Previous studies have shown the process is technically feasible in abnormally fertilised human eggs, yet they have had limited capacity for onward development.
However, a new study reveals a new technique called “early pronuclear transfer” does not negatively affect onward development and will greatly reduce the level of faulty mitochondria in embryos. The study, which involved more than 500 eggs from 64 donor women, is published in Nature journal.
Study lead author Professor Mary Herbert, from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, said: “Having overcome significant technical and biological challenges, we are optimistic that the technique we have developed will offer affected women the possibility of reducing the risk of transmitting mitochondrial DNA disease to their children.”
@Agency report.