The first maternal spindle transfer using donor eggs was performed recently in Australia as part of the mitoHOPE program. This work follows the grant of Australia’s pre-clinical research and training licence for mitochondrial donation in November 2025.
Maternal spindle transfer is a specialised IVF technique used in mitochondrial donation. Under the current licence, it is being carried out for training and research purposes only.
The completion of this Australian-first laboratory procedure represents an early step in the carefully regulated introduction of mitochondrial donation in Australia. The mitoHOPE program is designed to proceed in stages, with a strong focus on safety, oversight and training.
Embryologists involved in the program are developing and refining the skills required to perform maternal spindle transfer safely and consistently. This includes learning how to replace changed mitochondrial DNA with healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor, while preserving the integrity of the nuclear DNA.
Photo: Heidi and Tegan working in the mitoHOPE lab at Monash University.
Sean Murray, Mito Foundation CEO, shares,
“It’s now been four years since Maeve’s Law passed, and families are understandably eager to see mitochondrial donation move forward. We’re witnessing pioneering science in practice, so progress is taking time. This step shows that the mitoHOPE program is moving forward, with safety as the priority.”
Mito Foundation advocated for access to mitochondrial donation in Australia, as a reproductive option for families affected by mitochondrial disease. While this milestone does not change immediate access for families, it demonstrates continued progress.
Further steps will be required before mitochondrial donation can be offered more broadly. These include ongoing laboratory work, clinical readiness and regulatory approvals. Mito Foundation will continue to share updates as the mitoHOPE program progresses.
About maternal spindle transfer
The technique involves moving a woman’s nuclear DNA into a donor egg that contains healthy mitochondrial DNA. The egg is then fertilised using standard IVF methods.
This approach aims to reduce the risk of passing on certain serious forms of mitochondrial disease.
“It’s great to be underway with this important pre-clinical work, which represents an early step in building competence in mitochondrial donation in Australia. It establishes the scientific foundation needed to inform the next phases of research.”
Professor John Carroll, mitoHOPE Program Lead.
"We are deeply grateful to the egg and sperm donors, without whom this research and training program could not progress."
Professor Mary Herbert, mitoHOPE Pre-clinical Research and Training Program Lead.
