Six newborns born in first study of innovative infertility technique
The first clinical pilot study in the world to validate an assisted reproductive technique known as Maternal Spindle Transfer (MST). has concluded with six births in patients with fertility problems. who had accumulated failures in ‘in vitro’ fertilization.
The results of the study, which have just been published online in the journal Fertility and Sterility as a preliminary version to print, state that this technique may have value as a treatment for challenging types of infertility.The Barcelona Science Park (PCB) of the University of Barcelona explained in a press release.
This innovative technique has been developed by the Embryotools center -based at the PCB- during the last ten years. The trial was carried out in Greeceat the Institute of Life-IASO IVF Center, e involved a multidisciplinary team of scientists from international institutions.including Embryotools; Juno Genetics (UK); the University of Oxford (UK) and Oregon Health and Science University (USA).
The investigators performed a total of 28 maternal spindle transfer attempts, resulting in the birth of six infants. The health and developmental status of the children – some are now more than four years old – is entirely normalThis provides reassurance and confidence in the safety of this method. The study also revealed important information about the potential use of MST for reduce the risk or prevent the transmission of disease in patients carrying pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
An advanced technique
Maternal spindle transfer is a advanced laboratory technique which is part of the methods collectively known as mitochondrial replacement therapies (MRTs). These techniques were originally proposed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease and their application for this clinical purpose is already permitted in some countries.such as the United Kingdom and Australia.
The method consists of transferring the patient’s genetic material from her own egg to a donated egg from which her genetic material has been previously extracted.. Currently, the only strategy available for patients who produce poor-quality eggs is to undergo in vitro fertilization treatments. (IVF) using donated eggs or embryos.
