{"id":2011,"date":"2026-08-01T15:32:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T07:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/?p=2011"},"modified":"2026-08-01T16:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T08:33:00","slug":"new-stem-cell-hope-for-cirrhosis-at-lecheng-maisel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/new-stem-cell-hope-for-cirrhosis-at-lecheng-maisel\/","title":{"rendered":"New Stem Cell Hope for Cirrhosis at Lecheng Maisel"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
As a service coordinator based in the Lecheng Medical Pilot Zone, I work with patients from across China and abroad who are seeking advanced therapies not yet widely available elsewhere. Since September 2025, when Hainan’s Lecheng Medical Products and Administration Bureau granted conditional approval for the clinical use of VUM02\u2014a human umbilical cord\u2011derived mesenchymal stem cell product\u2014for liver cirrhosis, a growing number of patients have been inquiring about this option. Hainan Maisel International Hospital (Lecheng Maisel) is the designated site for this therapy, and our team has been assisting eligible patients through the entire process, from initial screening to post\u2011treatment follow\u2011up.<\/p>\n

This article provides a factual, objective overview of the VUM02 therapy, the clinical rationale behind it, the treatment pathway, and the practical aspects of accessing it at Lecheng Maisel. The information is drawn directly from the hospital’s official patient materials, the regulatory approval documentation, and peer\u2011reviewed studies\u2014most notably the dose\u2011escalation trial led by Academician Wang Fusheng’s group, published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy<\/em>. We aim to present clear, actionable information without overstatement.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Clinical Context: Liver Cirrhosis and Unmet Need<\/h2><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Cirrhosis is the end\u2011stage result of chronic liver injury from causes such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or metabolic disorders. In China, the annual incidence is approximately 17 per 100,000 population, and mortality rates among urban males aged 50\u201360 reach 112 deaths per 100,000. Once a patient progresses to decompensated cirrhosis\u2014characterised by ascites, variceal bleeding, jaundice, or hepatic encephalopathy\u2014the 5\u2011year survival rate falls to between 19% and 35%. Conventional treatments (antivirals, diuretics, endoscopic interventions) manage complications but do not reverse fibrosis or restore liver function. Liver transplantation remains the only curative option, but donor shortages and high costs limit its accessibility to fewer than 1% of patients.<\/p>\n

\"liver<\/p>\n

This background explains the strong interest in regenerative approaches. Stem cell therapy, particularly with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), has been investigated for over a decade, and the accumulated evidence now supports its potential to modulate inflammation, reduce fibrogenesis, and support endogenous hepatocyte regeneration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

VUM02: Product Characteristics and Mechanism of Action<\/h2><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

VUM02 is a cryopreserved, off\u2011the\u2011shelf product manufactured from human umbilical cord tissue. Each infusion contains 1.5 \u00d7 10\u2078 viable MSCs, and a complete course comprises three intravenous infusions given one week apart. The product is produced under strict quality controls in a GMP\u2011compliant facility, ensuring batch\u2011to\u2011batch consistency.<\/p>\n

\"MSC<\/p>\n

The therapeutic effect is achieved through three interconnected mechanisms, as described in the hospital’s scientific literature:<\/p>\n

\n
\u2460 Homing<\/strong>MSCs naturally migrate to sites of liver injury, guided by chemoattractant signals released by damaged tissue.<\/div>\n
\u2461 Paracrine modulation<\/strong>Once engrafted, the cells secrete anti\u2011inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes that dampen immune\u2011mediated damage and promote a regenerative microenvironment.<\/div>\n
\u2462 Self\u2011repair enhancement<\/strong>Rather than directly forming new liver cells, MSCs activate the liver’s own progenitor cells and stimulate the resolution of fibrous scar tissue.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

It is important to note that VUM02 is not intended to replace the liver or to restore full function immediately. The goal is to slow disease progression, improve biochemical parameters, reduce complications, and potentially delay the need for transplantation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Clinical Evidence and Outcomes<\/h2><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The most robust clinical data supporting VUM02 come from the phase Ia\/Ib dose\u2011escalation study by Wang Fusheng et al., published in 2024. This study enrolled 24 patients with decompensated cirrhosis and demonstrated acceptable safety (no serious adverse events attributable to the cells) and significant immunological changes consistent with reduced inflammation and improved liver function. Earlier meta\u2011analyses of MSC therapy for cirrhosis have reported overall improvement rates as high as 88.9%, though these figures are composite and should be interpreted with caution.<\/p>\n

In the Lecheng Maisel program, real\u2011world monitoring is being conducted through structured follow\u2011up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post\u2011treatment, with longer\u2011term tracking planned. The hospital has reported that most patients experience stable or improved Child\u2011Pugh scores and reduced ascites requirements, but specific aggregate data are still being collected.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Patient Selection: Who Qualifies?<\/h2><\/div>
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\n

To ensure safety and maximise benefit, VUM02 is indicated only for patients who meet strict criteria. These are based on the regulatory approval and the hospital’s clinical protocol. The main inclusion and exclusion criteria are summarised below:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Inclusion:<\/strong> Diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis (Child\u2011Pugh class B or C); age 18\u201375 years; documented failure of standard medical therapy; willingness to comply with follow\u2011up.<\/li>\n
  • Exclusion:<\/strong> Hepatocellular carcinoma or other malignancy; severe cardiopulmonary disease; active infection; pregnancy; history of organ transplantation; significant encephalopathy; or uncontrolled comorbidities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \"Child-Pugh<\/p>\n

    All candidates undergo a comprehensive pre\u2011treatment assessment at Lecheng Maisel, including laboratory tests, imaging, and a hepatology consultation, to confirm eligibility.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Treatment Pathway and Practical Support<\/h2><\/div>
    <\/div>
    \n

    The treatment pathway is designed to be straightforward and patient\u2011friendly:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Remote consultation and record review<\/strong> \u2013 Patients submit medical history, imaging, and recent laboratory results for preliminary screening.<\/li>\n
    2. On\u2011site evaluation<\/strong> \u2013 A 1\u20112 day outpatient workup at Lecheng Maisel, including blood tests, ultrasound, and specialist consultation.<\/li>\n
    3. Informed consent and scheduling<\/strong> \u2013 If eligible, the patient signs consent and receives a treatment calendar (three infusions, each separated by 7 days).<\/li>\n
    4. Infusion sessions<\/strong> \u2013 Each session lasts about 1 hour, with an additional 1\u2011hour observation period. No hospitalisation is required.<\/li>\n
    5. Post\u2011treatment monitoring<\/strong> \u2013 Follow\u2011up visits at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, with continued support via telemedicine.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      From a service perspective, our team assists with travel arrangements, accommodation, translation, and appointment scheduling to ensure a smooth experience, particularly for patients coming from other provinces or countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

      Transparent Cost Structure<\/h2><\/div>
      <\/div>
      \n

      The pricing for VUM02 therapy has been publicly disclosed by Lecheng Maisel Hospital. It is a fixed fee per infusion, and the full course is priced as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Treatment Component<\/th>\nCost (RMB)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Single infusion (1.5 \u00d7 10\u2078 cells)<\/td>\n\u00a5150,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Full course (3 infusions)<\/td>\n\u00a5450,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      This fee covers the cell product, medical procedures, and hospital services. It does not include travel, accommodation, or ancillary medications. The hospital offers detailed cost breakdowns during the consent process, and our service team can provide estimates for the total package.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

      Regulatory and Safety Considerations<\/h2><\/div>
      <\/div>
      \n

      VUM02 is approved conditionally by the Lecheng authorities as part of the “pilot zone” policy, which allows accelerated access to novel therapies while requiring ongoing real\u2011world data collection. The product has passed rigorous sterility, potency, and identity testing. To date, no tumour formation or severe immune reactions have been reported in treated patients, consistent with the established safety profile of umbilical cord\u2011derived MSCs.<\/p>\n

      It is essential to recognise that this is a supplemental therapy, not a substitute for standard care. Patients are advised to continue their prescribed medications (e.g., antiviral therapy, diuretics) and to maintain regular follow\u2011up with their hepatologist.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

      A Practical Perspective from a Service Provider<\/h2><\/div>
      <\/div>
      Having accompanied numerous patients through the evaluation and treatment process at Lecheng Maisel, I can share that the most common feedback relates to the clarity of the protocol and the professionalism of the clinical team. Patients appreciate the detailed informed consent, the availability of English and Chinese materials, and the seamless coordination between departments.<\/p>\n

      However, we also encounter realistic expectations: many patients understand that this therapy is not a cure but a potential bridge to better quality of life and possibly to transplant eligibility. The decision to pursue VUM02 should be made in consultation with the patient’s primary hepatologist, weighing the costs and benefits against alternative options.<\/p>\n

      In summary, Lecheng Maisel’s VUM02 therapy represents a carefully regulated, evidence\u2011based option for patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have exhausted conventional treatments. While longer\u2011term data are still accruing, the current clinical evidence and regulatory framework provide a solid foundation for informed decision\u2011making.<\/p>\n

      \n

      “The value of stem cell therapy for cirrhosis lies not in instant resolution, but in the possibility of rewriting the disease trajectory.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      \n

      Disclosure:<\/strong> The author works for a medical tourism service provider that assists patients in accessing treatments at Lecheng Maisel Hospital. This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Patients are strongly encouraged to consult their own physicians before making any treatment decisions.<\/em><\/p>\n

      \u53c2\u8003\uff1a<\/strong> All clinical and product information is based on official materials from Lecheng Maisel International Hospital, the Lecheng Medical Products and Administration Bureau approval notice, and the published study by Wang Fusheng et al. in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.<\/em><\/div><\/div><\/div>

      <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Discover VUM02 stem cell therapy for decompensated cirrhosis at Lecheng Maisel. Evidence\u2011based, off\u2011the\u2011shelf, and now available. Learn costs, mechanisms, and who qualifies.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[389,387,80,118,388],"class_list":["post-2011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-research","category-therapy","tag-lecheng-maisel","tag-liver-cirrhosis","tag-mesenchymal-stem-cells","tag-stem-cell-therapy","tag-vum02"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2011"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2017,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2011\/revisions\/2017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lechengmedical.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}