MITOCHONDRIAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY (MRT)
Innovative IVF Solution for Genetic Conditions & Egg Quality Challenges
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT), sometimes called mitochondrial donation, is a pioneering assisted reproductive technique used in certain fertility cases to help families reduce the risk of inherited mitochondrial disease and support improved embryo quality for women with DOR (Diminished Ovarian Reserve). It is offered at RFC Bahamas, led by Dr. Zaher Merhi, MD, FACOG, HCLD, leveraging world-class lab facilities and personalized fertility care.
What Is MRT?
Mitochondria are the energy centers of the egg. As women age—or in certain genetic conditions—mitochondrial function declines, which can negatively affect egg quality, embryo development, and reproductive outcomes.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) designed to support healthier embryo development by combining:
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The intended mother’s nuclear DNA (which determines genetic identity), with
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Healthy mitochondria from a donor egg.
This approach allows a child to be genetically related to the intended parents.
How MRT Works?
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Egg Comparison
The intended mother’s egg contains her nuclear DNA but may have weakened or mutated mitochondria. A donor egg is selected for its healthy mitochondria.
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Nuclear DNA Transfer
The nucleus (containing nuclear DNA) from the intended mother’s egg is carefully transferred into the donor egg after the donor’s nucleus has been removed.
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Reconstructed Egg
The resulting egg contains:
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The mother’s nuclear DNA
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Healthy donor mitochondria
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IVF Fertilization & Embryo Development
The reconstructed egg is fertilized with sperm using standard IVF techniques. Healthier mitochondrial energy production may support improved embryo development and reduced risk of mitochondrial disease.
Who is a candidate for MRT?
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Advanced maternal age
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Low / diminished ovarian reserve (low AMH / high FSH)
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Poor egg or embryo quality despite prior IVF
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Menopause or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency/Failure (POI/POF)
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Patients seeking a biologically related child at any age using their own nuclear DNA
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Genetic mitochondrial disease
Preserving Your DNA
Because MRT involves genetic material from a donor egg's mitochondria, the resulting child will inherit tiny amounts of mtDNA from the donor — often less than 2% of total mitochondria — but more than 99.9% of overall DNA will still come from the intended parents.
Dr. Zaher Merhi contributed to the team behind the world's first MRT baby (Mexico).
Who May Benefit from MRT
✔️ May improve egg and embryo quality, potentially enhancing IVF outcomes where other approaches have failed.
✔️ Supports embryo health by incorporating healthy mitochondrial function.
✔️ May improve IVF outcomes in select patients with egg or embryo quality challenges.
✔️ Reduces the risk of transmitting mitochondrial diseases — especially important for families with known mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Safety & Considerations
MRT remains an advanced intervention with ongoing research and ethical discussion surrounding its use. It currently has limited clinical availability worldwide — legally permitted in select countries under regulatory oversight — and is not yet widely available in all regions.
Some important considerations:
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Legal and ethical frameworks vary by country and may restrict availability.
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MRT procedures carry inherent risks similar to other IVF steps and require experienced embryology teams.
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Because mitochondria contribute only a small portion of total DNA, MRT does not alter core genetic traits like eye color or personality.
Why Choose MRT at RFC Bahamas
At RFC Bahamas, MRT is provided as part of a comprehensive fertility program, combining:
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Advanced micromanipulation lab capabilities in Nassau
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Personalized fertility care and genetic counseling
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Experienced reproductive endocrinologists
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Remote coordination of pre-treatment testing and monitoring
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Concierge patient support for travel and logistics
Our clinic aims to make cutting-edge reproductive science accessible while prioritizing medical safety, informed consent, and compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can MRT help prevent?
MRT helps women with poor egg quality have biologically-related children. It also helps women at risk of passing on mitochondrial DNA mutations that cause severe genetic disorders by replacing faulty mitochondria with healthy donor mitochondria.
Is MRT the same as three-parent IVF?
MRT may sometimes be referred to as involving “three genetic contributors,” because the embryo’s mitochondria come from a donor. However, the vast majority of DNA (nuclear DNA) still comes from the two intended parents.
Does MRT guarantee success?
Like all advanced reproductive technologies, MRT cannot guarantee pregnancy or eliminate all fertility challenges. Outcomes depend on individual health factors, age, and specific clinical circumstances.
Fill out the form below to learn more about your eligibility
Scientific References
1. Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)
Zhang, J., Liu, H., Luo, S., Lu, Z., Chávez-Badiola, A., Liu, Z., Yang, M., Merhi, Z., Silber, S. J., Munné, S., Konstantinidis, M., Wells, D., Tang, J. J., & Huang, T. (2017). Live birth derived from oocyte spindle transfer to prevent mitochondrial disease. Reproductive biomedicine online, 34(4), 361–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.01.013