Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy: The Future of Fertility? - with Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva

In this fascinating episode of In/Fertility in the City, host Natalie Sutherland sits down with Dr Uliana Dorofeyeva, a globally recognised fertility specialist and pioneer in mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT).

Dr Dorofeyeva is the Founder and Medical Director of Ovogene Bank and Advisory Clinical Director at International Fertility Group, with over 18 years’ experience specialising in complex infertility, low ovarian reserve, egg donation, and advanced IVF techniques.

Together, Natalie and Dr Dorofeyeva unpack one of the most talked-about innovations in reproductive medicine — mitochondrial replacement therapy, sometimes misleadingly referred to in the media as “three-parent IVF”.

They explore how MRT works, why it was originally developed to prevent mitochondrial disease, and how it is now being used internationally to help women of advanced maternal age and those who have experienced repeated IVF failure. The conversation also dives into regulation, ethics, access, and why patients are increasingly travelling abroad to access cutting-edge fertility care. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating infertility, working in fertility care, or interested in how science, law, ethics and society intersect in modern family building.

Key Topics Covered

• What mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) actually is — in simple terms
• Why MRT is not “three-parent IVF”
• The science behind mitochondria and egg quality
• MRT for mitochondrial disease vs age-related infertility
• IVF success rates for women aged 39–52
• Why egg quality declines faster than overall health
• MRT vs egg donation: key differences
• Who is (and isn’t) a good candidate for MRT
• Why MRT is legal but tightly restricted in the UK
• Fertility tourism and why patients travel abroad for treatment
• Ethical questions around age limits and access to fertility care
• The future of IVF, innovation, and reproductive medicine

About the Guest

Dr Uliana Dorofeyeva is an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and reproductive endocrinologist with over 18 years of experience in assisted reproductive technology. She is internationally recognised for her work in complex infertility and is a pioneer of mitochondrial replacement programs, helping patients who have exhausted conventional IVF options.

-- About King’s Fertility (Sponsor):

One of London’s most respected IVF clinics, working with King’s College Hospital and King’s College London. King’s Fertility offers NHS and private patients world-leading research, advanced treatment, and compassionate care. Learn more at kingsfertility.co.uk

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