Which peptides are banned in sport? The WADA Prohibited List explained

Why this matters

Anti-doping rules operate on strict liability: a tested athlete is responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, whether or not they intended to cheat and whatever the label said. Many peptides are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition.

This article explains the main categories. It is not a substitute for checking the current WADA Prohibited List or your national anti-doping organisation.

S0: non-approved substances

Section S0 covers any pharmacological substance not approved by a government health authority for human therapeutic use. It is a catch-all, so a substance does not have to be named to be prohibited.

BPC-157 is explicitly listed as an example in S0. USADA and Sport Integrity Australia both publish warnings about it.

S2: peptide hormones, growth factors and mimetics

Section S2 covers peptide hormones and related substances. It includes growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing factors and growth hormone secretagogues. Ipamorelin, a growth hormone secretagogue, falls into this group, along with similar compounds such as CJC-1295 and sermorelin.

Growth factors and modulators, including TB-500 according to current anti-doping guidance, are also covered by S2.

S4: hormone and metabolic modulators

Section S4 includes metabolic modulators such as activators of AMPK. Current anti-doping guidance lists MOTS-c in this section.

Substances that are not named

The absence of a name from the list does not mean a substance is allowed. Unapproved research peptides can fall under S0, and the list includes the phrase 'and other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s)' in many sections.

Contamination is another risk. A product of unknown origin may contain substances not on its label.

How to check a substance

Use the current WADA Prohibited List, which is updated every year and takes effect on 1 January. Many national agencies provide a searchable lookup such as Global DRO. If you are a tested athlete with a medical need, ask about a Therapeutic Use Exemption before using any prohibited substance, not after.