Insight
Round up: Trial to evaluate ovarian cancer drug candidate and more
Femtech World explores the latest research developments in the world of women’s health.
Fertility treatments linked to higher mutations than natural conception
Mice that were conceived with IVF in the lab have slightly increased rates of DNA errors, or mutations, compared to pups conceived naturally, a new study suggests.
While the results do not directly apply to humans, they highlight the importance of understanding how fertility treatments affect an offspring’s DNA.
The researchers compared genome sequences of lab mice conceived naturally and mice conceived through assisted reproductive technologies, including hormone treatments, IVF, and embryo transfer.
They discovered pups born through these fertility treatments had about 30 per cent more new single-nucleotide variants, or tiny changes in DNA sequences.
Nucleotides are DNA’s building blocks or “letters.” Arranged in specific sequences, these letters compose the instructions cells use to grow and function.
Single-nucleotide variants are simply genetic differences (or mutations) involving a change in just one DNA letter. They can occur when cells replicate their DNA.
The mutations observed in the study are unlikely to be harmful.
Scientists estimate that fewer than 2 per cent of new mutations arising in a genome are deleterious or have an impact on an individual’s phenotype or disease susceptibility, the researchers said.
The mutations appeared spread across the genome, rather than clustered in particular genes.
The timing of when these new mutations appeared in early embryos also looked similar between fertility-treated and natural groups, implying that fertility treatment increases the overall chance of new DNA changes but does not impact when they occur during development.
Even with a 30 per cent increase in new mutations, the absolute number of harmful new mutations per mouse remains low.
For about every 50 mice conceived with IVF, scientists expect roughly one additional harmful DNA change compared to natural conception.
That is one problematic change out of many possible ones, since the mouse genome is about 2.7 billion DNA letters long.
A similar effect is expected if the male parent’s age increased by about 30 weeks, since paternal age is a major driver of mutation rates in mammals.
The biological mechanisms underlying these genetic changes are not clear.
Further research is needed to study whether the new mutations come from a specific step in the IVF process or from the combined effects of several steps.
One possible factor is the use of hormone treatments that stimulate the ovaries, since these hormones push eggs to restart meiosis, a stage of cell division known to be prone to mistakes.
Other aspects of the fertility treatment protocol could also play a role, such as physical handling of embryos or the chemical conditions of the lab culture environment.
The study does not show whether the same effect happens in humans. Fertility procedures vary between mice and humans, and both have different reproductive biology.
For example, mice do not menstruate. Also, people seeking IVF will likely encounter environmental factors that may already have affected their genetics.
First patient enrolled in study evaluating sofetabart mipitecan in recurrent ovarian cancer
The GOG Foundation has announced the enrollment of the first patient in GOG-3133, a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating sofetabart mipitecan in recurrent ovarian cancer.
Sofetabart mipitecan is a novel folate receptor alpha-targeting antibody-drug conjugate featuring an exatecan payload.
In early-phase studies, sofetabart mipitecan demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity with an ORR of 50 per cent among 104 heavily pre-treated patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), across all range of FRα expression levels, and in patients previously treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine with negligible rates of interstitial lung disease and peripheral neuropathy and no ocular toxicity or alopecia.
This clinical trial, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, has two parts; it tests a potential new medicine called sofetabart mipitecan for people with certain types of ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers.
Part A looks at participants whose cancer no longer responds to platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum resistant).
Part B looks at participants whose cancer has a higher chance of responding to platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum sensitive).
The FRAmework-01 study aims to address the need for more effective therapies in both platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.
Young people in Wales to receive new information about women’s health
The Women’s Health Network has worked with school nurses and learners across Wales to develop resources for women’s health.
Girls and boys contributed to ensure they reflect the information young people need.
The resources, which were launched this week by the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, cover 4 key areas including menstrual health, endometriosis, pelvic health, and menopause.
Secondary schools will be able to adapt the resources to include their own branding.
The materials work across multiple platforms, including email, leaflets, posters, social media and QR codes.
They are designed to reduce stigma around periods, help young people recognise when to seek medical help, and raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis.
They also provide information on pelvic health and menopause to support understanding of health issues throughout their lives.
Members of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board youth panel who helped create the materials were at the launch event at the Children’s Hospital in Cardiff.
Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said: “These new resources will help to support the health and wellbeing of young people across Wales.
“By working directly with young people to develop these materials, we’ve ensured they address the real questions and concerns they have.
“I’m grateful to all the young people who have contributed their insights and experiences to make these materials relevant and accessible.
“This is part of our commitment to address the gender health gap and improve health outcomes for women and girls across the country.”
Nestlé joins UN-led coalition supporting women’s health
Nestlé has announced it has joined the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The coalition aims to drive private-sector investment into advancing comprehensive health policies and measurable standards for women’s health across workplaces, supply chains, and broader business ecosystems.
“We are proud to join this initiative and collaborate with UNFPA and other coalition members to redefine how businesses address women’s health,” said Serena Aboutboul, global head of nutrition division at Nestlé.
“From maternal health to menopause, our commitment is unwavering.
“We provide innovative and tailored nutrition solutions, ensure respectful workplace conditions, and increase support to women. When women thrive, families, communities, and economies flourish.”
The coalition’s work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Good Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality.
By becoming a coalition member, Nestlé will help strengthen broader corporate action in line with the UNFPA’s scorecard of metrics and indicators for women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
“We welcome companies taking concrete steps to strengthen women’s health and rights in the workplace,” says Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA private sector and civil society branch chief.
“By joining the Coalition, Nestlé signals its commitment to advancing measurable standards and supporting a future where women’s health is recognised as central to business success and societal well-being.”
The UK government is reviewing a surrogacy firm after complaints that medical insurance claims involving surrogates in Mexico were rejected.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is considering whether UK-based provider My Surrogacy Journey should remain listed on gov.uk as one of four domestic surrogacy agencies available to intended parents.
The review follows allegations concerning its Mexican sister company, where surrogates are based.
Health minister Diana Johnson said: “The department is looking into the allegations about My Surrogacy Journey.
“As part of that assessment, the department will consider whether it is appropriate for that company to remain on the gov.uk list of agencies.”
Emails sent by My Surrogacy Journey chief executive Michael Johnson-Ellis and seen by the Guardian suggest multiple surrogate women in Mexico had their insurance claims rejected.
The emails also suggest 300 couples using the company were moved to a new insurance provider because of the increased risk of claims being rejected.
Commercial surrogacy is banned in the UK, where only altruistic arrangements are permitted.
My Surrogacy Journey operates a not-for-profit UK branch alongside for-profit sister companies in Mexico and the US. All three companies have the same owners and chief executives.
The reported insurance issues relate to surrogacy arrangements in Mexico.
One couple told the Guardian they paid tens of thousands of pounds to cover medical costs after their surrogate had a hysterectomy during childbirth and an insurance claim was refused.
The Guardian said it understood that at least five sets of parents said they had to cover medical costs after insurance claims were rejected.
In an email to the couple whose surrogate underwent a hysterectomy, Johnson-Ellis wrote: “We have already told you that the insurance companies have been declining some of the claims and we are actively working with the broker to get this issue resolved but you should also consider that they may not be paid out and there is nothing we are able to do to change this …
“We appreciate this is not an insignificant sum but this genuinely is out of our control.”
Johnson-Ellis also said the company had switched insurance providers, writing: “We’re also managing this for 300 other journeys, which is a complex position to be in.”
Lawyers acting for My Surrogacy Journey said the company did not comment on individual cases, but that existing insurance policies were in place and claims continued to be accepted and processed.
They said the company understood that a small number of claims had been rejected and was supporting people seeking to resolve those claims with an insurer.
Under the surrogacy arrangements, intended parents are understood to be contractually required to cover medical costs not paid by an insurer.
The couple said they had been recommended the company’s Mexico option. Its website advertises that intended parents using the route can have a baby in “under 18 months”.
They said they were told the UK route could take up to five years and that the US option was much more expensive.
Lawyers for My Surrogacy Journey said prospective parents are given information about typical timelines, costs, legal frameworks and practical considerations, and that the 18-month timeframe is indicative only.
The couple said their surrogate developed placenta accreta, a serious condition in which the placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus.
Emails from Johnson-Ellis acknowledged that the insurance provider investigated the birth after the surrogate experienced health complications.
The parents are considering legal action, while the Guardian said it understood at least four other couples were reviewing their options.
Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, raised concerns in parliament about a separate couple who had used My Surrogacy Journey.
He said: “Two of my constituents recently travelled to Mexico, where their children were born by surrogacy.
“Those births were facilitated by a company called My Surrogacy Journey, which is listed on gov.uk.
“While in Mexico, they had repeated traumatic experiences with the company relating to issues including insurance for their children, accusations of bullying towards staff and repeated efforts to silence any constructive criticism.
“I understand that other members of this house have received similar complaints.”
Brickell called for My Surrogacy Journey to be removed from gov.uk pending a review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
Lawyers acting for My Surrogacy Journey said the company was communicating with DHSC and was confident any issues could be resolved.
Targeting CD1d altered immune cells slowed tumour growth and improved immunotherapy responses in mouse models of breast cancer, researchers found.
The findings suggest blocking the molecule could make the environment around breast tumours more favourable to anti-cancer immune responses.
Further work is needed to understand how these immune changes occur and how the approach could be safely used in patients.
Researchers from King’s College London, the Francis Crick Institute and University College London investigated how immune cells inside breast tumours influence cancer growth.
They focused on myeloid cells, a group of immune cells found in large numbers within tumours that can either support an immune attack against cancer or contribute to tumour growth and immune evasion.
The team examined CD1d, a molecule found on the surface of myeloid and other immune and tissue cells that helps regulate immune responses.
When CD1d was genetically removed from cells in a mouse model of breast cancer, the mice were more resistant to tumour growth. Researchers also saw changes in myeloid cell populations, including increased activity among cells that can help attack cancer.
The team then blocked CD1d using an antibody and again observed changes in myeloid cells and slower tumour growth. Blocking CD1d also improved responses to immunotherapy in the mouse model.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing, a technique that examines gene activity in individual cells, to investigate the immune changes in more detail.
They identified a population of myeloid cells called monocytes that expressed genes associated with inflammation, an important part of the immune response. These cells were particularly important in restricting tumour growth in the mouse models.
A similar pattern of gene activity was identified in data from human breast cancer tumours. Its presence in myeloid cells was associated with positive responses to immunotherapy in breast cancer patients.
However, the findings in people were based on gene expression data and did not test CD1d-targeting treatment in patients.
Professor Patricia Barral, professor of immunobiology at King’s College London and senior author of the study, said: “Many breast cancers do not respond well to current immunotherapies.
“Our findings reveal a previously unrecognised mechanism by which immune cells within tumours are regulated.
“While CD1d is best known for helping immune cells recognise lipid molecules, we found that it also plays a role in shaping the behaviour of myeloid cells within tumours.
“These findings suggest that targeting the immune cells that surround and support tumours could boost anti-cancer immunity and potentially improve treatment responses in the future.”
Researchers now plan to investigate how the immune changes occur and how they can be safely harnessed in patients.
They also want to examine whether targeting CD1d could enhance existing treatments and influence treatment responses in different cancer types.
The work was supported by UKRI BBSRC, Breast Cancer Now and the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre.
The fertility rate in England and Wales fell to a record low of 1.39 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.41 a year earlier.
New figures show that parts of London and cities with major universities accounted for many of the areas with the lowest local fertility rates.
The City of London recorded the lowest rate in 2025 at 0.37 children per woman, followed by Cambridge at 0.87 and the London boroughs of Islington and Westminster at 0.90.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) defines the fertility rate as the average number of live children women would expect to have over their childbearing lives.
Brighton & Hove recorded a rate of 0.95, followed by Southwark at 0.97 and Norwich at 0.98.
Exeter, Oxford and York, along with the London boroughs of Camden and Hammersmith & Fulham, each recorded 1.01 children per woman.
At the other end of the table, Pendle in Lancashire and Luton in Bedfordshire had the highest rate at 1.93.
They were followed by Oldham in Greater Manchester at 1.87, Bradford in West Yorkshire at 1.84 and Barking & Dagenham in London at 1.83.
The overall fertility rate for England and Wales declined from 1.41 in 2024 to 1.39 in 2025.
A rate of around 2.1 is needed for a population to remain stable over time when the impact of migration is excluded.
Twelve of the 25 local authorities with the lowest fertility rates in 2025 were in London.
In Wales, Swansea recorded the lowest fertility rate at 1.18, while Carmarthenshire, the Isle of Anglesey and Newport each had the highest rate at 1.48.
There were 585,396 live births in England and Wales in 2025, down from 594,677 in 2024 and the lowest number since 1977.
Live births fell across every region in England. The West Midlands recorded the largest percentage decline at 3.1 per cent, while the North East had the smallest at 0.3 per cent.
The average age of parents also increased slightly.
Mothers had a provisional standardised mean age of 31.1 in 2025, compared with 31.0 in 2024. Fathers had an average age of 34.0, up from 33.9.
In 1975, the average age was 26.4 for mothers and 29.5 for fathers.
The proportion of births where the mother was born outside the UK also increased, from 20.8 per cent in 2005 to 27.5 per cent in 2015 and 34.6 per cent in 2025.
India was the most common country of birth for non-UK-born mothers in 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.
It was followed by Pakistan, Nigeria and Romania.
In 2025, 56.4 per cent of births were to parents who were both born in the UK, down from 62.7 per cent in 2015.
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