The 2016 WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Prohibited List comes into effect on 1 January 2016. The List designates the substances and methods which are prohibited in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports. In accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code, if a substance or method is found to meet two of three criteria (performance-enhancement, danger to athletes’ health or its use is against the spirit of sport), then it could be considered for placement on the List. WADA’s List Expert Group annually reviews the List taking into consideration submissions from stakeholders, advancements in scientific and medical research, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies, emerging trends in doping practice etc.
Changes of interest include the following:
In S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics, leuprorelin replaced triptorelin as a more universal example of a chorionic gonadotrophin and luteinizing hormone-releasing factor.
Under S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, insulin-mimetics were added to the List to include all insulin-receptor agonists. In addition, meldonium, which is also known as mildronate, was added because of evidence of its use by athletes with the intention of enhancing performance. Meldonium is marketed as a medicinal product in Russia and the Ukraine and is regarded as an inhibitor of carnitine synthesis and reported to have cardioprotective and anti-ischaemic effects.
The List now clarifies that and that the ophthalmic use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (S.5 Diuretics and Masking Agents) and the alpha2 adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (S.6 Stimulants) are both permitted.
Commenting on the publication of the 2016 WADA List, Dr Una May, Director of Participation and Ethics in Sport Ireland said “Anyone with a role in supporting athletes needs to ensure that they keep themselves up to date at all times in relation to Anti-Doping. MIMS plays a vital role in providing the necessary information for medical personnel regarding WADA’s Prohibited List.” The updates to the 2016 List will be reflected in the Sport Ireland Athlete’s wallet cards, MIMS Ireland, the Eirpharm.com Drugs in Sport Database and the Medication Checker App which allows users to access the live Eirpharm Drugs in Sport Database.
More information is available from Sport Ireland at (01) 8608818. Fax: (01) 8608860.
Website: www.irishsportscouncil/Anti-Doping), www.eirpharm.com and National Governing Bodies of Sport.