COPD GUIDE

New Treatments for COPD: Where Do We Stand in 2026?

Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

In recent years, genuine innovations have been added to COPD treatment. They include biologic medicines given by injection (dupilumab, mepolizumab). These medicines are for some patients who have frequent flare-ups. These patients have a high eosinophil count in their blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. Ensifentrine, a new medicine, is also one of these innovations. Treatments performed with a bronchoscope have also advanced. A bronchoscope is a tube with a camera at its tip that is passed through the mouth into the airways. In emphysema, lung valves are placed this way. In COPD in which cough and phlegm predominate, balloon treatment is used. Some other methods are still being researched. However, “stem cell treatment for COPD” is not a proven treatment at present.

Innovations in medication

Innovation	Who is it for?	How does it work?
Dupilumab (biologic medicine, by injection)	Patients who have frequent flare-ups despite triple inhaler therapy and who have a high eosinophil count in their blood	Suppresses a specific inflammatory pathway; aims to reduce flare-ups
Mepolizumab (biologic medicine, by injection)	Patients with a high eosinophil count who have frequent flare-ups	Reduces cells called eosinophils; aims to reduce flare-ups
Ensifentrine (medicine used with a nebuliser)	Moderate to severe COPD with persistent symptoms; in addition to current treatment	Has both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory effect
An inhaler that combines three medicines in a single device	Patients who have frequent flare-ups	Makes treatment easier to use; aims to reduce flare-ups

The approval and reimbursement status of these medicines varies by country and by medicine. Ask your doctor.

Bronchoscopic and interventional innovations

Lung valve: This is a method used in emphysema in suitably selected patients. If necessary, the valves can be removed with a bronchoscope. The Karakoca Valve also works on this principle. → Karakoca Valve
Balloon treatment (Karakoca Resector Balloon): This is used in severe chronic bronchitis-type COPD. It aims to open narrowed airways. → COPD balloon treatment
Other methods being researched: Freezing spray, bronchial rheoplasty and disabling the airway nerves. In bronchial rheoplasty, electrical energy is delivered to the airway surface. These methods are being tried for chronic bronchitis and flare-ups. All of them are still at the research stage.
Vapour treatment and coils (endobronchial coils): These are methods being researched in emphysema. They have been studied for some patients in whom a valve is not suitable. Their benefits and risks are weighed up for each person.

Stem cells, exosomes and “cure for COPD” claims

Treatments using stem cells and exosomes (tiny particles released by cells) are at the experimental stage in COPD. Studies have not shown that they benefit patients, and they are not recommended as routine treatment. Advertisements for paid “stem cell cures” have no scientific basis. The same applies to advertisements for “definitive herbal cures”. “I beat COPD” stories on social media do not count as evidence either. → Herbal remedy claims

Highlights of the international guideline (GOLD 2026)

The definition of a flare-up has been updated.
Biologic medicines have become part of treatment for certain patients who have frequent flare-ups.
The RSV (a respiratory virus) vaccine has been added to the list of vaccines.
Choosing treatment according to each person’s type of disease and blood test results has come to the fore.

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Is it suitable for you?

Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.

Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Frequently asked questions

The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.

What are the new medicines for COPD?

New medicines have been approved in recent years. These include biologic medicines given by injection (dupilumab, mepolizumab) and ensifentrine. They are not suitable for every patient. Your doctor will assess this.

Has a cure for COPD been found?

There is no treatment that eliminates the disease. However, there are new options that reduce flare-ups and symptoms.

Can stem cells cure COPD?

Not at present. Stem cell treatments are still at the experimental stage in COPD and are not recommended as routine treatment.

Is balloon treatment new?

No, it is a method that has been used for years. You can find publications about the method on the Scientific publications page.

Which new treatment is suitable for me?

This is determined by assessing your blood test results, how often you have flare-ups, the type of disease you have and your chest CT scan.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.

info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul

REFERENCES

International COPD guideline (GOLD 2026 report); Turkish Thoracic Society COPD Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus Report.

This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.

Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026

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