Avoiding transfer of mitochondrial diseases

In April 2010, researchers at the University of Newcastle developed techniques to avoid diseased mitochondria being passed from a mother to her children. This research is at the stage where it needs to be tested in humans. To enable this, new regulations are needed to allow the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to issue a licence for such techniques to be used therapeutically.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the cell's 'batteries'. The information required to create these 'batteries' is known as the mitochondrial DNA, and this DNA can sometimes mutate. These mutations are passed from mother to child and can result in mitochondrial diseases. These diseases can cause fatal liver failure, stroke-like episodes, blindness, muscular dystrophy, diabetes and deafness, and affect around one child in 6500.

The amendments introduced through the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (2008) envisaged the development of such techniques and provided the Secretary of State with the power to amend regulations to enable the HFEA to issue licences for these therapies. If these licences are issued, researchers will be able to undertake trials in humans that could ultimately lead to women with mitochondrial diseases being able to choose to conceive healthy babies, free from mitochondrial diseases. The HFEA is considering the efficacy and safety of the technique for trials in humans.

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