Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, causes long-term breathlessness because the airways are inflamed and the tiny air sacs are damaged. Most COPD is caused by smoking. Researchers are studying whether mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can calm lung inflammation or help repair tissue, but damaged air sacs do not regrow easily.
AT A GLANCE · COPD
| Evidence level | Unproven / not recommended outside trials |
|---|---|
| Approved stem cell treatment? | No stem cell product is approved for COPD or emphysema by the US FDA, the European EMA, or regulators in Japan or Korea. |
| Typical private price | $5,000 – $20,000 (indicative) |
| Recruiting trials | 12 listed on ClinicalTrials.gov (4 October 2026) |
| Last reviewed | October 2026 |
Does stem cell therapy work for COPD?
Animal studies of MSCs in emphysema models show reduced inflammation and lung damage, but human results have been much weaker. The best-known randomised, placebo-controlled trial, published in Chest in 2013, gave 62 people with moderate to severe COPD four monthly MSC infusions; the cells were safe but did not improve lung function or quality of life, though inflammation markers fell in people who had high levels to start with.
A 2022 meta-analysis of 11 small studies with 371 patients, using fat, bone marrow, cord and placenta cells, found a borderline FEV1 change (about 70 mL, not statistically significant), a modest gain in six-minute walking distance, and no reduction in hospital admissions for flare-ups. The authors concluded that evidence comes only from small trials and large, well-designed randomised trials are needed. Delivery is also a problem: cells given by IV are diluted and largely trapped, and inhaled cells are cleared by mucus. Major lung societies say stem cell treatment for COPD should only be given inside clinical trials.
Is any stem cell treatment approved for COPD?
No stem cell product is approved for COPD or emphysema by the US FDA, the European EMA, or regulators in Japan or Korea. The American Thoracic Society issued a statement in 2016 warning patients about unproven stem cell interventions for lung disease. Any COPD stem cell treatment outside a registered trial is unapproved.
What private clinics offer — and how it compares
US and overseas clinics have marketed IV or ‘nebulised’ stem cell treatments, often using a patient’s own blood or fat, as a way to breathe easier and come off oxygen. In June 2024 a Florida jury found one large lung clinic chain had engaged in deceptive practices by selling ‘valueless’ treatments that cost patients about $7,500 to $20,000, and controlled trials have not shown meaningful benefit.
Proven treatments to discuss first
Before paying for an experimental option, make sure you have explored the established treatments for COPD with your doctor:
- Stopping smoking, with medicines and support
- Inhaled bronchodilators and, where suitable, inhaled steroid combinations
- Pulmonary rehabilitation (supervised exercise and breathing training)
- Flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations
- Long-term oxygen therapy when blood oxygen is low
- Lung volume reduction procedures or lung transplant for selected severe emphysema
How much does stem cell therapy for COPD cost?
Private clinics typically quote $5,000 to $20,000. Patients of one US lung clinic chain paid about $7,500 to $20,000 between 2013 and 2016, according to reporting on the 2024 court verdict; other reports cite $5,000 to $10,000 per session. Insurance and Medicare do not cover these treatments. Compare prices by country in our cost guide and location guides, and check insurance coverage.
Risks and side effects
- Infection or contamination from poorly regulated cell products
- Breathing problems, clots or embolism after IV infusion in people with fragile lungs
- Risks of travel and anaesthesia for people on oxygen
- Large out-of-pocket costs and repeat ‘booster’ treatments with no proven benefit
- Stopping or reducing proven inhalers, oxygen or rehabilitation
Recruiting clinical trials for copd
On 4 October 2026, ClinicalTrials.gov listed 12 recruiting or soon-to-recruit stem cell studies for this condition, 1 with sites in the United States. Here are up to eight, latest-stage first:
See all matching studies on ClinicalTrials.gov. A listing is not an endorsement: registration does not mean a study is safe or effective, and genuine trials rarely charge you for the experimental treatment. Ask the study team about costs, placebo groups and follow-up before you enrol. See our clinical trials hub.
Questions to ask before you agree to treatment
- What changes in FEV1 (lung function) have you measured in your patients, and how do they compare with a 2013 placebo-controlled trial that found no benefit?
- Is this a registered clinical trial with independent ethics approval and no charge to patients?
- Is it safe for me to travel and undergo this procedure with my current oxygen needs?
- Will you work with my lung specialist, and should I continue all my current treatments?
Before You Pay: The Stem Cell Clinic Checklist
- 20 questions every legitimate clinic should answer in writing
- A red-flag scorecard to spot unregulated marketing
- Realistic 2026 cost ranges: US, Mexico, Panama & Europe
- How to find a registered clinical trial
Red flags to watch for
- Promises that you will be able to stop using oxygen or inhalers
- Claims that cells given by IV or nebuliser will ‘regrow’ lung tissue
- Patient testimonials and satisfaction surveys used instead of lung function results
Stem cell therapy for COPD: FAQs
Does stem cell therapy work for COPD?
There is no convincing evidence that it does. A 2013 placebo-controlled trial of 62 patients found no improvement in lung function, and a 2022 meta-analysis of small studies found only borderline changes. Experts say it should only be used in clinical trials.
Can stem cells repair emphysema?
Not in people so far. Emphysema destroys air sacs, and animal studies have not translated into proven lung repair in humans. Lung volume reduction procedures or transplant remain the options for severe emphysema.
How much does stem cell therapy for COPD cost?
Clinics have charged about $5,000 to $20,000, and patients are often encouraged to return for more. In 2024 a Florida jury found one clinic chain had sold patients deceptive, valueless lung treatments.
Is stem cell therapy FDA approved for COPD?
No. The FDA has not approved any stem cell product for COPD or emphysema. The American Thoracic Society has warned patients about unproven stem cell clinics.
Is stem cell therapy for COPD covered by insurance or Medicare?
No. Because it is unproven, insurers and Medicare do not cover it. Pulmonary rehabilitation, inhalers and oxygen therapy are usually covered.
Related guides
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- All conditions · Types of stem cell treatment · Clinical trials hub
Sources
- A placebo-controlled, randomized trial of mesenchymal stem cells in COPD (Chest, 2013 – PubMed)
- Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapy and Derived Products in COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Cells, 2022)
- American Thoracic Society: Statement on Unproven Stem Cell Interventions for Lung Diseases (2016)
- American Thoracic Society patient information: Stem cell therapy
- Stem cell therapy for COPD: challenges and hope (The Niche)
Last reviewed October 2026. For general information only — not medical advice. We do not endorse any clinic or product. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional. See our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.