COPD Stem Cell Therapy

Struggling with COPD?  A Regenerative Approach to Lung Health

If you're living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chances are you've already tried a wide range of treatments. Inhalers, corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and even antibiotics or surgery. And while these approaches can offer temporary relief, patients may still experience persistent symptoms, declining respiratory capacity, or repeated exacerbations despite their best efforts. This can be frustrating, especially when conventional therapies have been exhausted or provide only partial relief.

In these situations, it is natural to ask whether additional therapeutic approaches exist that can support the lungs more fundamentally. Approaches that go beyond symptom suppression and aim to influence the biological environment within the lungs themselves.

At Biostem Health, we understand what it feels like to live with a condition that never gives you a break. We believe every patient deserves options that reflect not just the limitations of the disease, but the potential of the body.

Stem cell therapy is not a cure for COPD. But for some individuals, it may offer an additional pathway to relief, one that supports the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate inflammation. In this guide, you’ll learn how stem cell therapy works, what the research says, who may benefit, and what the process looks like here at Biostem Health.

Understanding COPD: A Brief Overview

COPD is a progressive condition that restricts airflow and impairs lung function. It encompasses two main types:

• Chronic bronchitis, involving inflammation and mucus buildup in the bronchial tubes
• Emphysema, marked by damage to the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs

As COPD advances, the lungs become less efficient at exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. This can lead to:

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue and low energy
• Reduced physical activity
• Decline in overall quality of life

Most therapies aim to reduce symptoms or slow the disease's progression. But few treatments address the underlying damage to the lungs. This is where stem cell therapy may offer a different kind of support.

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What Is Stem Cell Therapy for COPD?

Stem cell therapy is an investigational treatment that aims to harness the body’s own repair mechanisms. At Biostem Health, we use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — adult stem cells that are naturally found in places like bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and umbilical cord tissue.

These cells are not designed to become lung cells. Instead, they work by releasing hundreds of biological signals that help:

• Calm chronic inflammation in the lungs
• Support healthy immune function
• Regulate fibrosis (scarring)
• Promote tissue stabilization and repair
• Improve blood flow in lung microvessels

This approach doesn’t replace conventional care. Rather, it aims to create a more favorable healing environment inside the lungs, which may reduce the frequency of exacerbations and support improved breathing capacity over time.

How Stem Cells May Help in COPD

Mesenchymal stem cells are often described as the "medic" cells of the body. They travel to sites of inflammation or injury and release signaling molecules (called cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes) that coordinate healing and reduce immune overactivity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) support healing through a variety of biological mechanisms. Here's how they may benefit people with COPD:

• They reduce inflammation.
  MSCs release anti-inflammatory molecules like IL-10 and TGF-β, which help calm overactive immune responses that contribute to airway irritation and damage.
• They modulate the immune system.
  These cells regulate immune activity, helping prevent the kinds of immune flare-ups (such as macrophage or T-cell overactivation) that worsen symptoms and trigger exacerbations.
• They help reduce fibrosis.
  MSCs secrete factors that inhibit fibroblast overactivity and limit excess collagen buildup, potentially slowing the progression of scarring in lung tissues.
• They support alveolar repair.
  MSCs play a role in supporting type II alveolar cells, which are essential for regenerating the lung’s inner lining and maintaining healthy gas exchange.
• They improve microcirculation.
  Through the release of VEGF and HGF, MSCs help promote the growth of new blood vessels, improving oxygen delivery to damaged areas of the lung.
• They may donate healthy mitochondria.
  Some studies suggest that MSCs can transfer functional mitochondria to stressed or damaged lung cells, boosting their energy production and cellular function.

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These functions are not speculative — they have been observed in numerous laboratory and preclinical studies. What varies from person to person is how much improvement they experience, and how long those improvements last.

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What Does the Research Say?

Stem cell therapy for COPD is an area of ongoing research. Several early-phase studies have shown that MSCs can be administered safely, with some trials reporting improved quality of life, increased six-minute walk distances, and fewer acute exacerbations.

For example:

• A 2023 pilot study using umbilical cord-derived MSCs reported a statistically significant reduction in inflammation markers and hospital admissions.
• Animal models have demonstrated that MSCs may help restore lung elasticity and reduce fibrosis.

It is important to note that while these findings are encouraging, stem cell therapy for COPD remains investigational and is not yet considered a standard of care.

The Treatment Process at Biostem Health

Our treatment protocols are guided by clinical evidence and personalized to each patient's condition. Here is what you can expect:

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

• Review of medical history and imaging
• Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
• Clinical consultation with Dr. Maria Quiroz

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan

• Cell source: Typically allogeneic umbilical cord-derived MSCs
• Delivery method: Intravenous (IV) infusion and/or nebulized inhalation

Step 3: Stem Cell Infusion Day

• Outpatient visit to our Sayulita clinic
• Treatment takes 1.5 to 3 hours
• Comfortable and monitored environment

Step 4: Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Check-ins at 1, 3, and 6 months
• Optional booster treatments after 6–12 months, if indicated

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Potential Benefits and Patient Experiences

While results vary, some patients have reported the following after receiving stem cell therapy for COPD:

• Easier breathing with less effort
• Increased energy and stamina
• Fewer respiratory infections or hospital visits
• Reduced need for supplemental oxygen

It is essential to have realistic expectations. Stem cell therapy is not a cure, but it may offer functional improvements and a better quality of life in select patients.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be eligible for stem cell therapy if you:

• Have a confirmed COPD diagnosis (moderate to severe)
• Are in stable condition (not in an active infection or hospitalization)
• Are seeking alternatives or complements to conventional therapy
• Are medically fit for outpatient treatment

Certain individuals may not qualify, such as those with:

• Uncontrolled infections
• Active cancer
• Severe cardiovascular instability

Dr. Quiroz will evaluate your individual case carefully and provide honest, science-based recommendations.

How Stem Cell Therapy Compares to Standard COPD Treatments

When evaluating treatment options for COPD, it’s important to understand how stem cell therapy fits alongside conventional methods:

• Inhalers are typically the first line of defense. They work to open the airways and reduce shortness of breath. These treatments are low in invasiveness but provide only short-term symptom control.
• Steroids, whether oral or inhaled, help reduce inflammation in the lungs. They can be moderately invasive and may offer relief for weeks to months. However, their long-term use is often limited by side effects.
• Oxygen therapy increases oxygen availability to the body. It is device-dependent, continuous, and helps maintain oxygenation but does not treat the underlying inflammation or tissue damage.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on improving stamina, lung efficiency, and physical strength. It is a low-risk, supportive approach that may improve quality of life but doesn’t directly target the biological processes of COPD.
• Stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that aims to modulate inflammation, reduce fibrosis, and support lung repair from the inside out. While still considered investigational, its effects may last months or even years in certain patients — potentially complementing or enhancing standard care.

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Cost and What It Includes

Stem cell therapy for COPD is offered as a complete care package. Costs typically range from $9,000 to $12,000 USD, depending on the complexity of the protocol.

Your package may include:

• Initial consultation and evaluation
• Stem cell preparation and infusion
• Post-treatment monitoring and support

Payment plans may be available. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide you with a clear estimate before any decisions are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this therapy safe?
Yes. MSCs have been shown in numerous trials to be safe and well-tolerated. All stem cells used at our clinic are rigorously screened and processed under COFEPRIS-compliant conditions.

Will this cure my COPD?
No. Stem cell therapy is not a cure. It may, however, offer symptom improvement and help slow progression in some individuals.

When will I feel results?
Some patients report improvement within 1–3 months, while others notice gradual benefits over 6 months. Results vary.

Can I continue my medications?
Yes. Stem cell therapy is designed to complement, not replace, your current treatment plan.

Will I need more than one treatment?
A single infusion may provide benefit, but additional treatments can be considered based on your progress and clinical goals.

A Message from Dr. Maria Quiroz

“Every patient deserves to breathe freely and live with dignity. At Biostem Health, we focus on treatments that are grounded in science, delivered with empathy, and tailored to your unique health journey. Stem cell therapy is not for everyone, but for the right patient, it may offer real and measurable support. If you have COPD and are exploring your options, let’s start with a conversation.”

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to explore whether stem cell therapy may help with your COPD, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with Dr Quiroz and team. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you with honesty, care, and expertise.