- Home
- Lily's Story
- Our Inspirations
- About Us
- Events
- Our Friends' Events
- Get Involved
- Loyal Supporters
- Mitochondrial Disease
- Where Your Money Has Gone
- Research Breakthrough
- Center Parcs
- Ways To Donate
- Contact
Research Breakthrough
Major Breakthrough in Mitochondrial Research
Newcastle University has made a huge breakthrough with a process that could prevent transfer of mitochondrial disease through the mother to babies in the womb, meaning they would neither have the disease nor carry it.
Because it involves a process that uses a donor egg in addition to the sperm of the father and the egg of the mother, and is thus a new step in embryonic research, the Government is holding a public consultation on whether this should be allowed or not. Put simply, the nucleus is removed from the fertilised donor egg, leaving the outer part containing healthy mitochondria. The nucleus from the mother’s fertilised egg, containing the embryo's genetic make-up is then placed in the donor egg and it is implanted into the womb using existing IVF techniques.
We believe it is vital that this process be given the go-ahead and The Lily Foundation will be supporting the initiative. More information, including how to get involved in the consultation, can be found by following the links below.
Click here to link to a BBC news piece on the process.
Click here to go directly to the HFEA’s page on the consultation which also has a click through email you can send to register to receive more information and details on how to take part in the consultation process
Click here for a short video from Newcastle with an explanation of the process.
Click here to link to Newcastle University’s page on Professor Doug Turnbull and the current news.
Click here to see the informative Wellcome Trust press release.
Call for Evidence on the Ethical Issues
The Nuffield Council for Bioethics has set up a Working Group to explore the ethical issues raised by mitochondrial donation and is gathering evidence for a report to be published later in the year as a tool to stimulate discussion, deliberation and debate. They welcome evidence from ANYONE, particularly affected families, potential donors, researchers, medical professionals and anyone who has an interest in this area.
The deadline for contributing to this report is FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY
Click here for details of how to contribute to report.
Click here to download the form that must accompany any written submission.
Tweet