Cell-Based Therapy for COPD Patients: Benefits, Risks and Expert Insights

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the world’s most debilitating respiratory conditions, making everyday tasks, from walking a short distance to holding a conversation, feel overwhelming. While inhalers, oxygen support and lifestyle changes remain the primary line of treatment, medical science is now exploring more advanced approaches that target the root cause of lung damage. One such breakthrough is cell-based therapy, a regenerative method that is increasingly being viewed as a new ray of hope.

To understand its potential, we reached out to Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder, StemRx Bioscience Solutions Pvt Ltd, who explains how this therapy may transform COPD treatment in the coming years.

What Makes COPD So Challenging to Treat?

COPD leads to long-term and often irreversible damage to the airways and lung tissue. Conditions under its umbrella, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, gradually reduce the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen. Symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, persistent coughing, chest tightness and fatigue worsen over time, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.

Smoking remains the biggest cause, but increasing air pollution, occupational exposure to dust or chemicals and recurring lung infections have significantly contributed to rising cases. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed only after substantial lung damage has already occurred, limiting the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

How Cell-Based Therapy Works

Unlike inhalers and medications that mainly manage symptoms, cell-based therapy focuses on repairing and regenerating damaged lung tissue. According to Dr Mahajan, the therapy typically uses autologous cells—cells derived from the patient’s own body, to stimulate healing from within.

These cells aim to:

• Reduce inflammation in the lungs
• Enhance oxygen exchange
• Improve lung elasticity
• Support regeneration of damaged air sacs
• Slow down further deterioration

Complementary therapies often work alongside cell-based treatment to boost recovery. Techniques such as MDI (Mitochondrial Donation Intervention) help restore cellular energy, while exosomes via nebulisation reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair. L-PRP nebulisation, rich in growth factors, further enhances the healing environment within the lungs.

Together, these approaches create a supportive framework for the lungs to regain lost function.

Cell-Based Therapy Benefits: What Patients Have Experienced

While research is ongoing, several patients have reportedly noticed meaningful improvements after undergoing cell-based therapy. Some have been able to walk longer distances without losing breath, sleep more comfortably at night and reduce their reliance on oxygen support. Families often describe these changes as “getting their loved one back”, highlighting the emotional impact of regained independence.

Dr Mahajan notes that by restoring the body’s natural healing capacity, regenerative medicine aims to help patients breathe with more ease and reclaim a better quality of life—something traditional therapies struggle to achieve on their own.

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Cell-Based Therapy: Are There Risks? What Should Patients Know?

As with any advanced medical treatment, cell-based therapy comes with considerations. Potential risks may include infection, discomfort at the cell extraction site or uncertain outcomes depending on the severity of lung damage. Experts emphasise that therapy must only be conducted at certified medical centres under experienced specialists, and patients should undergo a thorough evaluation before treatment.

Is Cell-Based Therapy the Future of COPD Treatment?

While still evolving, cell-based therapy offers a promising step towards personalised, regenerative treatment for COPD, something that goes beyond symptom management and directly targets lung repair. For many patients, even small improvements can dramatically enhance daily life.

As research expands and clinical evidence strengthens, therapies like these may become a significant part of future COPD care, giving millions a renewed chance to breathe easier.

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