A new type of IVF
A baby has been born in the UK using a new type of IVF. It involves DNA from three people. The baby was conceived using a technique called MDT. This is the first time this technique has been used in the UK.
MDT is a way of preventing children from getting mitochondrial diseases. These are incurable and often fatal conditions. They affect the energy production of cells. The mother passes them down through her mitochondrial DNA.
MDT involves replacing the mother’s faulty mitochondrial DNA with healthy DNA from a donor woman. The baby inherits most of its DNA from two parents, but about 0.1% comes from the donor.
A landmark for UK science
The UK was the first country to legalize MDT in 2015. The fertility regulator, the HFEA, approved the procedure in 2016. It reviews requests for its implementation on a case-by-case basis.
The HFEA confirmed the first baby born using MDT in the UK after a Freedom of Information request. However, the HFEA did not give details about the baby or the parents to protect their privacy.
Scientists at Newcastle University developed the technique. They are licensed to perform MDT for up to 25 couples a year. However, they have not said if they were involved in the first baby’s birth.
A hope for families with mitochondrial diseases
MDT offers hope for families affected by mitochondrial diseases. Unfortunately, they have few options to have healthy children of their own. Some families have lost multiple children to these diseases. They can cause brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure, and blindness.
MDT is not without controversy, however. Some critics say it is unethical to change the genetic makeup of an embryo. In addition, they say it could lead to further genetic modifications. They also question the safety and long-term effects of the technique.
The UK is not the only country where MDT has been used. The first baby born using this technique was to a Jordanian family in Mexico in 2016. The mother had Leigh syndrome, which affects the nervous system.