Prohibited List 2027: What Has Changed and What Remains the Same?
The updated Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will come into effect on 1 January 2027. Compared to the 2026 edition, the document introduces several changes and clarifications concerning specific classes of prohibited substances, routes of administration, and the WADA Monitoring Program.
Most of the updates aim to clarify existing prohibitions. However, some changes directly affect which substances and routes of administration will be permitted in 2027.
What Has Changed?
1. Cannabinoids (S8)
WADA has clarified the list of cannabinoids prohibited In-Competition. The prohibition applies to tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of Δ9-THC.
Examples include Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC, Δ10-THC, hexahydrocannabinols (HHC), AB-FUBINACA, and 5F-ADB.
At the same time, naturally occurring cannabinoids that do not have THC-like effects, including cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), are no longer covered by this prohibition.
2. Glucocorticoids (S9)
As of 2027, vaginal administration of glucocorticoids has been added to the permitted routes of administration.
However, glucocorticoids remain prohibited In-Competition when administered by injectable, oral, or rectal routes.
Other permitted routes of administration, including inhaled and topical use, remain allowed provided that the approved dosages and therapeutic indications are respected.
3. Non-Approved Substances (S0)
The provisions concerning peptides that have not been approved by regulatory health authorities for human therapeutic use have been clarified.
Such substances may fall under class S0 or other prohibited classes, including S2 or S4.
It is important to remember that the absence of a specific peptide from the Prohibited List does not necessarily mean that its use is permitted.
4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (S4)
The title of subsection S4.2 has been updated to reflect current scientific terminology.
The document also includes additional examples of substances already covered by the relevant prohibited classes:
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Imlunestrant;
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Seladelpar;
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SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915.
5. Diuretics and Masking Agents (S5)
Eplerenone and finerenone have been added as examples of prohibited substances.
This clarification does not constitute a new prohibition, as these substances were already covered by the relevant prohibited class.
6. Other Clarifications
In section P1, "Beta-Blockers", the wording concerning sporting disciplines in billiards has been harmonized.
The provisions concerning Substances of Abuse have also been clarified. Under the relevant circumstances, the presence of their metabolites must be taken into account during results management.
What Remains the Same?
Despite the updates, the fundamental principles of the Prohibited List remain unchanged.
Substances and methods continue to be classified as prohibited at all times, prohibited In-Competition only, or prohibited in particular sports.
Cannabidiol (CBD) remains permitted. However, medicines and other products containing CBD may also contain THC, which poses a risk to athletes.
Athletes remain responsible for the presence of prohibited substances in their bodies. Where there is a medical need to use a prohibited substance or method, athletes must follow the established procedure for obtaining a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
What Has Changed in the WADA Monitoring Program?
WADA has also updated its Monitoring Program for 2027.
Codeine, dermorphin and its analogues, and hydrocodone have been removed from the program. Out-of-Competition monitoring of fentanyl and tramadol has also been discontinued. These changes reflect the collection of sufficient data on the use of these substances.
Importantly, removing a substance from the Monitoring Program does not automatically mean that it has been removed from the Prohibited List. For example, fentanyl and tramadol remain prohibited In-Competition.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide, which belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, remain in the WADA Monitoring Program for 2027 and are not currently included on the Prohibited List.
What Should Athletes Pay Attention To?
The National Anti-Doping Center of Ukraine recommends that athletes, coaches, medical professionals, and other Athlete Support Personnel familiarize themselves with the updates in advance and verify the anti-doping status of any medications used during treatment.
Particular attention should be paid to the composition of medicinal products, their routes of administration, and the possible presence of prohibited substances.
Reminder: The updated Prohibited List will come into effect on 1 January 2027. The 2026 Prohibited List remains applicable until 31 December 2026, inclusive.
The official WADA documents are available at the following links: