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 (section S2).
• · TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment, section S2).
• · Ipamorelin and related GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin) (section S2).
• · CJC-1295 and other GHRH analogues (section S2).
• · Tesamorelin and Sermorelin (as GHRH analogues, section S2).
• · IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3 (section S2).
• · MOTS-c, prohibited under section S4.4 (metabolic modulators), not S2.

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

These substances are prohibited at all times (in and out of competition). There is no detection-free or wash-out interval for these substances; metabolite detection windows extend well beyond any use period 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.