The Prohibited List is published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It details all substances and methods that are prohibited or banned in sport, and is updated every year on January 1.

A substance or method may be included on the list if it meets any two of the following criteria:

• it has the potential to enhance sporting performance

• it presents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete

• it violates the spirit of sport.

Check if a medication is banned in sport

• Search the 2026 Prohibited List - wada-ama.org (in force from 1 January 2026)

WADA has published the updated 2026 Prohibited List alongside the substances on its Monitoring Program for 2026. The 2026 Prohibited List come into force on 1 January 2026.

We have summarised the most important changes for athletes at:

The full changes, in order of Prohibited List section, are below.

S1. Anabolic Agents

It was clarified in S1.1. that esters of the prohibited steroids are also prohibited

S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics

S2.1.Pegmolesatide was added as an example of a new EPO-mimetic agent.

S3. Beta-2 Agonists

The dosing intervals of salmeterol were added to avoid potential ergogenic effects beyond therapeutic action. The maximum delivered dose is unchanged at 200 micrograms over 24 hours.

S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators

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 synthetic substance has been found in supplements.

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 also been found in supplements.

S6. Stimulants

2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]acetamide (flmodafinil) and 2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methylsulfinyl]-N-hydroxyacetamide (fladrafinil) were added to the S6.A list of non-specified stimulants. These unapproved substances are potent analogs of modafinil and adrafinil, and are sold as supplements.

Prohibited methods:

M1. Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components

M1.1. The withdrawal of blood or blood components (including by apheresis), unless performed for 1) analytical purposes including medical tests or Doping Control, or for 2) donation purposes in a collection center 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

M1.4. The use of re-breathing systems or equipment to deliver carbon monoxide, unless performed as a diagnostic procedure under the supervision of a medical or scientific professional.

M3. Gene and Cell Doping

Using cell components (like mitochondria and ribosomes) with the potential to enhance performance is now banned alongside using normal or genetically modified cells. 

S9. Glucocorticoids

The following clarification is added as a footnote to the Glucocorticoid Washout Table: “Use of sustained-release glucocorticoid formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption.” 

2026 Monitoring Program

It is clarified that the urine monitoring of semaglutide includes also the monitoring of tirzepatide.

Even common medications can contain banned substances.

That's why we encourage you to check every medication on Global DRO before using it. Global DRO can tell you if a substance is banned in sport, permitted, or has conditions around its use.

The principle of strict liability means that, as an athlete, you're 100% responsible for anything found in your sample. It's always best to play it safe.

Learn how to check medications using Global DRO

Download the Wallet Guide

Print and fold the Wallet Guide so you always have handy anti-doping information at hand.

Download the 2026 Wallet Guide (PDF 202KB)