WADA Publishes 2020 Prohibited List

(Ottawa, Ontario – October 31, 2019) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2020 Prohibited List. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) would like to alert the sport community that the List will come into effect on January 1, 2020. 

The 2020 Prohibited List and the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes are now available on WADA’s website. 

Notable modifications and clarifications include:

  • Anabolic Agents (S1)
    • LGD-4033 is also listed by the commonly used name, ligandrol.
    • Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are no longer divided into “exogenous” and “endogenous” subcategories. All AAS are joined in one class, S1. Two additional examples are included: methylclostebol and 1-epiandrosterone.
  • Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics (S2): Argon was removed from the Prohibited List.
  • Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (S4): Bazedoxifene and ospemifene were added as additional examples of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
  • Stimulants (S6): Octodrine was added as an example of Specified Stimulants.
  • Narcotics (S7): For clarity, it was stated that all optical isomers are prohibited.
  • Cannabinoids (S8): The substances that are prohibited have not been changed. All synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC are prohibited.
  • Gene and Cell Doping (M3): The List reiterates that non-transformed stem cells used alone for healing injuries are not prohibited, as long as they return the function of the affected area to normal and do not enhance it.
  • Monitoring Program: Ecdysterone was included in the Monitoring Program to assess patterns and prevalence of misuse.

Use the following CCES resources to determine whether medications are prohibited in sport. All resources will reflect the new List by January 1, 2020.  

Athletes are cautioned to exercise a high degree of care with regards to the use of medications, supplements and sport nutrition products. Those who are prescribed a prohibited medication to treat an illness or condition can apply for a medical exemption. Use the Medical Exemption Wizard to determine if an athlete needs to apply for an exemption, what to include in the application and where to submit it.

The Prohibited List is an international standard identifying substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. The International Olympic Committee first published it in 1963. Since 2004, WADA has been responsible for the preparation and publication of the List, which it updates every year. 

Resources and information:

About the CCES
The CCES is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to making sport better by working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

For further information, please contact:

+1 613-521-3340 x3233
[email protected]