Understand the Prohibited List

The 2026 WADA Prohibited List 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) produces a list of substances and methods that are banned in sport. This Prohibited List is a mandatory International Standard under the World Anti-Doping Code and is updated every year following an extensive consultation process. 

The 2026 Prohibited List comes into effect on 1 January 2026. 

The List outlines the substances and methods that are prohibited: 

• At all times (both in- and out-of-competition), or 
• Only in-competition, or 
• In particular sports. 

In-Competition means the period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a competition in which the athlete is scheduled to participate, through to the end of that competition and any sample collection process related to it. 

What is on the List? 

The substances and methods prohibited at all times include (but are not limited to): 

• Hormones and anabolic agents (e.g. testosterone, growth hormone, EPO), 
• Beta-2 agonists, 
• Diuretics and masking agents, and 
• Prohibited methods such as blood manipulation, chemical or physical tampering, and gene or cell doping. 

Those prohibited only in-competition include (but are not limited to): 

• Stimulants, 
• Narcotics, 
• Cannabinoids, and 
• Glucocorticoids. 

In 2026, the List also continues to identify substances prohibited in particular sports, such as beta-blockers (P1) — banned in disciplines where they may improve control or steadiness. 

Prohibited Substance and Method Categories (2026) 

S0. Non-approved substances   S1. Anabolic agents   S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics   S3. Beta-2 agonists   S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators   S5. Diuretics and masking agents   S6. Stimulants (in-competition)   S7. Narcotics (in-competition)   S8. Cannabinoids (in-competition)   S9. Glucocorticoids (in-competition)   M1–M3. Prohibited methods (blood manipulation, chemical/physical tampering, gene and cell doping)   P1. Beta-blockers (prohibited in particular sports) 

Understanding Prohibited Substances and Methods 

Not all banned substances or methods are individually named on the List.   A substance or method may still be prohibited if: 

• it is not approved for human therapeutic use by any regulatory authority (e.g. experimental or veterinary drugs); or 
• it has a similar chemical structure or biological effect to a listed substance or method. 

A substance or method may be added to the List if it meets two of the following three criteria: 

• It has the potential to enhance, or actually enhances, sport performance; 
• It presents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete; 
• Its use violates the spirit of sport as defined in the World Anti-Doping Code. 

Key Updates and Clarifications in the 2026 Prohibited List 

(Based on WADA’s Explanatory Note) 

1. Blood Manipulation (M1) — New Clarification 

The 2026 List now makes it clear that: 

The withdrawal of blood or blood components is prohibited,   unless it is: 

• for analytical purposes (e.g., medical testing or doping control), or 
• for donation at an accredited collection centre. 

This closes a gap in earlier wording by recognising that manipulation begins at the point of withdrawal, not only reinfusion. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) procedures remain not prohibited. 

2. Carbon Monoxide — New Prohibited Method (M1.4) 

• Non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) is now prohibited. 
• CO can stimulate erythropoiesis under certain conditions. 
• Diagnostic medical use remains permitted. 

3. Gene and Cell Doping (M3) 

The 2026 List expands the prohibition to include cell components such as: 

• Nuclei 
• Mitochondria 
• Ribosomes 

These are now covered alongside normal and genetically modified cells. 

4. Anabolic Agents (S1) 

Clarified: All esters of prohibited anabolic steroids are also prohibited. 

5. Peptide Hormones (S2) 

Added:Pegmolesatide listed as a new example of an EPO-mimetic agent. 

6. Hormone & Metabolic Modulators (S4) 

Two substances commonly found in supplements were added: 

• α-naphthoflavone (7,8-benzoflavone) — aromatase inhibitor 
• BAM15 — AMPK activator 

7. Beta-2 Agonists (S3) 

Revised dosing intervals for salmeterol to prevent potential performance enhancement. Maximum permitted dose (200 µg / 24 hrs) remains unchanged. 

8. Stimulants (S6) 

Added two powerful analogues of modafinil/adrafinil: 

• Flmodafinil 
• Fladrafinil 

Both are non-specified stimulants. 

9. Glucocorticoids (S9) 

Updated washout period guidance, including a note on sustained-release formulations that may remain detectable beyond normal clearance periods. 

2026 WADA Monitoring Program (Substances NOT prohibited but monitored for potential misuse) 

Under Article 4.5 of the Code, WADA monitors certain substances to detect patterns of misuse. For 2026, these are: 

In- and Out-of-Competition 

• Ecdysterone (anabolic agent) 
• Hypoxen 
• GnRH analogues in females under 18 
• Markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide 

In-Competition Only 

• Bupropion 
• Caffeine 
• Nicotine 
• Phenylephrine 
• Phenylpropanolamine 
• Pipradrol 
• Synephrine 
• Narcotics 

In-Competition: Codeine, dermorphin/analogues, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, tapentadol 

Out-of-Competition: Fentanyl and tramadol 

The Monitoring Program does not impose sanctions, but data collected may inform future List decisions. 

Athlete Responsibility 

Athletes are strictly responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body.   Under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, the presence or use of a prohibited substance or method constitutes an anti-doping rule violation, regardless of intent. 

It is therefore essential that all athletes, coaches, and support personnel familiarise themselves with the updated List and regularly check the status of medications and supplements. 

Stay Informed 

The 2026 WADA Prohibited List is now available and comes into force on 1 January 2026. 

Download the full 2026 Prohibited List: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/2026-prohibited-list#resource-download  

Read the explanatory note here: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/2026_list_explanatory_note_en_final_september_2025.pdf