As of 1 January 2026, the 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the Prohibited List), together with the 2026 Monitoring Program, has officially entered into force.
According to the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), several important updates and clarifications have been introduced to further support athletes, athlete support personnel, and the wider anti-doping community.
Main Updates in the 2026 Prohibited List
Anabolic Agents (S1)
- It has been clarified that esters of prohibited anabolic steroids are also prohibited, ensuring clearer interpretation and application of the List.
Peptide Hormones and Related Substances (S2)
- Pegmolesatide has been included as an example of a new EPO-mimetic agent.
Beta-2 Agonists (S3)
- The dosing intervals for salmeterol have been revised to reduce the risk of potential performance-enhancing effects beyond therapeutic use.
- The maximum permitted delivered dose remains unchanged at 200 micrograms over 24 hours.
Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (S4)
- ɑ-Naphthoflavone (7,8-benzoflavone) has been added as an example of an aromatase inhibitor. This synthetic substance has been identified in dietary supplements.
- BAM15, a synthetic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, has also been added as an example after being found in supplements.
Prohibited Methods
Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components (M1)
- It has been clarified that withdrawal of blood or blood components remains prohibited, except when performed:
- for analytical purposes (including medical tests or Doping Control), or
- for blood donation at an accredited collection center.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and related procedures remain permitted.
- Non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) has been added as a new prohibited method (M1.4).
- Diagnostic uses of CO (e.g., haemoglobin mass measurements) remain permitted.
Gene and Cell Doping (M3)
- The prohibition has been expanded to explicitly include cell components, such as nuclei, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
Substances Prohibited In-Competition
Stimulants (S6)
- Flmodafinil and fladrafinil have been added to the list of non-specified stimulants. These substances are potent analogues of modafinil and adrafinil and are commonly marketed as supplements.
Glucocorticoids (S9)
- A clarification has been added noting that sustained-release glucocorticoid formulations may result in detectable levels beyond the standard washout periods, due to prolonged systemic absorption.
- Updated clarifications apply to the Glucocorticoid Washout Table for oral, intramuscular, local, and rectal routes of administration.
Monitoring Program
- It has been clarified that urine monitoring of semaglutide also includes tirzepatide.
Important Reminder
Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel are strongly encouraged to:
- regularly consult the Prohibited List,
- carefully check medications and supplements, and
- seek advice or apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) when necessary.
For further guidance, athletes should contact their National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) or RADOCA.