WADA publishes Prohibited List 2026

The new Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2026 has been published.

The most important changes compared to 2025 concern the following classes of prohibited substances and methods:

In class S3. Beta-2 agonists, the interval of permitted doses for inhaled salmeterol has been changed. From 1 January 2026, up to 100 micrograms of salmeterol may be inhaled within 8 hours; as in previous years, the maximum permitted inhalative daily dose is 200 micrograms within 24 hours.

In class M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components, it is clarified that the withdrawal of blood or blood components is prohibited unless it is performed for 1) analytical purposes including medical tests or doping control, or 2) for donation purposes in official donation centers. The withdrawal of blood as part of medical treatments with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and similar procedures is permitted as in previous years.

Newly added in class M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components, is the subgroup M1.4. The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) is prohibited. Under certain conditions, it can increase erythropoiesis (formation of red blood cells). The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as total haemoglobin mass measurements or the determination of pulmonary diffusion capacity, is not prohibited under the supervision of a medical or scientific professional.

In class M3. Gene and cell doping the use of cell components (e.g. mitochondria and ribosomes) with the potential to enhance sport performance has been added to the existing ban on the use of normal or genetically modified cells with the potential to enhance sport performance.

In class S6. Stimulants, the substances flmodafinil (2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]acetamide) and fladrafinil (2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]-N-hydroxyacetamide) have been added to the group of non-specified stimulants. They have been found in supplements.

In addition, the substance classes S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics and S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators, further examples have been added to make it easier for athletes and their support personnel to identify prohibited substances.

In the 2026 Monitoring Program, the monitoring of semaglutide has been adjusted. From 1 January 2026, markers of semaglutide and additionally of tirzepatide will be monitored to observe possible misuse of semaglutide and tirzepatide in-competition and out-of-competition.

The WADA Prohibited List is one of eight international standards whose implementation is mandatory for all signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. It specifies which substances and methods are prohibited both in-competition and out-of-competition. The WADA Prohibited List is revised at least once a year.

The WADA Prohibited List 2026 will now be officially translated into German and made available on the website of the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA Germany) at the turn of the year. The English version of the WADA Prohibited List 2026, as well as the English Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes to the new WADA Prohibited List and the Monitoring Program, are now available in the download area of the NADA website.