Which Peptides Are Banned in Sport? WADA Status
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A neutral, source-grounded reference to how the peptides tracked on Peptide Science Daily are classified. Not legal or medical advice.
Quick answer
Of the 56 peptides tracked by Peptide Science Daily, 21 are recorded as prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code and 35 are not specifically listed as prohibited. Being banned in sport is separate from a compound's status as a legal medicine. Classifications are reviewed each year, so athletes should confirm against the current WADA Prohibited List.
How peptides are treated in sport
In regulated sport, the substances athletes may not use are set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, which is revised each year. Several classes of peptide, including growth hormone secretagogues, growth factors such as IGF-1, and certain peptide hormones, are prohibited at all times or in competition.
A compound being prohibited in sport is separate from its legal status as a medicine. Some peptides are approved prescription medicines yet still banned for competing athletes, while others are not specifically named on the Prohibited List.
The status shown for each compound below reflects its recorded standing under the WADA code. Athletes should always check the current Prohibited List and consult their anti-doping organisation, because classifications are reviewed every year.
Status in sport (WADA) by compound
Every tracked peptide and its recorded status in this jurisdiction. The colored dot shows the regulatory tone; the text states the specific status. Select a compound for its full profile and cited sources.
- AOD-9604Prohibited
Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (tyrosine-modified hGH 176-191); lipolytic peptide
Prohibited at all times under Section S2; explicitly listed as a growth hormone fragment (alongside hGH 176-191).
- BPC-157Prohibited
Synthetic stable gastric pentadecapeptide (15-amino-acid partial sequence derived from a protein in human gastric juice)
Prohibited at all times under S0 (non-approved substances) since 2022; no therapeutic use exemption available.
- CJC-1295Prohibited
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); GHRH analogues including CJC-1295 are explicitly listed.
- DesmopressinProhibited
Synthetic vasopressin V2-receptor agonist analog (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin)
Prohibited at all times. Listed as a masking agent under Section S5 (Diuretics and Masking Agents) of the Prohibited List.
- DihexaProhibited
Angiotensin IV-derived peptide (metabolically stabilised); investigational nootropic / HGF-Met modulator
Not named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it is captured by S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited.
- EpithalonProhibited
Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG); studied as a telomerase-related peptide
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List, but unapproved peptides of this type are generally captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category (any pharmacological substance with no current approval by a governmental health authority for human therapeutic use), which is prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited.
- FollistatinProhibited
Endogenous activin-binding glycoprotein; myostatin/activin antagonist (studied as recombinant protein and via gene therapy, e.g., FS-344)
Prohibited at all times under Section S4.3 (Agents preventing activin receptor IIB activation), which explicitly names follistatin among myostatin-binding proteins; gene-therapy delivery may additionally be captured under M3 (Gene and Cell Doping).
- FOXO4-DRIProhibited
Senolytic peptide (FOXO4 D-retro-inverso peptide); disrupts the FOXO4-p53 interaction
Not named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it falls under S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited.
- GHRP-2Prohibited
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues including GHRP-2 are explicitly covered.
- GHRP-6Prohibited
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; first-described growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys)
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues including GHRP-6 are explicitly covered.
- GonadorelinProhibited
Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH); decapeptide identical to endogenous GnRH; GnRH receptor agonist
Prohibited in males under Section S2: WADA lists gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists among luteinising-hormone releasing factors, and gonadorelin is explicitly named; it is not prohibited in females.
- HexarelinProhibited
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) hexapeptide
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) are explicitly covered.
- IGF-1 LR3Prohibited
Long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 analogue (Long R3 IGF-1); recombinant IGF-1 with an Arg3 substitution and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension; sold as a laboratory research reagent
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its analogues are explicitly covered.
- IpamorelinProhibited
Growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor agonist (pentapeptide)
Prohibited at all times under Section S2; growth hormone secretagogues including ipamorelin are explicitly listed.
- KisspeptinProhibited
Reproductive neuropeptide; KISS1 gene product and endogenous agonist of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54); upstream stimulator of GnRH neurons
Prohibited in males under Section S2: WADA added kisspeptin to the 2024 Prohibited List as an example of a testosterone-stimulating peptide (a luteinising-hormone releasing factor); it is prohibited in males only, not in females.
- MOTS-cProhibited
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); AMPK activator / exercise mimetic
Prohibited at all times under Section S4.4 (Metabolic Modulators), 4.4.1 Activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); MOTS-c is explicitly named. No therapeutic use exemption is available because there is no approved therapeutic use.
- SelankProhibited
Synthetic tuftsin analog (heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro); anxiolytic/nootropic neuropeptide
Not listed by name; because it lacks approval by major (stringent) regulatory authorities, it is generally treated as captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category, prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited.
- SemaxProhibited
Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro); nootropic/neuroprotective neuropeptide
Not listed by name; because it lacks approval by major (stringent) regulatory authorities, it is generally treated as captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category, prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited.
- SermorelinProhibited
Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone comprising its first 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29); formerly FDA-approved (Geref), later withdrawn from the US market
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth-hormone-releasing factors, including GHRH and its analogues such as sermorelin, are prohibited.
- TB-500Prohibited
Synthetic peptide fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponding to the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4; note it is NOT the same molecule as full-length recombinant thymosin beta-4
Prohibited at all times under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors and mimetics) since 2011.
- TesamorelinProhibited
Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH); approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth-hormone-releasing factors, including GHRH and its analogues such as tesamorelin, are prohibited. Athletes require a therapeutic use exemption.
- AbaloparatideUnclear
Synthetic parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34) analog; osteoanabolic agent
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; parathyroid hormone analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes.
- AfamelanotideUnclear
Synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, NDP-MSH)
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List; as an approved medicine used for a rare photodermatosis it does not fall within a listed prohibited class.
- AmycretinUnclear
Unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide).
- ArgirelineUnclear
Topical cosmetic peptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8); SNAP-25 N-terminal fragment mimetic
Not listed on the Prohibited List; a topical cosmetic peptide with no relevance to sport doping.
- CagrilintideUnclear
Long-acting amylin (and calcitonin) receptor agonist / amylin analogue
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. Amylin analogues are not banned substances; as an investigational agent it falls outside approved therapeutic use.
- DSIPUnclear
Delta sleep-inducing peptide; endogenous neuromodulatory nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu)
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as a non-approved substance, athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation.
- DulaglutideUnclear
Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 analogue fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment)
Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances.
- EfpeglenatideUnclear
Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-based, once-weekly)
Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). GLP-1 receptor agonists are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.
- ElamipretideUnclear
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding Szeto-Schiller peptide)
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation.
- ExenatideUnclear
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; synthetic exendin-4
Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances.
- GHK-CuUnclear
Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu2+); endogenous matrikine; cosmetic ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1
Not specifically named on the Prohibited List.
- HumaninUnclear
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (24-residue; encoded in the mtDNA 16S rRNA region); cytoprotective
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as a non-approved substance, athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation.
- KPVUnclear
Tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val); C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-derived anti-inflammatory peptide
Not specifically named on the Prohibited List.
- LanreotideUnclear
Long-acting synthetic somatostatin analog (cyclic octapeptide)
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; somatostatin analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes.
- LinaclotideUnclear
Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist peptide (14 amino acids)
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List.
- LiraglutideUnclear
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (acylated GLP-1 analogue)
Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances.
- LixisenatideUnclear
Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-4 based incretin mimetic)
Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). GLP-1 receptor agonists are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.
- LL-37Unclear
Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (37-residue C-terminal fragment of hCAP18); host-defence peptide
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as an endogenous host-defence peptide it is not a named prohibited substance, but synthetic administration is unapproved and athletes should verify current status.
- Maridebart cafraglutideUnclear
Peptide-antibody conjugate with GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP receptor antagonist activity
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide).
- MazdutideUnclear
Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors; a synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an incretin-class agent (a GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist) it is not a banned substance.
- Melanotan IIUnclear
Synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List; melanocortin receptor agonists are not a listed prohibited class. As an unapproved substance, athletes should nonetheless verify its current status.
- OctreotideUnclear
Synthetic somatostatin analog (octapeptide); inhibitor of growth hormone and gastroenteropancreatic hormone secretion
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; somatostatin analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes.
- OrforglipronUnclear
Oral small-molecule (non-peptide) agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist it is not a banned substance.
- PetrelintideUnclear
Long-acting amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) receptor agonist for weight management
Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Amylin analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.
- PramlintideUnclear
Synthetic amylin analog (amylinomimetic)
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program. An amylin analog is not prohibited in or out of competition.
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide)Unclear
Melanocortin receptor agonist; synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. As an approved medicine it is not captured by the S0 non-approved-substances clause, and it does not fall within a listed prohibited class; athletes should nonetheless verify current status.
- RetatrutideUnclear
Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide)
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an investigational incretin-class agent it is not a banned substance; the closely related approved GLP-1 agonists are on WADA's monitoring program rather than prohibited.
- SemaglutideUnclear
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Not prohibited. On the WADA Monitoring Program (introduced 2024, continued into 2026); it is tracked but not a banned substance.
- SetmelanotideUnclear
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide among metabolic agents). An MC4R agonist is not prohibited in or out of competition.
- SurvodutideUnclear
Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors (investigational metabolic peptide)
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an investigational incretin-class agent (a GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist) it is not a banned substance.
- TeduglutideUnclear
Recombinant glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog
Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List.
- TeriparatideUnclear
Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment PTH(1-34); bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis agent
Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Parathyroid hormone analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition.
- ThymalinUnclear
Thymic polypeptide preparation (calf-thymus extract); immunomodulatory bioregulator
Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; its status as a peptide immunomodulator is not clearly defined for anti-doping purposes, and athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation.
- Thymosin Alpha-1Unclear
Synthetic 28-amino-acid thymic peptide (thymalfasin); immunomodulator
Not listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List; as an immunomodulatory peptide it is not currently a named prohibited substance, though athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation.
- TirzepatideUnclear
Dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors (incretin-based metabolic peptide)
Not prohibited. Added to the WADA 2026 Monitoring Program, with markers tracked in- and out-of-competition to detect patterns of misuse; not a banned substance.
| Compound | Tone | Status in sport (WADA) |
|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (tyrosine-modified hGH 176-191); lipolytic peptide | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2; explicitly listed as a growth hormone fragment (alongside hGH 176-191). |
| BPC-157 Synthetic stable gastric pentadecapeptide (15-amino-acid partial sequence derived from a protein in human gastric juice) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under S0 (non-approved substances) since 2022; no therapeutic use exemption available. |
| CJC-1295 Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); GHRH analogues including CJC-1295 are explicitly listed. |
| Desmopressin Synthetic vasopressin V2-receptor agonist analog (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times. Listed as a masking agent under Section S5 (Diuretics and Masking Agents) of the Prohibited List. |
| Dihexa Angiotensin IV-derived peptide (metabolically stabilised); investigational nootropic / HGF-Met modulator | Prohibited | Not named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it is captured by S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited. |
| Epithalon Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG); studied as a telomerase-related peptide | Prohibited | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List, but unapproved peptides of this type are generally captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category (any pharmacological substance with no current approval by a governmental health authority for human therapeutic use), which is prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited. |
| Follistatin Endogenous activin-binding glycoprotein; myostatin/activin antagonist (studied as recombinant protein and via gene therapy, e.g., FS-344) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S4.3 (Agents preventing activin receptor IIB activation), which explicitly names follistatin among myostatin-binding proteins; gene-therapy delivery may additionally be captured under M3 (Gene and Cell Doping). |
| FOXO4-DRI Senolytic peptide (FOXO4 D-retro-inverso peptide); disrupts the FOXO4-p53 interaction | Prohibited | Not named on the Prohibited List, but as a non-approved substance it falls under S0 (Non-Approved Substances), prohibited at all times; athletes should treat it as prohibited. |
| GHRP-2 Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues including GHRP-2 are explicitly covered. |
| GHRP-6 Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; first-described growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues including GHRP-6 are explicitly covered. |
| Gonadorelin Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH); decapeptide identical to endogenous GnRH; GnRH receptor agonist | Prohibited | Prohibited in males under Section S2: WADA lists gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists among luteinising-hormone releasing factors, and gonadorelin is explicitly named; it is not prohibited in females. |
| Hexarelin Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) hexapeptide | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth hormone secretagogues and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) are explicitly covered. |
| IGF-1 LR3 Long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 analogue (Long R3 IGF-1); recombinant IGF-1 with an Arg3 substitution and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension; sold as a laboratory research reagent | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its analogues are explicitly covered. |
| Ipamorelin Growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor agonist (pentapeptide) | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2; growth hormone secretagogues including ipamorelin are explicitly listed. |
| Kisspeptin Reproductive neuropeptide; KISS1 gene product and endogenous agonist of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54); upstream stimulator of GnRH neurons | Prohibited | Prohibited in males under Section S2: WADA added kisspeptin to the 2024 Prohibited List as an example of a testosterone-stimulating peptide (a luteinising-hormone releasing factor); it is prohibited in males only, not in females. |
| MOTS-c Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); AMPK activator / exercise mimetic | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S4.4 (Metabolic Modulators), 4.4.1 Activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); MOTS-c is explicitly named. No therapeutic use exemption is available because there is no approved therapeutic use. |
| Selank Synthetic tuftsin analog (heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro); anxiolytic/nootropic neuropeptide | Prohibited | Not listed by name; because it lacks approval by major (stringent) regulatory authorities, it is generally treated as captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category, prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited. |
| Semax Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro); nootropic/neuroprotective neuropeptide | Prohibited | Not listed by name; because it lacks approval by major (stringent) regulatory authorities, it is generally treated as captured by the S0 'Non-Approved Substances' category, prohibited at all times. Athletes should treat it as prohibited. |
| Sermorelin Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone comprising its first 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29); formerly FDA-approved (Geref), later withdrawn from the US market | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth-hormone-releasing factors, including GHRH and its analogues such as sermorelin, are prohibited. |
| TB-500 Synthetic peptide fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponding to the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4; note it is NOT the same molecule as full-length recombinant thymosin beta-4 | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors and mimetics) since 2011. |
| Tesamorelin Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH); approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy | Prohibited | Prohibited at all times under Section S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics); growth-hormone-releasing factors, including GHRH and its analogues such as tesamorelin, are prohibited. Athletes require a therapeutic use exemption. |
| Abaloparatide Synthetic parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34) analog; osteoanabolic agent | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; parathyroid hormone analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes. |
| Afamelanotide Synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, NDP-MSH) | Unclear | Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List; as an approved medicine used for a rare photodermatosis it does not fall within a listed prohibited class. |
| Amycretin Unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide). |
| Argireline Topical cosmetic peptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8); SNAP-25 N-terminal fragment mimetic | Unclear | Not listed on the Prohibited List; a topical cosmetic peptide with no relevance to sport doping. |
| Cagrilintide Long-acting amylin (and calcitonin) receptor agonist / amylin analogue | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. Amylin analogues are not banned substances; as an investigational agent it falls outside approved therapeutic use. |
| DSIP Delta sleep-inducing peptide; endogenous neuromodulatory nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) | Unclear | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as a non-approved substance, athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation. |
| Dulaglutide Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 analogue fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment) | Unclear | Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances. |
| Efpeglenatide Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-based, once-weekly) | Unclear | Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). GLP-1 receptor agonists are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition. |
| Elamipretide Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding Szeto-Schiller peptide) | Unclear | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation. |
| Exenatide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; synthetic exendin-4 | Unclear | Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances. |
| GHK-Cu Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu2+); endogenous matrikine; cosmetic ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1 | Unclear | Not specifically named on the Prohibited List. |
| Humanin Mitochondrial-derived peptide (24-residue; encoded in the mtDNA 16S rRNA region); cytoprotective | Unclear | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as a non-approved substance, athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation. |
| KPV Tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val); C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-derived anti-inflammatory peptide | Unclear | Not specifically named on the Prohibited List. |
| Lanreotide Long-acting synthetic somatostatin analog (cyclic octapeptide) | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; somatostatin analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes. |
| Linaclotide Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist peptide (14 amino acids) | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. |
| Liraglutide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (acylated GLP-1 analogue) | Unclear | Not prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances. |
| Lixisenatide Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-4 based incretin mimetic) | Unclear | Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). GLP-1 receptor agonists are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition. |
| LL-37 Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (37-residue C-terminal fragment of hCAP18); host-defence peptide | Unclear | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; as an endogenous host-defence peptide it is not a named prohibited substance, but synthetic administration is unapproved and athletes should verify current status. |
| Maridebart cafraglutide Peptide-antibody conjugate with GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP receptor antagonist activity | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide). |
| Mazdutide Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors; a synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an incretin-class agent (a GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist) it is not a banned substance. |
| Melanotan II Synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist | Unclear | Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List; melanocortin receptor agonists are not a listed prohibited class. As an unapproved substance, athletes should nonetheless verify its current status. |
| Octreotide Synthetic somatostatin analog (octapeptide); inhibitor of growth hormone and gastroenteropancreatic hormone secretion | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List; somatostatin analogs are not among the prohibited peptide-hormone classes. |
| Orforglipron Oral small-molecule (non-peptide) agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist it is not a banned substance. |
| Petrelintide Long-acting amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) receptor agonist for weight management | Unclear | Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Amylin analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition. |
| Pramlintide Synthetic amylin analog (amylinomimetic) | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program. An amylin analog is not prohibited in or out of competition. |
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) Melanocortin receptor agonist; synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) | Unclear | Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. As an approved medicine it is not captured by the S0 non-approved-substances clause, and it does not fall within a listed prohibited class; athletes should nonetheless verify current status. |
| Retatrutide Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide) | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an investigational incretin-class agent it is not a banned substance; the closely related approved GLP-1 agonists are on WADA's monitoring program rather than prohibited. |
| Semaglutide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | Unclear | Not prohibited. On the WADA Monitoring Program (introduced 2024, continued into 2026); it is tracked but not a banned substance. |
| Setmelanotide Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List and not in the 2026 Monitoring Program (which names only markers of semaglutide and tirzepatide among metabolic agents). An MC4R agonist is not prohibited in or out of competition. |
| Survodutide Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors (investigational metabolic peptide) | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an investigational incretin-class agent (a GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist) it is not a banned substance. |
| Teduglutide Recombinant glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog | Unclear | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. |
| Teriparatide Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment PTH(1-34); bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis agent | Unclear | Not listed as a prohibited substance on the WADA Prohibited List (2026). Parathyroid hormone analogs are not classified as prohibited in or out of competition. |
| Thymalin Thymic polypeptide preparation (calf-thymus extract); immunomodulatory bioregulator | Unclear | Not listed by name on the Prohibited List; its status as a peptide immunomodulator is not clearly defined for anti-doping purposes, and athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation. |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 Synthetic 28-amino-acid thymic peptide (thymalfasin); immunomodulator | Unclear | Not listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List; as an immunomodulatory peptide it is not currently a named prohibited substance, though athletes should verify current status with their anti-doping organisation. |
| Tirzepatide Dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors (incretin-based metabolic peptide) | Unclear | Not prohibited. Added to the WADA 2026 Monitoring Program, with markers tracked in- and out-of-competition to detect patterns of misuse; not a banned substance. |
Regulatory classifications change; entries reflect the status recorded in each compound profile and are provided for reference, not as legal or medical advice.
Common questions
- Which peptides are banned in sport under the WADA code?
- Of the peptides tracked here, the following are recorded as prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code: AOD-9604, BPC-157, CJC-1295, Desmopressin, Dihexa, Epithalon, Follistatin, FOXO4-DRI, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Gonadorelin, Hexarelin, IGF-1 LR3, Ipamorelin, Kisspeptin, MOTS-c, Selank, Semax, Sermorelin, TB-500, Tesamorelin. Peptides not in this list are not specifically recorded as prohibited, but athletes should confirm against the current WADA Prohibited List.
- Does being an approved medicine mean a peptide is allowed in sport?
- No. A peptide can be an approved prescription medicine and still be prohibited for competing athletes. Legal status as a medicine and status under the WADA code are decided separately.