Updated: Oct 20
Medically reviewed by ChinaCureLink Team
Table of Content
Introduction
Patients researching chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may encounter airway basal stem cell therapy as an emerging treatment option. In China, this therapy is currently available through the Hainan Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone's supervised medical-access pathway. This guide explains what the treatment is, who may be considered, its estimated cost, and what international patients should know before pursuing it.
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What Is Airway Basal Stem Cell Therapy for COPD?
Airway basal stem cells are cells associated with the regeneration of airway tissue. This treatment uses the patient's own airway basal stem cells. The cells are collected, expanded outside the body in a laboratory, and then reinjected into the lungs in a single administration.
The approach is intended to provide a repair-focused treatment pathway for patients with COPD whose needs extend beyond standard management. Clinical research into airway basal stem cells remains under evaluation, so access through a supervised pilot pathway should not be interpreted as proof of treatment effectiveness.
Is Airway Basal Stem Cell Therapy for COPD Available in China?
Yes. Airway basal stem cell therapy for COPD is included in the Hainan Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone's first batch of approved biomedical new-technology projects.
This provides a specific medical-access pathway in Hainan rather than general nationwide approval. Projects within the Lecheng pathway undergo review before authorized hospitals provide them. Treatment remains subject to medical assessment and the applicable access requirements.
Where Is the Treatment Offered?
The treatment is offered at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ruijin Hospital Hainan Hospital (Hainan Boao Research Hospital) in Hainan.
Technical support is provided by Suzhou Jimerris Medical Technology Co., Ltd. The treatment uses the patient's own autologous airway basal stem cells, which are expanded in vitro before reinjection into the lungs.
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility applies to COPD patients requiring repairing services beyond standard care, including:
Smoking cessation support or quitting smoking
Medication
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Patients whose condition continues to require additional management despite these standard-care measures may be considered for physician assessment.
These criteria do not establish individual eligibility. Final eligibility is determined by the treating medical team after a face-to-face consultation.
How Much Does It Cost?
The estimated cost is ¥150,000 (approximately US$22,300) per session, with a single administration. The USD figure uses an exchange-rate basis of about ¥6.72 per US$1.
The stated treatment price does not necessarily include consultation, hospitalization, translation or coordination, or travel. Patients should confirm the full scope of costs and final pricing directly with the hospital before making travel arrangements.
Why International Patients May Consider This Option
For some international patients, access to an emerging therapy through a supervised medical-access pathway may provide another option to discuss with qualified specialists, particularly when standard COPD management continues to require additional care.
The Hainan Lecheng pathway gives eligible international patients a way to explore this treatment in a designated hospital setting. Patients should evaluate the available evidence, potential benefits and risks, alternatives, eligibility requirements, and practical costs with qualified physicians rather than treating pilot-zone availability as evidence of a guaranteed outcome.
How ChinaCureLink Can Help Patients Access This Treatment
We help international patients explore available treatment options and facilitate communication with appropriate medical specialists for airway basal stem cell therapy for COPD in China. Patients should discuss potential benefits, risks, eligibility, and alternatives directly with qualified physicians. ChinaCureLink does not represent or endorse the treatment technology, manufacturer, or hospital.
Case review: We collect relevant medical history and COPD-management records to help determine whether a case is appropriate for physician review.
Hospital coordination: We help connect patients with the treating team at 2-3 Eligible Hospitals in for an initial assessment.
Online consultation before travel: Patients can discuss potential eligibility, the procedure, and expected next steps with the medical team remotely before committing to international travel.
Coordination support: Depending on the case, this can include translation assistance, appointment scheduling, and logistics coordination.
Considering This Treatment in China?
Before planning travel, speak with a qualified specialist to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your condition and whether you meet the medical eligibility requirements.
ChinaCureLink can help international patients arrange a specialist review and explore the treatment pathway in China. Request a Medical Review / Speak With a Specialist.
Get a Second Opinion Before Fly to China
For suitable cases, ChinaCureLink can then coordinate an online consultation with the specialist to discuss the technical treatment details directly. The purpose is to help the patient understand which treatment option and which specialist center may be most appropriate before making an international treatment decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is airway basal stem cell therapy for COPD available in China?
Yes. It is available through the Hainan Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone's approved-project pathway at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ruijin Hospital Hainan Hospital. This is a specific pilot-zone access pathway, not nationwide approval.
How much does airway basal stem cell therapy cost in China?
The estimated cost is ¥150,000 (approximately US$22,300) per session, with a single administration. Patients should confirm the final price and what it covers with the hospital.
Who may qualify for airway basal stem cell therapy for COPD?
COPD patients requiring repairing services beyond standard care, including smoking cessation, medication, and rehabilitation, may be considered. Final eligibility is determined by the treating medical team after a face-to-face consultation.
Can international patients receive this treatment in China?
International patients may explore the treatment through the Hainan Boao Lecheng pathway, subject to medical assessment and eligibility requirements. A specialist consultation should take place before travel.
About ChinaCureLink
ChinaCureLink helps patients across the world access the best cancer treatment at China's top hospitals, without the delays, language barriers, and administrative confusion that typically come with seeking care abroad.
We connect patients directly with China's top cancer hospitals, ensuring that from the first case submission through to treatment and follow-up, every step is guided, translated, and coordinated by a team experienced in cross-border patient care.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or financial advice. Treatment eligibility, protocols, and costs vary by individual case — confirm specifics with a coordinator and treating physician before making any decisions.
