HFEA reconvenes independent expert panel and launches call for evidence
We are pleased to announce that we have reconvened the independent scientific panel to consider the safety and efficacy of mitochondrial donation techniques.
Members of the panel
Dr Greenfield, Professors Braude, Lovell-Badge and Ogilvie are previous members of the expert panel. Professor Flinter and Dr Perry are joining the panel for the first time.
Members of the panel:
- Dr Andy Greenfield (Chair), Medical Research Council (MRC) Harwell and HFEA member
- Professor Peter Braude, King’s College London
- Professor Frances Flinter, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, MRC National Institute for Medical Research
- Professor Caroline Ogilvie, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr Tony Perry, University of Bath
Scientific review of the safety and efficacy of mitochondrial donation: 2016 update
On 29 October 2015, new regulations came into force that allow pronuclear transfer and maternal spindle transfer for mothers likely to pass on serious mitochondrial diseases to their children.
Before any clinic can apply for a licence to offer mitochondrial donation we need to be satisfied of the safety and efficacy of the techniques involved.
Recent publications suggest that significant progress has been made in addressing the outstanding safety and efficacy issues outlined in the 2014 scientific report. We have therefore reconvened the scientific panel to consider these developments and any further evidence.
Terms of reference
The group will review the latest evidence of safety and efficacy for the two mitochondrial donation techniques – pro-nuclear transfer (PNT) and maternal spindle transfer (MST) - with particular reference to whether the recommendations outlined in the 2014 scientific report have been met.
Call for evidence
The call for evidence seeks to gather scientific evidence focussing specifically around safety and efficacy issues relating to the maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer. The panel have not been appointed to consider any ethical questions around the implementation of these techniques and will only be considering evidence of a scientific nature.
When responding to this call for evidence, feel free to present your submissions however you choose.
The panel will hold a meeting on 18 July 2016 and will hear further evidence from anyone submitting evidence who would like to register to attend.
- Call for evidence (PDF 228 KB)
The call for evidence closes on 12 July 2016
For media enquiries contact the HFEA press office on 020 7291 8226
Publication date: 13 April 2017
Review date: 13 April 2019
