Australia has reached a major milestone in the journey to offering mitochondrial donation as a reproductive option.
For the first time, researchers have received a licence to begin training in this technique using donated human eggs — a critical step in bringing mitochondrial donation into clinical use.
The pre-clinical research and training licence was granted by the Embryo Research Licensing Committee (ERLC) and follows more than 2 years of careful ethical and regulatory preparation. These strong safety and governance standards are designed to ensure the technique is introduced responsibly and transparently.
“This milestone brings Australia a step closer to offering a new reproductive option that could profoundly change lives for the better. At Mito Foundation, we’re encouraged by the dedication of the mitoHOPE team and celebrate in their achievement,” shares Sean Murray, Mito Foundation CEO. “But we’re also deeply aware of what the delay has cost. For more than a decade, families have advocated, waited and, in some cases, run out of time.”
Embryologists will learn how to safely replace changed mitochondrial DNA in a mother’s egg with healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor. This reduces the risk of passing on certain forms of mito.
When the embryologists can demonstrate they can perform mitochondrial donation in the lab on human cells, mitoHOPE can then seek approvals for the clinical trial of the pilot program. This will again need approvals from a research ethics committee and another license from the ERLC.
It’s taken longer than expected — and we know delays have real impacts. But this milestone brings us one step closer to offering families a new reproductive option that could change lives. Mito Foundation has guidance to help people understand what’s happening and how they can stay informed or get involved while waiting for the next phase. Mito Foundation also continues to work as a partner in mitoHOPE to make the pilot program available to Australian families as soon as possible.
“For many of us, this research won’t change our day-to-day lives or the lives of our children — but it might change the future for our grandchildren. That possibility gives us hope we haven’t felt before.”
Mia Bell, mito community advocate.
“We’ve waited years for a moment like this. It’s not the end point, but it’s a real step forward — one that shows progress is happening, and that our community hasn’t been forgotten.”
Bec Walsh, mito community advocate.
Ready to explore options for building your family?
There are many reproductive options for mito. The options that are relevant to you will depend on your genetics, your beliefs and the costs and availability of each option.
