Each year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes an updated Prohibited List. For 2025 the list includes new examples of prohibited substances and some clarifications.

Keep in mind the WADA Prohibited List is not exhaustive and before taking any substance or medication it is vital that athletes check GlobalDRO.com for the most up to date anti-doping substance information.

It is important to note that under the WADA’s “Strict Liability” policy, athletes (professional and amateur) are ultimately responsible for ALL substances in their body – no matter the source or purpose. The complete 2025 WADA Prohibited List is available here.

NEW EXAMPLES AND CLARIFICATIONS

M.1 Manipulation of Blood

For 2024, WADA made a change to the M.1 category so that plasma donation (also known as plasmapheresis) is not prohibited when performed in a collection center accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates. For 2025, WADA has added the clarification that this includes blood donation by apharesis, which is the medical technology that separates out the blood components and returns some of the components back to the donor. It is understood that blood components such as red blood cells will be removed and reintroduced to the circulatory system. This is normally prohibited, but WADA is allowing this procedure if athletes use a legitimate donation center and provide documentation of the donation upon request.

S0. Non-Approved Substances

In the category of S0- Non-Approved Substances, WADA has added two new examples, specifically S-107 and S48168 (ARM210). These experimental compounds are ryanodine receptor-1-calstabin complex stabilizers, which are involved in skeletal muscle function. The S0 category could also include substances that are not specifically indicated on the Prohibited List. If a substance is not approved for clinical use by any governmental regulatory authority and has performance enhancing potential, it may be prohibited under the S0 category.

S3. Beta-2 Agonists 

The category of S3. Beta-2 Agonists has been updated with a change to the permitted use of inhaled Formoterol. Formoterol continues to be permitted by inhalation up to a maximum of 54 micrograms over 24 hours, but athletes can only use a maximum of 36 micrograms over 12 hours.  This is to allow athletes to use formoterol therapeutically but prevent someone from using a large dose all at once that may improve performance. Beta-2 agonists used by all other routes of administration remain prohibited at all times.

S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators

There were a few examples of S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators added to the Prohibited List, including elacestrant (added as an anti-estrogen), S519 and S597 (examples of insulin-mimetics), and MOTSc (an example of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator). Athletes should be aware that MOTSc is sometimes marketed by wellness/anti-aging clinics and on social media as a weight loss peptide, even though it is an experimental peptide not approved for human therapeutic use.

S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents

In the category of S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents, Xipamide was added as an example.

S6. Stimulants

In the category of S6. Stimulants, Midodrine and Tesofensine were added as examples of prohibited stimulants, and Guanfacine (sometimes prescribed for ADHD) was clarified as permitted. Athletes should also be on the lookout for Tesofensine in unregulated dietary/nutriational supplements as it has been showing up on product labels.

Photo Credit: WADA

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