Exercise Capacity: The distance patients could walk in a 6-Minute Walk Test also did not significantly increase, indicating no major change in physical endurance.
You can read more on all the latest studies in our Research Article for COPD.
Risks of Getting Stem Cells for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
A major positive finding across all the reviewed clinical trials is that the stem cell therapies themselves appear to be very safe. There were no serious side effects, low risk of rejection & some minor procedural side effects. But:
- Just because some studies have positive results, doesn’t mean commercial treatments will. Clinics won’t always follow the same processes & protocols, so don’t assume because one study was positive your treatment will be
- The treatment is still experimental. We don’t know what the ideal dosage is, best practice for preparing cells or even which cells to actually use.
- You’re spending a lot of money for something that may not work. With costs going up to $35,000 or more, be aware you could be spending money on a treatment that might not make a difference
- Going to poor clinics is dangerous. If they’re not following best practice, working with the correct labs or even giving you unknown substances, this is the biggest risk you’re taking with Stem Cell Therapy. Most countries have no government regulations, so you do really have to be careful.
- The American Lung Association published a warning against Stem Cell Treatments for COPD in a press release on their website warning against getting unauthorized stem cell treatments that are making exaggerated claims.
Read these before booking any consultations
Where Can I Get Stem Cell Therapy for COPD
From Alt Treatment’s Vetted clinics. Countries like Thailand, Colombia, Panama, Japan & South Korea are all countries you can get Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Prices, regulations & Cell Types all vary with these countries. We’ve highlighted the differences below & the factors you need to consider.
| Country | Types of Cells Used | Legal | Country Guide |
| Thailand | Umbilical Cord Derived | No | Thailand Guide |
| Colombia | Umbilical Cord Derived | No | Colombia |
| Panama | Umbilical Cord Derived | No | Panama |
| Japan | Autologous Adipose Tissue (Fat) | Yes | Japan |
| South Korea | Autologous Adipose Tissue (Fat) & Bone Marrow | Yes | South Korea |
| Mexico | Umbilical Cord Derived | No | Mexico |
Regulations
Different countries have more or less regulations. Japan & South Korea, for example, have legalized cultured stem cell treatments.
Cell Type
Do you want umbilical cord derived cells or your own cells? Not every country provides both.
Medical Team
Have the team actually treated COPD before?
Cell Quality
Is the clinic working with the right cell processing centres and adhering to GMP standards?
We know it’s a lot to take on board, that’s why our teams are here to help.
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Latest Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatments in 2026
Stem Cell Therapy:
- Stem Cell Therapy works through stem cells releasing signals that calm the chronic inflammation responsible for lung damage.
- The main benefits seen in research are an improvement in patients’ quality of life and a reduction in severe flare-ups.
- It hasn’t been approved by the FDA & is only available outside the US.
Dupixent:
- Dupixent was approved in the US as the first-ever biologic medicine for patients with COPD according to Sanofi’s press release in 2024.
- It works by blocking two specific proteins that tell your immune system to cause lung inflammation. By stopping these signals,
- Dupixent calms the overactive response and helps prevent the severe flare-ups common in some types of COPD. Their press release goes into more detail on how it works
Ohtuvayre
- Verona Pharma made an announcement in 2024 that Ohtuvayre has also been approved by the FDA.
- Ohtuvayre is taken via a nebulizer that helps you breathe by relaxing the tight muscles around your airways and simultaneously calming the inflammation that causes damage.
- This drug helps control daily COPD symptoms and reduces the risk of future flare-ups.
Should I get Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in 2026
If you’ve tried traditional medication & it’s not working, it may be worth looking into Stem Cell treatment. But be aware it’s still experimental & it won’t reverse COPD.
Be wary of clinics making claims like they can guarantee success and it will cure all of your symptoms. Early Data has shown it can help improve quality of life but this is in a clinical environment.
The clinic you choose plays a huge part in how successful your treatment is.
Our team has personally vetted Stem Cell clinics globally to make sure you can choose clinics you can trust.
We continually speak to every patient who gets treatment with our clinics, so we can track success rates but also monitor clinic quality continuously.
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Alt Treatment is a free, independent platform that helps you understand stem cell therapy & decide if it’s right for you.
We break down complex information into clear, honest guidance. When you’re ready, we can connect you with verified clinics that meet your needs, in the right location, and often with exclusive discounts.
There’s no charge to use our platform. No hidden fees. No pressure. Our main aim is to genuinely help you figure out if treatment is right & the best places to consider.
If you want to talk, fill out our form here & our personal concierge team will reach out.
If you’re going to clinics that are following best practise, research has shown it’s not dangerous & it has a good safety profile. But it doesn’t mean it’s going to 100% work for you.
If you go to a poor clinic, it’s extremely dangerous & the risks are huge.
Japan, South Korea, Indonesia & Dubai are all amongst the countries that have legalized Stem Cell Therapy as of 2025.
If you’re looking at different countries, our guide on Best Countries for Stem Cell Therapy might be useful.
Common side effects of getting Stem Cells are fever and local pain/swelling at the injection site. We go into all of the side effects in more detail in our Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects Article
Stem Cells can help with conditions from Osteoarthritis through to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.
To read about more conditions stem cells can help, check out our guide on Conditions Stem Cells can help with.
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