How It Works
The technique involves combining DNA from the biological parents with healthy mitochondria from a female donor. The result: babies inherit 99.9% of their DNA from their parents, and 0.1% from the donor, effectively stopping the transmission of defective mitochondria.
Lifesaving Potential
Mitochondrial disorders affect around 1 in 5,000 births and can lead to severe disability or early death. This new method offers hope for families with a history of the disease and could help 20–30 families each year.
Ethical and Scientific First
The UK is the first country to legalise mitochondrial donation, following a 2015 parliamentary vote. Scientists say this success was only possible through collaboration between UK researchers, clinicians, lawmakers, and the NHS.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website.