Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 3 June (WA 114) regarding the consultation on mitochondrial replacement by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), whether the HFEA’s Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee will evaluate the practicality of somatic cell nuclear transfer being used to correct mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and rescuing the metabolic function of pluripotent cells from existing patients with inherited mtDNA diseases; if so, when the HFEA intend to consult the general public on this matter; and why this was not previously considered. [HL634]
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that its Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee considered a paper entitled “Update on alternate methods to derive embryonic stem cells and embryonic stem-like cells” at its most recent meeting on 12 June 2013, the papers for which are available on the HFEA’s website at:
www.hfea.gov.uk/7878.html
The HFEA will be evaluating developments into somatic cell nuclear transfer and its use as an alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells.
The HFEA has also advised that it has no plans to consult the general public on the matter raised by the noble Lord.