Peptides and the 2027 WADA list
WADA's 2027 Prohibited List takes effect on 1 January 2027. Its wording makes peptides explicit within the examples under S0, the category for non-approved substances. This clarification should not be read as a first-time ban on every peptide, or as permission to use an unnamed substance before January.
What changes in 2027?
WADA's 2027 explanatory note says many non-approved peptides already fall within S0 or other classes, including S2 and S4. It explains that the additional wording is for clarity. A peptide may be prohibited even when its name does not appear in the examples.
UKAD's summary records that WADA published the new list on 21 September 2026. Publication gives readers advance notice; the effective date determines when the new version applies. The 2026 list remains the current version as this article is checked on 5 November.
Which restrictions already apply?
The following entries appear in both official lists. The categories below apply in and out of competition; this small table is not a complete substance checker.
| Named example | 2026 category | Published 2027 category |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | S0, non-approved substances | S0, non-approved substances |
| Thymosin-beta4 and derivatives such as TB-500 | S2.3, growth factors and modulators | S2.3, growth factors and modulators |
| CJC-1295 | S2.2.4, growth hormone releasing factors | S2.2.4, growth hormone releasing factors |
| Ipamorelin | S2.2.4, growth hormone releasing factors | S2.2.4, growth hormone releasing factors |
Check page 4 for S0 and page 8 for these S2 examples in the 2026 list and 2027 list.
Why a name search is not enough
The list contains classes and non-exhaustive examples. A missing search result therefore cannot establish that a compound is permitted. Shortened names and related molecules also make identity important: the TB-500 reference explains why a fragment and its parent protein should not be casually interchanged when reading research.
The CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin reference explains their identity differences. That scientific distinction does not replace the list's classifications.
Sports rules and UK medicines rules answer different questions
A document about pharmaceutical approval or supply does not determine a sports classification. Equally, an anti-doping entry is not a complete account of UK medicines law. The BPC-157 UK status article explains the separate regulatory question.
UKAD directs anyone uncertain about a non-approved peptide to its substance enquiry service. Use the contact details on the official UKAD guidance page, rather than treating a supplier page as clearance. This reference provides no advice on avoiding testing or timing use around competition.
Sources: UKAD's summary and the official WADA lists and explanatory note linked above.
Scope for European readers
This is a dated account of the research or policy described in the linked sources. The stated jurisdiction, study product and population matter. A US or UK announcement does not establish authorisation or availability across Europe. Nothing in this report establishes results for an EPS catalogue material. Read the research-use statement for the storefront's scope.