Encyclopedia entry
WADA prohibited list and peptides
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes an annually-updated list of prohibited substances. Several research peptides commonly sold in the UK appear on it under section S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances). Tested athletes under UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), British Olympic Association or international federation jurisdiction must avoid these peptides regardless of context.
Research peptides commonly on the list
- · BPC-157.
- · TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment).
- · MOTS-c.
- · Ipamorelin and related GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin).
- · CJC-1295 and other GHRH analogues.
- · Tesamorelin and Sermorelin (as GHRH analogues).
- · IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3.
SARMs specifically
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (Ostarine, LGD-4033, RAD-140, Andarine) are prohibited under section S1.2 (other anabolic agents), not S2. Tested athletes choosing a UK research peptide retailer should consider whether the retailer also sells SARMs; even purchasing the peptide alongside SARMs raises evidentiary concerns in an investigation.
In and out of competition
Section S2 substances are prohibited at all times (in and out of competition). There is no "wash-out window" that makes these substances safe to use during the off-season for a tested athlete; metabolite detection windows extend well beyond use periods, and any positive test is a violation.
Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs)
Some prohibited substances can be used with a Therapeutic Use Exemption when there is a documented medical need. The S2 peptides listed above almost never qualify because they have no UK marketing authorisation as medicines; there is therefore no licensed therapeutic use for which an exemption could apply.
Related: research peptides hub · UK retailers.