2027 WADA Prohibited List: What Changes?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2027 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, approved by its Executive Committee on 10 September 2026 and effective from 1 January 2027.

A substance or method is added if it meets at least two of three criteria: it has the potential to enhance sport performance; it represents an actual or potential health risk to athletes; or it violates the spirit of sport.

Key changes are explained below:

• SO. Non-approved substances: Peptides are now named as examples. WADA’s explanatory note states that many peptides not approved for human use fall under S0 or other classes (such as S2 or S4), and that even peptides not specifically named on the list may be prohibited and harmful to health.
• S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators: Examples added:
  • Imlunestrant added as an example in section S4.2.
  • Seladelpar added as an example of PPAR-delta agonist.
  • SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915 added as examples of metabolic modulators acting particularly on oxidative metabolism.

• S5. Diuretics and masking agents: Eplerenone and finerenone are added as examples of prohibited substances in this class.
• S8. Cannabinoids: There’s a shift from a blanket ban on all cannabinoids towards a more specific THC ban, including semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC. Examples listed include:
  • delta-9 THC as found in cannabis (hashish, marijuana)
  • delta-8 and delta-10 THC
  • Hexahydrocannabinols (HHC)
  • AB-FUBINACA, 5F-ADB

WADA’s explanatory note points out that, although cannabidiol itself is not prohibited, cannabidiol derived from cannabis plants can carry varying levels of THC, which remains banned, so athletes need to be careful with such products.

• Glucocorticoids: Vaginal administration is added as a permitted route.

Substances removed from the monitoring list

The monitoring program covers substances not on the prohibited list that WADA tracks for patterns of misuse. Codeine, dermorphin and its analogues, hydrocodone, and out-of-competition use of fentanyl and tramadol have been removed, as data shows they do not currently present an anti-doping concern. The 2027 monitoring program can be accessed here.

Weight-loss drugs not banned, but remain on the monitoring list

Weight-loss drugs may be susceptible to misuse in weight-category sports like boxing and wrestling, and any benefits they offer could be cancelled out by side effects such as nausea, fatigue and muscle loss.

However, GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (often marketed under the Ozempic and Wegovy banners) and tirzepatide (commonly branded as Mounjaro), stay permitted in 2027. Both are on WADA’s monitoring program: semaglutide since 2024 and tirzepatide since 1 January 2026.

According to WADA’s press release, the status of GLP-1 receptor agonists was considered carefully, and there is not yet enough evidence to conclude that they meet the criteria for inclusion on the prohibited list. One study is already underway, and WADA has initiated a second study that will look into the effects of these substances on athletes.

Why it matters

The prohibited list is the core reference for strict-liability anti-doping violations across sport. The cannabinoid change narrows the prohibition to THC and THC-mimicking substances, while the peptide guidance and the continued monitoring of GLP-1 drugs signal where future additions are most likely. Athletes, support personnel and national anti-doping organisations should update education and supplement-screening protocols before 1 January 2027.