The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its 2027 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, together with the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the redline version of the List and the 2027 Monitoring Program. The 2027 List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 10 September 2026 and will enter into force on 1 January 2027.

The List is one of the nine International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. It identifies the substances and methods that are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition, as well as those prohibited in particular sports.

WADA Director General Olivier Niggli encouraged athletes, their entourage and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the modifications ahead of the List coming into effect, in order to help prevent the inadvertent use of substances or methods prohibited in sport.

Major modifications for 2027

As outlined in WADA’s Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, several changes have been introduced for 2027.

• The wording concerning Substances of Abuse has been amended to clarify that the presence of metabolites of these substances should be considered in the results management process where relevant.
   
• The title of S4.2 under Hormones and metabolic modulators has been expanded to reflect current terminology for substances in this class.
   
• Changes have also been made to S8. Cannabinoids to reflect current scientific knowledge regarding the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)-like effects of commonly encountered cannabinoids, with several examples added.
   
• The details concerning P1. Beta-blockers have also been harmonised among International Federations.

Further examples and clarifications have been added to S0. Non-approved substances, S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators, S5. Diuretics and masking agents, and S8. Cannabinoids, helping athletes and their entourage to better identify substances that are prohibited.

GLP-1 receptor agonists remain unchanged

WADA has also confirmed that the status of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, will remain unchanged in 2027 while further data is collected on their potential effects on athletes.

Changes to the Monitoring Program

Several substances have been removed from the 2027 Monitoring Program, following the collection of sufficient data indicating that they do not currently represent a concern for anti-doping. The Monitoring Program covers substances that are not prohibited but are monitored by WADA to identify potential patterns of misuse in sport.

Annual review process

WADA conducts a comprehensive annual review of the Prohibited List, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with publication by 1 October.

The process includes scientific and medical research, information on trends and intelligence from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies, consultation with stakeholders and review by the Health, Medical and Research Committee before final approval by the Executive Committee.

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must meet at least two of three criteria: the potential to enhance or enhance sports performance, an actual or potential health risk to athletes, or a violation of the spirit of sport.

The List is published three months before it comes into force, giving athletes, their entourage and other stakeholders time to familiarise themselves with the changes. Athletes remain responsible for prohibited substances found in their bodies and prohibited methods that they have used, while members of an athlete’s entourage may also be liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations where they are found to have been complicit.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions

Athletes who have a legitimate medical reason to use a prohibited substance or method may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The programme provides a process for determining whether an athlete meets the criteria established by the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

Educational resources available

As part of its Code Implementation Support Program, WADA is also providing educational resources through its Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL). These include a CISP Checklist for Implementing the Revised List, available now, and an Athlete and Athlete Support Personnel Guide to the 2027 List, scheduled to become available in December.

The clean and redline versions of the 2027 Prohibited List, the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, and the 2027 Monitoring Program are available in English and French, with Spanish to follow. WADA has also asked stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages to contact the Agency for the necessary files.

The mobile-friendly digital edition of the 2027 Prohibited List will go live on 1 January 2027, when the new List enters into force.

Check the 2027 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. Click here for the French version.

Check the 2027 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes. Click here for the French version.

Check the 2027 Monitoring Program. Click here for the French version