Gene editing study involving human embryos approved in UK

A groundbreaking UK research project that will use new gene editing techniques on human embryos has received official approval.

The Francis Crick Institute project has been given the green light from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and aims to examine which genes human embryos need to develop successfully.

It will look at the first seven days of a fertilised egg's development and has the potential to improve embryo development after in vitro fertilisation (IVF), as well as offering better clinical treatments for infertility using conventional medical methods.

Any donated embryos will be used for research purposes only and cannot be used in treatment, with donations to be provided by patients who have given their informed consent.

Although ethical approval is still required for the project, it is expected to begin within the next few months if this is granted.

Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, said: "Dr Niakan's proposed research is important for understanding how a healthy human embryo develops and will enhance our understanding of IVF success rates."