Scientists in the US have successfully created human eggs from skin cells in a pioneering development that could one day transform fertility treatment.
The Oregon Health and Science University team, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov, adapted techniques first used to clone Dolly the sheep in the 1990s. They removed the nucleus from female skin cells and inserted it into donor eggs that had their own nuclei removed. The eggs were then fertilised and chemically activated to mimic natural development.
The approach could offer hope to women unable to conceive due to age, illness, or chemotherapy, as well as same-sex male couples. “You could make eggs for men, and that way this would be applicable to same-sex couples,” Mitalipov said.
However, the process remains highly inefficient and prone to errors. Out of 82 eggs created, fewer than 10% developed into early embryos, many with abnormal chromosomes that would not lead to a healthy pregnancy. None were grown beyond six days.
Researchers describe the findings as a “proof of concept” that could take at least another decade to refine and ensure safety. “It’s going to be harder than what we’ve done over the years thus far, but it’s not impossible,” Mitalipov said.
Experts hailed the breakthrough as potentially life-changing for those who have lost fertility. Prof Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh called it “a major advance,” while Prof Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton said it could one day “transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage.”
But scientists also stressed the importance of safety, transparency, and public dialogue before such technology moves towards clinical use.
