HFEA provides new advice on mitochondria replacement therapies

The government has received new advice from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) on the controversial use of IVF-based techniques designed to avoid serious mitochondrial diseases.

In January 2012, the HFEA was requested to seek the public's views on the concept of offering mitochondria replacement therapies to families at risk of passing on a serious mitochondrial disease.

It found that the British people are broadly in support of this, but the authority recommended that clinics wishing to offer this treatment should be specifically licensed by the HFEA, with each case being approved individually.

The report also recommended that follow-up research on the children in question should take place after birth, while mitochondria donors should have similar rights to anonymity as tissue donors.

Professor Lisa Jardine, chair of the HFEA, said: "Although some people have concerns about the safety of these techniques, we found that they trust the scientific experts and the regulator to know when it is appropriate to make them available to patients."

The Department of Health has welcomed the report and will now consult with the the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to formulate a detailed response.