The Guardian view on mitochondrial donation: IVF innovation leads to a cautious genetic triumph | Editorial

UK research has brought real hope to families suffering from one of the most common inherited disorders, with a breakthrough that's been years in the making

Eight babies have been born free of a disease that canlead to terrible suffering and early death, thanks to pioneering scientists in the UK employing a form ofgenetic engineering that is banned in some countries, including the US and France. Ten years ago, when the government and regulators were consideringwhether to allow mitochondrial transfer technology, critics warned of Frankenstein meddling" that would lead to three-parent children. It's hard now to justify such hostility in the face of the painstaking work carried out by the scientific andmedical teams at Newcastle, resulting in these healthy babies and ecstatic families.

Mitochondria, like tiny battery packs, supply energy to every cell of the body. Their DNA is handed down in the egg from mother to child. In rare instances, there are genetic mutations, which means the baby may develop mitochondrial disease. About one in 5,000 people is affected by it, making it one of the most common inherited disorders. As the cell batteries fail in various organs, the child can experience a range of symptoms, from muscle weakness to epilepsy, encephalopathy, blindness, hearing loss and diabetes. In severe cases, they die young.

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