Landmark Success for Mitochondrial Donation: A Milestone for Families Worldwide

17 Jul, 2025

The birth of eight healthy babies in the UK through mitochondrial donation (also known as Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy) has been officially reported in the New England Journal of Medicine — a breakthrough that marks a new era of hope for families impacted by maternally inherited mitochondrial diseases.

Mitochondrial donation is a pioneering IVF technique that enables women with certain types of mitochondrial disease to have genetically related children without passing on the condition. This achievement is not only a scientific milestone; it is a deeply human one, restoring hope to families who have faced the devastating consequences of mitochondrial disease.

A Triumph of Science and Advocacy

We warmly congratulate the remarkable teams in Newcastle, UK, whose tireless research and clinical leadership made this moment possible — including Professor Bobby McFarland, Professor Sir Doug Turnbull, and their colleagues at Newcastle University and the Newcastle Fertility Centre. Their decades of work have brought the promise of mitochondrial donation into reality.

Equally, this success would not have been possible without the unwavering advocacy of The Lily Foundation, led by Liz Curtis MBE. Their persistence in campaigning for legal reform in the UK, and in supporting families and researchers throughout the journey, has been instrumental in making this treatment accessible. These eight healthy children are a testament to their
extraordinary impact.

Inspired by the UK’s progress, Mito Foundation in Australia worked for many years to introduce similar legislation. Their efforts were rewarded, and legislation was changed to allow Australian families access to this life-changing technique.

A Global Turning Point

We applaud the courage of the families involved, and the dedicated professionals and advocates who have worked so diligently to ensure that mitochondrial donation reaches those who need it most.

While mitochondrial donation is now available in the UK and Australia, this only provides access to a very limited number of families. Campaigns are underway in other countries, and the passion of our members driving these changes will be instrumental in their success. The news of these successful births will undoubtedly strengthen the case for access and accelerate global progress.

To all those working in research, healthcare, policy, and advocacy — thank you for your commitment. This is a powerful reminder of what is possible when science and patient voices unite.

Together, we are moving closer to a future in which no family must face the burden of inherited mitochondrial disease.