Eight healthy babies born from three people’s DNA in Britain free of genetic disease

By Admin

17 Jul, 2025

In a groundbreaking moment for reproductive science, eight healthy babies have been born in Britain through an experimental technique that involves the DNA of three individuals  a mother, a father, and a donor. This pioneering method is designed to help mothers with rare mitochondrial diseases avoid passing these often-devastating conditions to their children.

Understanding the Science Behind It

Most of our DNA is housed in the cell’s nucleus and is inherited from both our mother and father. However, a small portion of DNA resides in mitochondria tiny structures outside the nucleus known as the cell’s "powerhouse." Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to serious health issues including muscle weakness, seizures, developmental delays, organ failure, and even early death.

Traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) methods can usually identify these mutations. But in rare and uncertain cases, it becomes difficult to assess the risk. To address this, scientists have developed an advanced technique called mitochondrial donation, which replaces faulty mitochondria with healthy ones from a donor egg.

The Process Explained

The procedure involves removing the nucleus from the mother’s egg or embryo and placing it into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria but has had its own nuclear DNA removed. This results in an embryo containing nuclear DNA from the mother and father, and mitochondrial DNA from a donor a combination that effectively prevents the transmission of mitochondrial disease.

Though this might sound like genetic engineering, experts clarify that the donor’s contribution accounts for less than 1% of the baby’s total DNA and doesn’t influence traits or identity. “If you had a bone marrow transplant from a donor … you will have much more DNA from another person,” explains Robin Lovell-Badge of the Francis Crick Institute.

A Major Milestone

The recent study, published on July 16, 2025, in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved researchers from Newcastle University in Britain and Monash University in Australia. Out of 22 patients treated using the technique, eight have already given birth to healthy babies free of mitochondrial disease, with one more pregnancy ongoing.

Dr. Zev Williams from Columbia University, although not involved in the research, acknowledged the significance of the achievement: “Expanding the range of reproductive options … will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.”

Dr. Andy Greenfield of the University of Oxford hailed the work as “a triumph of scientific innovation,” noting that while this method is not for every patient, it is invaluable for families with no other options to prevent the transmission of these genetic diseases.

Regulation and Global Perspectives

This procedure became legal in the UK following a 2016 law change and is also permitted in Australia. However, in countries like the United States, such techniques remain banned due to ethical concerns and legal restrictions surrounding heritable genetic modifications. Congress has repeatedly barred the FDA from reviewing applications for clinical trials involving such modifications, creating a regulatory impasse.

Despite the criticism and caution, advocates argue the procedure offers a beacon of hope. Every UK couple seeking this treatment must be individually approved by the country’s fertility regulator. As of July 2025, 35 patients have been granted approval.

A Personal Story of Hope

Liz Curtis, who lost her daughter Lily to a mitochondrial disease in 2006, understands the impact of these conditions all too well. After Lily’s tragic death, Curtis founded the Lily Foundation to support affected families and promote research. “It’s super exciting for families that don’t have much hope in their lives,” she said, praising the advancements made at Newcastle University.

While only time will tell how this technique will affect long-term health and policy changes, for now, it marks a hopeful new chapter for families facing the burden of inherited mitochondrial diseases.

Final Thoughts

This innovation doesn't just represent a medical breakthrough; it’s a testament to the power of science in transforming lives. The birth of eight healthy babies from three people's DNA is not just a story about genetics it’s a story of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of solutions to some of medicine’s toughest challenges.