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The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 are expected to come into force on Thursday 29th October, at which point licencing of clinics to use new techniques with the aim of preventing mitochondrial diseases could be allowed. All our previous output on this subject can be seen here.
Robert Meadowcroft, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK:
“Women affected by mitochondrial diseases have waited for years for the chance to benefit from this technique. The possibility of motherhood without the fear of passing on a painful and disabling condition is immeasurably precious, and the publication of the licensing conditions by the HFEA brings this one step closer.”
Prof. Doug Turnbull, Professor of Neurology, Newcastle University, said:
“Tomorrow is another important step towards helping couples who want to have healthy children free of mitochondrial disease. We welcome the publication of the licencing conditions by the HFEA, which make it possible for specialised clinics in the UK to apply for a licence to carry out the IVF technique known as mitochondrial donation.
“We are preparing to apply for a licence and we hope to be ready for submission shortly. At the same time, we are working towards securing NHS funding for affected families.”
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/572/introduction/made
Declared interests
Prof. Doug Turnbull: “Prof. Doug Turnbull receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for research into mitochondrial donation techniques.”
None others received