Updated: Aug 25
Medically reviewed by ChinaCureLink Team
Table of Contents |
Patients researching knee osteoarthritis may encounter umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) injection therapy as an emerging treatment option. In China, this therapy is currently available through Hainan's Boao Lecheng pilot-zone 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.
Knee osteoarthritis stem cell treatment using umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) is listed as an innovative treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis. The treatment involves a local injection into the knee joint cavity. Individual suitability must be determined by an attending physician.
Key Takeaways |
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What Is Umbilical Cord MSC Injection Therapy?
Umbilical cord MSC injection therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue. For knee osteoarthritis, the cells are administered locally by injection into the joint cavity.
The treatment is intended for patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis who are being assessed for this specific medical-access pathway. Clinical evidence for MSC-based approaches remains under evaluation, so access to the therapy should not be interpreted as proof of effectiveness or a guarantee of an individual result.
Is Umbilical Cord MSC Injection Therapy Available in China?
Yes. The therapy is included in the first batch of biomedical new-technology listings under the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, with a 2025 registration year and low-risk classification.
This is a supervised medical-access pathway within the designated pilot zone. It should not be described as nationwide approval or general availability throughout mainland China. Patients also remain subject to medical assessment before treatment.
Where Is This Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Offered?
The treatment is offered at Hainan Diwan Hospital / Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ruijin Hospital Hainan Hospital (Hainan Boao Research Hospital).
Technical support is provided by Shanghai Aisal Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The cell type used is umbilical cord-derived MSCs, and administration is by local injection into the joint cavity.
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility is centered on moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Suitability is determined through a face-to-face evaluation that considers medical imaging, the condition of the knee joint, and the patient's overall health.
These criteria are not intended for self-diagnosis. A patient's medical history and current condition need to be reviewed by the treating team before treatment can be considered. Final eligibility is determined by the treating medical team after a face-to-face consultation and review of the patient's medical condition.
How Much Does It Cost?
The estimated cost is ¥36,500 (approximately US$5,400) per dose. The USD figure uses a reference exchange rate of about ¥6.72 per US$1.
The quoted treatment price does not necessarily include consultation, hospitalization, translation or coordination, or travel expenses. 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 with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, access to a supervised medical pathway for UC-MSC injection therapy may provide another option to discuss with qualified specialists.
The key consideration is whether the treatment is medically appropriate for the individual patient, rather than simply whether it is available. Patients may wish to review their imaging, diagnosis, medical history, alternatives, expected procedure, potential risks, and costs with the treating medical team before deciding whether to pursue treatment in China.
How ChinaCureLink Can Help International Patient to Get Access to This Treatment
We help international patients explore available treatment options and facilitate communication with appropriate medical specialists. 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.
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 umbilical cord MSC therapy for knee osteoarthritis available in China?
Yes. It is available through the Hainan Boao Lecheng pilot-zone pathway at the designated hospital, subject to medical assessment. This pathway does not represent nationwide approval.
How much does UC-MSC injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis cost in China?
The estimated cost is ¥36,500 (approximately US$5,400) per dose. Final pricing and what the fee covers should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
Who may qualify for UC-MSC injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis?
The stated eligibility group is patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Suitability is assessed using imaging, joint condition, and overall health. Final eligibility is determined by the treating medical team.
Can international patients explore this treatment in Hainan?
Yes. International patients can explore the treatment through the designated medical-access pathway, but they must undergo medical evaluation and should confirm current availability and eligibility with the treating hospital before travel.
About ChinaCureLink
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References and Further Reading
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone — Hainan Provincial Government: Official background on the pilot zone, its medical-access framework, international-patient services, and medical innovation policies. Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone — Hainan Provincial Government
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone — Hainan Free Trade Port: Official information on the pilot zone's medical-technology access policies and healthcare services. Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone — Hainan Free Trade Port
Implementation Plan for Supporting the Development of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone — National Development and Reform Commission: Official Chinese government policy information concerning the development and regulatory framework of the pilot zone. National Development and Reform Commission — Boao Lecheng Implementation Plan
Lecheng International Medical Tourism Service Center — Hainan Provincial Government: Official information on the international-patient service infrastructure established in Lecheng in 2026. Lecheng International Medical Tourism Service Center
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.
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