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.
A Future Without Mitochondrial Disease?
While not a cure, this breakthrough offers families the chance to break the cycle of inherited illness—and provides future generations with a path to a healthier life.
Our professor of Mitochondrial genetics speaks
Prof Jo Poulton, a leading expert in mitochondrial genetics, has long contributed to advancing our understanding of these diseases and potential treatments. She spoke on the BBC as the news broke about the births.
Watch the video below and read the BBC article to learn more: