WADA's 2026 Prohibited List names BPC-157, TB-500 and MOTS-c

The World Anti-Doping Agency published its 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods on September 24, 2025. WADA’s Executive Committee approved it on September 11, 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026. The list binds every signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, which covers Olympic sport and most national anti-doping programs.

What changed for peptides

WADA’s announcement says the 2026 list adds “further examples or clarifications” to four classes, including S2, peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics, and S4, hormone and metabolic modulators. Other changes include a new prohibited method for non-diagnostic carbon monoxide use and a clarification on blood withdrawal.

Where common peptides appear

From the 2026 list PDF:

S0 is a catch-all. It covers any pharmacological substance not addressed elsewhere on the list “with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use.” WADA’s list says all S0 substances are Specified Substances, a classification that can affect sanctions but not whether a positive test is a violation.

Why US rules don’t change the answer

An athlete’s case turns on what is in the sample. Whether a peptide is compoundable in the United States, sold as “research use only,” or recommended by an FDA advisory panel does not change its status on the Prohibited List. WADA’s release says “athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body.” Athletes with a genuine medical need can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.

That gap is widening. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend BPC-157, TB-500 and MOTS-c for the 503A compounding list (report). All three remain prohibited in sport. Our sport explainer has more detail.