If you compete in a sport that follows the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, many popular peptides can end your season. Some are named outright on the Prohibited List, and others are caught by broad catch-all wording. This guide walks through what the 2026 list says about peptides, checked against the official list text, so you can have an informed talk with your team doctor.
Key takeaways
- The 2026 WADA Prohibited List took effect on January 1, 2026. The 2027 list was published on October 6, 2026 and takes effect January 1, 2027.
- BPC-157 is named under S0 (Non-Approved Substances). TB-500 and thymosin beta-4 are named under S2.3. Both are banned at all times.
- Growth hormone releasing peptides, including CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, tesamorelin, the GHRPs and MK-677 (ibutamoren), are named under S2.2.4.
- MOTS-c is named under S4.4.1 as a metabolic modulator.
- GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are not prohibited. WADA said that stays the same for 2027.
How the Prohibited List works
The list is split into sections. A few key ideas:
- "Prohibited at all times" means banned both in and out of competition. S0, S2 and S4 all fall in this group.
- "Including, but not limited to" means the named examples are not the full list. Similar substances are banned too.
- S0 (Non-Approved Substances) covers any drug not addressed elsewhere on the list that has no current approval by any government health authority for human therapeutic use. Many "research use only" peptides land here.
- Strict liability means athletes are responsible for anything found in their bodies, even from a contaminated product.
Peptides named on the 2026 list
| Peptide or group | Section | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | S0 Non-Approved Substances | Named example; banned at all times |
| TB-500, thymosin beta-4 | S2.3 Growth factors | Named; banned at all times |
| CJC-1295, sermorelin, tesamorelin | S2.2.4 GHRH and analogues | Tesamorelin is banned even though FDA-approved for a specific use |
| Ipamorelin, ibutamoren (MK-677), anamorelin, macimorelin | S2.2.4 GH secretagogues | Named |
| GHRP-1 through GHRP-6, hexarelin | S2.2.4 GH-releasing peptides | Named |
| AOD-9604, hGH 176-191 | S2.2.3 GH fragments | Named |
| IGF-1 and analogues, mechano growth factors (MGFs) | S2.3 Growth factors | Named |
| hCG, LH, gonadorelin, kisspeptin, leuprorelin and other GnRH agonists | S2.2.1 | Prohibited in males only |
| MOTS-c | S4.4.1 Metabolic modulators | Named as an AMPK activator |
| Insulins | S4.4.2 Metabolic modulators | Prohibited at all times |
| Desmopressin | S5 Masking agents | Prohibited as a masking agent |
The S2.3 section also has broad wording that covers other growth factors or modulators affecting muscle, tendon or ligament repair, blood vessel growth, energy use or regenerative capacity. That wording can catch peptides that are not named.
You can read more about several of these on our BPC-157 research post and our growth hormone secretagogue overview.
What about peptides not named?
Plenty of peptides sold online are not listed by name, such as GHK-Cu, KPV or LL-37. That does not mean they are safe to use in sport. They may be caught by:
- S0, if no government health authority anywhere has approved them for human therapeutic use
- S2's catch-all wording, if they act like a growth factor or hormone
- Contamination, since unregulated products may contain other banned substances
Thymosin alpha-1 is a tricky example. It is not named, and it is an approved medicine in some countries, which may keep it out of S0. Classification of unnamed substances is not something to guess. Ask your national anti-doping organization or check its official drug lookup tool before using anything.
GLP-1 medications
Semaglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications are not on the 2026 Prohibited List. WADA has watched their use through its Monitoring Program, which collects data without sanctions. When WADA released the 2027 list, it said GLP-1 status would remain unchanged for 2027 while it studies the question further.
If you take a GLP-1 for diabetes or weight management under a prescriber's care, tell your team doctor anyway. Rules can change from year to year. Our GLP-1 basics post explains how these medicines work.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
Sometimes an athlete has a real medical need for a prohibited substance. For example, someone with a diagnosed hormone condition might need a medicine on the list. A TUE lets that athlete use it without a violation, if the request meets strict criteria.
Practical tips:
- Apply before you start the medicine whenever possible.
- Your prescriber needs to provide medical records and a diagnosis.
- TUEs are not given for "recovery," "anti-aging" or performance goals.
- Requirements vary by sport and level, so check with your federation or national anti-doping organization.
A word on supplements
Strict liability means a contaminated supplement is still your responsibility. Choose products that are third-party tested for sport when you can, keep records of what you take and keep a sample of each batch. The PepSteady app can help you log medicines and supplements with dates, which is useful if questions ever come up.
The bottom line
Many popular peptides, including BPC-157, TB-500, the growth hormone releasing peptides and MOTS-c, are banned at all times under the WADA Code. GLP-1 medications are currently allowed. If you are a tested athlete, check every substance with your anti-doping organization and team doctor before use, and use the TUE process for genuine medical needs.
Sources
- WADA 2026 Prohibited List, official text (copy hosted by SEGAS)
- WADA publishes 2027 Prohibited List (World Rugby)
- WADA publishes Prohibited List update for 2027 (World Triathlon)
- What athletes need to know about the 2026 WADA list and semaglutide (Triathlon Magazine Canada)
Frequently asked questions
Is BPC-157 banned by WADA?
Yes. BPC-157 is named as an example in section S0 (Non-Approved Substances) of the 2026 WADA Prohibited List. S0 substances are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition.
Are GLP-1 medications like semaglutide banned in sport?
No. GLP-1 medications are not on the 2026 Prohibited List, and WADA said their status stays unchanged for 2027. WADA has been tracking their use through its Monitoring Program, which does not lead to sanctions.
What if I need a prohibited peptide for a real medical condition?
Athletes can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) through their anti-doping organization. TUEs are only for legitimate diagnosed conditions and need medical documentation, so apply before use whenever possible.