First Baby Born Free of Inherited Disease

Carmen and Gabriel Meagu knew that if they were to have a child, he or she would be at high risk for inheriting a rare form of muscular dystrophy that would make day-to-day living very difficult. 

Fortunately, a groundbreaking technique pioneered by fertility doctors in London enabled the Meagu’s to birth a child healthy and free of disease.  The latest technique, known as karyomapping, takes only a short amount of time and can pick up a range of diseases.  To isolate the genes responsible for the disease, doctors took DNA swabs from Mrs. Meagu, her mother, and Mr. Meagu.  They subsequently compared the gene sequences to see which section of the genetic code was defective and responsible for the abnormality.  The couple then underwent a normal IVF cycle, but the embryos created from the procedure were biopsied to find out which ones were free of the genetic disease.

This new procedure gives hope to parents who are concerned about passing on genetic diseases to their children.  “I would recommend it to any other mother who is worried about passing on an illness,” said Mrs. Meagu, “Lucas is absolutely perfect.  He is really big for his age, and healthy.  I have peace of mind now that he is going to be ok.”

See Sarah Knapton, First Baby Born From IVF Technique Which Eliminates Inherited Disease, The Telegaph, March 28, 2015.