The World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 12 September, enters into force on 1 January 2025.

The 2025 WADA Prohibited list contains several changes and updates relevant to biathlon, notably an important change to the maximum allowed use of inhaled formoterol.

Under the new rules, athletes will only be able to therapeutically inhale up to 36 micrograms of formoterol over any 12-hour period. A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) will be required to cover therapeutic use that exceeds these permitted limits.

WADA said: “These new 12-hourly dosing intervals are consistent with manufacturers’ recommended use; the maximum delivered dose is unchanged at 54 micrograms over 24 hours.”

WADA summarises the other changes as follows:

Prohibited substances

S0. Non-Approved Substances

·         S-107 and S48168 (ARM210) were added to S0 as examples of the class of ryanodine receptor-1-calstabin complex stabilizers. The ryanodine receptor-1-calstabin complex is a major component of calcium storage and release, serving to maintain skeletal muscle function.

S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators

·         Elacestrant was added as an example of an anti-estrogen.

·         Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) was added as an example of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator.

·         For clarity, S519 and S597 were added as examples of insulin-mimetics. Insulin-mimetics compounds or selective insulin receptor modulators (SIRMs) mimic insulin action by binding to the insulin receptor2.

S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents

·         Xipamide was added as an example of a diuretic.

Prohibited methods

M1. Manipulation of Blood and 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 centre accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates.

M3. Gene and Cell Doping

·         Minor editorial change was made for clarity

WADA’s Summary of major Modifications can be found here.

WADA has also published the 2025 Monitoring Program which lists substances (not on the Prohibited List) that are currently being monitored for potential misuse in sport.

The 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods

WADA’s list designates which substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.

For a substance or method to be added to the list, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria:

·         It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance 

·         It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes 

·         It violates the spirit of sport.

Olivier Niggli, WADA’s Director General, said: “We encourage athletes, their entourage and all stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the Summary of Major Modifications to avoid inadvertent use of substances and methods that are prohibited in sport for 2025.”

Athletes and their support personnel should make themselves aware of the changes, review any medications they use, and apply for a TUE, if required, before the updated list comes into effect on 1 January 2025.