UK will be groundbreaker if proposed regulations for mitochondrial donation are adopted, MPs hear

Proposed regulations in the United Kingdom to allow novel techniques for preventing serious mitochondrial disease would be groundbreaking across the world if adopted, MPs have been told at an evidence session of the parliamentary science and technology committee for its inquiry into mitochondrial donation.

Mitochondrial disease is passed from mother to child through faults in the mitochondrial DNA. One in 6500 children is estimated to be born in the UK every year with a serious mitochondrial DNA disorder, which can cause premature death, long term ill health, and low quality of life.

Earlier this year the …