2025 Stem Cell Cost for Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

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

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

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 Types being used to Explore COPD

• 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.
• 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:
  1. Intravenous (IV) infusion
  2. Direct delivery into the lungs via a bronchoscope
  3. Inhalation through a medical nebulizer.
• In Clinics, the most common delivery method is through an IV.
  
  
  

Stem Cell Treatment cost for COPD

We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s more of a breakdown by country:

• Colombia: $18,000 to $20,000 (View Colombia Cost Guide)
• Panama: $25,000 to $35,000. (View Panama Cost Guide)
  

Best 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.

Why Use Alt Treatment?

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.

Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.

Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing

Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.

We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.

Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.

Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.

No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.

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

What does the latest research in 2025 say about Stem Cells treating 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:

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.

Where Can i Get Stem Cell Therapy for COPD

Prices, regulations & Cell Types all vary with these countries. We’ve highlighted the differences below

Latest Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatments in 2025

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

If you are looking into Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease you have to be aware it is still experimental.

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.

If you are going to get treatment, make sure you’re aware of the risks.