The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2026 Prohibited List is now in effect. The list is available here. The 2026 List includes changes that boxers, coaches, clubs and parents/guardians must be aware of.
This is summary, provided by Sport Ireland, outlines the key modifications and clarifications.
Substances and Methods Prohibited at All Times (In and Out of Competition)
Prohibited Substances:
S1. Anabolic agents | It was clarified in S1.1. that esters of the prohibited steroids are also prohibited. This means that all variations of the anabolic steroids on the Prohibited List are also prohibited.
S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics | Pegmolesatide was added as an example of a new EPO-mimetic agent. This medicine was banned as it enhances endurance and aerobic performance.
S3. Beta-2 Agonists | The maximum daily delivered dose of inhaled salmeterol remains unchanged for 2026, at 200 micrograms over 24 hours. The dosing intervals have however been changed, meaning athletes will only be able to therapeutically inhale up to 100 micrograms of salmeterol over any eight-hour period and not to exceed 200 micrograms over 24 hours. This was changed to avoid potential performance enhancing use.
S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators | There have been two new additions of synthetic substances that have been found in supplements, both are prohibited substances:
• 2-Phenylbenzo[h]chromen-4-one, also known as ɑ-naphthoflavone or 7,8-benzoflavone, was added as an example of an aromatase inhibitor. This was banned as it is seen to change the body’s natural hormone levels and potentially promoting anabolic effects which may be performance enhancing.
• 5-N,6-N-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,6-diamine, also known as BAM15, was added as an example of an activator of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This substance has never been approved for human use and presents some serious health risks.
Prohibited Methods:
M1. Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components | It was clarified that withdrawal of blood or blood components is prohibited except for
1) analytical purposes including medical tests or Doping Control, or for
2) donation purposes performed in a collection centre accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates.
Note that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and related procedures remain not prohibited.
The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide was added to the Prohibited Methods as a new section, M 1.4. Carbon monoxide can increase erythropoiesis under certain conditions.
The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, is not prohibited.
M3. Gene and Cell Doping | Cell components (e.g. nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) are added to the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells.
Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition | Prohibited Substances:
S6. Stimulants | There have been two new additions to the S6.A list of non-specified substances. These unapproved substances are potent analogs of modafinil and adrafinil and are sold as supplements.
• 2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]acetamide (flmodafinil). This substance was banned as it may enhance performance.
• 2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methylsulfinyl]-N-hydroxyacetamide (fladrafinil). This substance was banned as it increases mental alertness and enhances endurance.
S9. Glucocorticoids | It has been clarified in the Glucocorticoids Washout Table that use of sustained-release formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption. “Depo” injections are commonly used sustained release formulations.
Monitoring Programme | WADA has updated the Monitoring Programme for 2026. It is clarified that the urine monitoring of semaglutide includes also the monitoring of tirzepatide. Tramadol and fentanyl will continue to be monitored for their use by athletes in the Out-of-Competition period.
Clean Sport Learning
A series of online and in-person anti-doping learning opportunities will be shared shortly; boxers, coaches, club support staff and parents/guardians can also engage in independent learning through these Sport Ireland and World Anti-Doping Agency online eLearning tools.
Members should also be familiar with the Sport Ireland Medcheck and GlobalDro
