Major modifications for the WADA’s 2025 Prohibited List and Overview of the 2025 Monitoring Program

By this article we would like to remind to all stakeholders that in 1 January 2025 the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods and the 2025 Monitoring Program entered into force and share with you the most important changes in these two documents.

2025 WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Methods

 The major modifications for 2025 include the following:  

1. Donation of blood or blood components

Donation of blood or blood components (e.g. plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and peripheral blood stem cells) including by apheresis is not prohibited when performed in a collection center accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates.

2. Guanfacine was clarified as not prohibited

Guanfacine is a prescription medication primarily used for the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , Sleep Disorders.

3. The dosing intervals of formoterol have been changed, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used in the treatment of respiratory conditions. It is primarily prescribed for its bronchodilatory effects, which help to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing.

Based on a recent publications on potential performance-enhancing doses of inhaled formoterol, the dosing intervals were updated to ensure that ergogenic effects are not achieved. These new 12-hourly dosing intervals are consistent with manufacturers’ recommended use; the maximum delivered dose is unchanged at 54 micrograms over 24 hours.

4. Hydrafinil is now classified as a non-specified stimulant

This substance is more potent than modafinil and is not licensed for medical use.

Hydrafinil is a research chemical and a eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent) that is not approved for medical use or widely studied for clinical applications. It has gained some attention for its purported cognitive-enhancing properties, though its safety, efficacy, and long-term effects are not well-documented.

5. Beta-blockers are no longer prohibited in any skiing and snowboarding disciplines

Beta-blockers are a class of medications primarily used to manage cardiovascular conditions. They work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which helps reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the heart's workload.

Based on information provided by International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the skiing/snowboarding disciplines of ski jumping, freestyle aerials/halfpipe and snowboard halfpipe/big air were removed.

2025 WADA Monitoring Program

The Monitoring Program includes substances which are not on the Prohibited List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect patterns of misuse in sport. WADA creates the Monitoring Program in consultation with Signatories and governments. 

Compared to the 2024 WADA Monitoring Program, only fentanyl and tramadol have been added as substances to monitor out-of-competition.

The following substances are placed on the 2025 Monitoring Program:

1. Anabolic Agents

In and Out-of-Competition: Ecdysterone. Ecdysterone is a naturally occurring steroid compound found in certain plants, insects, and marine animals. It has gained attention as a dietary supplement, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, for its potential performance-enhancing and health benefits. While research is still developing, ecdysterone is often marketed as a natural and safer alternative to anabolic steroids.

2. Peptides Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics

In and Out-of-Competition: Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in females under 18 years only.

3. Hypoxen - In and Out-of-Competition. Hypoxen is a pharmacological agent, commonly used in sports medicine and therapeutic practices, particularly for its purported effects on enhancing oxygen utilization in the body.

4. Stimulants

In-Competition only: Bupropion, caffeine, nicotine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pipradrol and synephrine.

5. Narcotics

In-Competition only: Codeine, dermorphin (and its analogues), dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone and tapentadol

Out-of-Competition: Fentanyl and tramadol.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid primarily used for pain management. It is significantly more potent than morphine, making it effective for treating severe pain but also associated with a high risk of misuse, dependency, and overdose.

Tramadol is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is classified as an opioid analgesic but has a unique dual mechanism of action, making it different from traditional opioids like morphine or oxycodone.

6. Semaglutide - In and Out-of-Competition

Semaglutide is used to manage certain chronic conditions, particularly related to blood sugar and weight regulation.