In a groundbreaking development, eight healthy babies were born in the UK using a pioneering technique that incorporates DNA from three individuals to prevent mitochondrial diseases, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine.

This innovative mitochondrial transfer technology, which is still experimental and banned in some countries like the US and France, has successfully produced babies free of mitochondrial disease, with 35 patients authorized to use the technique under UK regulation.

The process involves fertilizing both the mother's and a donor's eggs, then replacing the donor's nucleus with the mother's, resulting in a baby with 99.9% of its DNA from the parents, while the donor's mitochondria contribute minimally to the child's genetic makeup.

Mitochondria, which supply energy to cells, can carry genetic mutations leading to severe health issues, affecting about one in 5,000 people, and this technique aims to address such mutations.

The method uses healthy mitochondria from a donor egg to combat mitochondrial DNA mutations that can cause serious health problems like muscle weakness and organ failure.

Legalized in the UK in 2015 through a legal framework established in 2016, this technique combines DNA from the mother, father, and a mitochondrial donor to help women with damaged mitochondria conceive healthy children.

The successful births were detailed in a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers from Newcastle University and Monash University, who also noted some embryos developed mitochondrial mutations, raising questions about long-term effects.

While the UK scientists have been praised for their cautious approach, concerns remain about the potential unforeseen consequences of genetic modifications that could affect future generations.

Despite the cautious approach, the technology remains experimental, and high costs may limit access for many families, with ongoing debates about its long-term safety.

Although permitted in the UK and Australia, this technology is not allowed in several countries, including the US, which raises questions about its global accessibility.

Experts emphasize that the mitochondrial donor’s DNA contributes minimally, ensuring that no traits from the donor are expressed in the child, thus maintaining the child's genetic identity.

Ethical concerns persist regarding this technology due to potential unforeseen consequences of genetic modifications on future generations.