Latest news with #HFEA
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
Designer Genes: Are '3-Parent Babies' The Answer To Hereditary Diseases?
Eight children in the UK have been spared from devastating genetic diseases thanks to a new three-person in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique In a groundbreaking medical advancement that brings hope to families affected by severe hereditary diseases, the United Kingdom has witnessed the birth of eight children through a revolutionary method called Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT). Often referred to as 'three-parent DNA", this technique offers a powerful solution to prevent the transmission of debilitating mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. Mitochondrial diseases are chronic, genetic disorders that occur when mitochondria, the cell's 'powerhouses", fail to produce sufficient energy for the body to function properly. These diseases can lead to a range of debilitating and often fatal symptoms, affecting the brain, heart, muscles, lungs, and kidneys. Since mitochondria contain their own small amount of DNA (mtDNA), inherited exclusively from the mother, women with faulty mitochondrial genes face the distressing possibility of passing these severe conditions to all their children. Maternal Spindle Transfer (MST): This method involves removing the nucleus (which contains the majority of the parents' DNA) from the mother's egg. A donor egg is then taken, and its nucleus is removed, leaving behind healthy cytoplasm containing the donor's mitochondria. The mother's nucleus is inserted into the enucleated donor egg. This reconstructed egg, now containing the mother's nuclear DNA and the donor's healthy mitochondrial DNA, is fertilised with the father's sperm. Pronuclear Transfer (PNT): Conducted after fertilisation, this technique involves fertilising both the mother's egg and a donor egg with the father's sperm, creating two embryos. The pronuclei (which contain the nuclear DNA from both parents) are removed from the fertilised mother's egg (which has faulty mitochondria). These pronuclei are then transferred into the fertilised donor egg, from which its pronuclei have been removed. The resulting embryo, containing the parents' nuclear DNA and the donor's healthy mitochondrial DNA, is implanted into the mother's womb. In both techniques, the resulting embryo inherits approximately 99.8% of its DNA from the biological mother and father and a small fraction (about 0.2%) from the mitochondrial donor. This is why it is called 'three-parent DNA"—the genetic material comes from three individuals, yet the majority of traits, appearance, and characteristics are determined by the primary parents' nuclear DNA. The mitochondrial DNA only carries instructions for the mitochondria, not for other bodily features. The UK became the first country to legalise MDT in 2015, following extensive ethical and scientific reviews. The procedure is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which provides strict guidelines and oversight. The first baby born using MDT in the UK was confirmed in 2016, and the recent announcement of eight children born using this method highlights the cautious and controlled application of this advanced reproductive technology. MDT offers immense hope to families facing the devastating prospect of passing on incurable diseases, such as certain forms of cancer, severe neurological disorders, heart conditions, and muscle weaknesses. It represents a significant advance in reproductive medicine, offering the chance for healthy children where previously there was none. Although still a rare procedure due to its complexity and ethical considerations, its success in the UK marks a pivotal moment in the fight against inherited genetic diseases. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Medical breakthrough in UK! Babies born after IVF using DNA from three people
At least eight babies have been born in the UK using DNA from three people, thanks to a groundbreaking fertility technique designed to stop the passing on of inherited genetic diseases. Known as mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT), the method involves using healthy mitochondria from a donor to replace faulty ones in a mother's egg—preventing serious and often fatal conditions linked to mitochondrial defects, Sky News reported. These babies carry nuclear DNA from their biological mother and father, and a small portion of mitochondrial DNA from a female donor. Early medical follow-ups show no signs of the disorders the treatment aims to prevent, offering hope to families with a history of such illnesses. Mitochondria are tiny structures in cells that produce energy. When they don't work properly, they can lead to severe conditions affecting the brain, muscles, heart and other organs. MDT works by removing the faulty mitochondria in a woman's egg and replacing them with healthy ones from a donor. The mother's nuclear DNA, which makes up most of a person's genes, is kept intact. As a result, the baby inherits DNA from three people: the mother, the father, and the donor woman. However, the donor's contribution is less than 1% of the child's total genetic material. The UK became the first country to approve the use of mitochondrial donation in 2015. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regulates the treatment, and the Newcastle Fertility Centre has led the procedure under strict guidelines. Though some have raised ethical concerns about the idea of 'three-parent babies' and the limits of genetic intervention, many experts argue that the benefits of preventing devastating diseases outweigh these concerns. So far, the babies born through MDT in the UK are healthy and show no signs of mitochondrial disease. Doctors say the early results are 'highly promising', though more long-term monitoring is needed. Families involved in the programme have called the treatment 'life-saving' and expressed deep gratitude. Experts stress that MDT is not a cure for people already affected by mitochondrial conditions, but rather a way to prevent these illnesses in future generations. While the UK leads in allowing and overseeing this treatment, other countries remain cautious. In the US, such procedures are permitted only as part of clinical trials. Scientists around the world are closely watching the UK's results. Many believe that with careful regulation, MDT could become a routine option for families at risk, helping to stop certain genetic diseases before they begin.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
UK's first 3-parent IVF births: 8 healthy babies born; breakthrough in genetic medicine
AI- Representative Image Doctors in the UK have confirmed the birth of eight healthy babies conceived using DNA from three individuals through an IVF technique designed to prevent inherited mitochondrial disorders. The procedure, known as mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT), combines the DNA of the biological mother and father with healthy mitochondrial DNA from a female donor. It is designed to replace faulty mitochondria—the energy-producing structures in cells—with healthy ones from a donor, thereby stopping the transmission of potentially fatal genetic conditions. According to Sky News, this advancement "takes medicine into uncharted territory." The technique was developed to prevent inherited mitochondrial disorders, which affect around 1 in 5, 000 babies and can cause serious issues such as brain damage, muscle failure, blindness, or death. All eight babies born through this technique in the UK are reported to be healthy. The human fertilisation and embryology authority (HFEA), which regulates fertility treatments in the UK, had previously approved the use of MDT on a case-by-case basis. The Guardian quoted scientists saying, "This is not about creating designer babies. It's a way to prevent devastating illnesses." They also noted that long-term follow-up is still required to fully assess the safety and effectiveness of the method. Meanwhile, NPR highlighted that the first baby born using this approach was in Mexico in 2016. The UK is the first country to officially legalise the technique under regulatory supervision. While promising, experts remain cautious. 'There's still much to learn,' one researcher told NPR, adding that "monitoring these children over time is essential."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Three-parent babies born in UK: Milestone shows success in preventing hereditary diseases
A fertility technique has led to the birth of at least eight babies in the UK with DNA from three individuals, marking a major milestone in the fight against inherited genetic diseases. Known as mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT), this pioneering method was developed to prevent mothers from passing on faulty mitochondrial genes that can cause severe and often fatal conditions. The babies carry nuclear DNA from their biological mother and father, and a small amount of healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor woman. Early results from clinical follow-ups show no evidence of the mitochondrial disorders the technique is meant to prevent, offering renewed hope to families with a history of these inherited illnesses. How the three-parent baby technique works Mitochondrial donation treatment involves replacing defective mitochondria in a woman's egg with healthy mitochondria from a donor. Mitochondria are the energy-producing components of cells, and faulty ones can lead to devastating disorders affecting the brain, muscles, heart, and other organs. In MDT, the mother's nuclear DNA, which carries the vast majority of genetic traits, is retained, while the faulty mitochondria are swapped out with healthy ones from a donor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This results in a child with DNA from three people: the mother, the father, and a mitochondrial donor. Regulatory approval and ethical considerations The UK became the first country to legalize the use of mitochondrial donation in 2015, with treatments overseen by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The Newcastle Fertility Centre, a leader in MDT, has carried out the procedures under tightly controlled conditions. Although the DNA contribution from the donor accounts for less than 1 percent of the child's genetic makeup, the treatment has sparked ethical debates about the boundaries of genetic modification and the implications of three-parent babies. Nonetheless, supporters argue the potential to eliminate life-threatening diseases justifies its cautious use. Early results and family outcomes So far, at least eight babies have been born in the UK using MDT, and early monitoring shows they are free from mitochondrial diseases. These results are considered highly promising, though long-term follow-up is still needed to confirm the stability of the treatment. Families who participated in the program have expressed relief and gratitude, with some calling the births life-saving. Researchers note that while the technique is not a cure for existing patients, it offers a preventative path for future generations. Global perspective and future applications While the UK has led in regulating and applying mitochondrial donation, other countries are watching closely. The United States allows such procedures only in clinical trials, and public debate continues around the safety and ethics of germline modifications. Scientists are cautiously optimistic that success in the UK will encourage broader, carefully regulated use of the technology in high-risk cases. With further refinement, MDT could become a standard option for families with a history of mitochondrial disease, opening the door to a future where certain genetic conditions can be safely and permanently prevented.
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
More than half of Gen Z women in Edinburgh have considered freezing their eggs
Huge numbers of young women have considered freezing their eggs so they can have babies later in life, research has shown. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As egg and embryo freezing figures soar across the UK, so the age of potential candidates is dropping, says TFP Fertility. The move was once seen as a decision for women in their 30s, but the clinic's research shows it is now firmly on the radar of Gen Z women aged between 18 and 28. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their study found more than half (56%) of women in this age group have considered freezing their eggs, demonstrating a shift in attitudes towards fertility and future planning. Your World Some 56% of women aged 18 to 28 have considered freezing their eggs to protect their fertility. This change in outlook is mirrored by wider national trends, data shows. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) figures, egg and embryo freezing are the fastest growing fertility treatments in Britain, with a 121% increase in egg freezing cycles from 2018 to 2022. The uptake has soared even further among the Gen Z demographic, with a 153% increase over the same period. For them, egg freezing is not just a backup plan, it's part of a proactive approach to protect future options and take control through long-term life planning, say TFP experts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their research revealed fear of infertility in later life (59%) was the number one reason for the upward trend, while wanting to be more financially prepared (49%) and desire to be more emotionally ready for parenthood (35%) were also among the top motivators. Social media – in particular TikTok – has helped normalise conversations around fertility, experts say, with hashtags like #eggfreezing and #fertilityjourney racking up millions of views. Dr Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility, said: 'We're seeing a generational shift in egg freezing. Gen Z women are increasingly aware of their fertility window, but also of the social, financial and environmental pressures they face. 'While fertility education is improving, stigma is also decreasing, and young women are becoming more empowered to explore their fertility options. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The data from HFEA shows that since 2008, the number of people freezing their eggs has increased by 1600%, allowing women the chance to focus on what matters in the moment, without sacrificing the opportunity to have a family later in life.'
