Yes. The 2026 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, in effect since January 1, 2026, bans BPC-157 by name under S0 (non-approved substances) and TB-500, CJC-1295, sermorelin, tesamorelin, ipamorelin, MK-677, the GHRPs and AOD-9604 under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances). Both categories are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition. If you're a tested athlete in a sport that follows the WADA Code, the research-peptide stack most lifters read about is off the table.
The short list: named peptides and where they sit
| Compound | WADA section | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | S0 Non-approved substances (named example) | Prohibited at all times |
| TB-500 | S2 Growth factors: thymosin-β4 and its derivatives | Prohibited at all times |
| CJC-1295, sermorelin, tesamorelin | S2 GHRH and its analogues | Prohibited at all times |
| Ipamorelin, MK-677 (ibutamoren), anamorelin | S2 Growth hormone secretagogues | Prohibited at all times |
| GHRP-6, hexarelin and other GHRPs | S2 GH-releasing peptides | Prohibited at all times |
| AOD-9604, hGH 176-191 | S2 Growth hormone fragments | Prohibited at all times |
| Kisspeptin, hCG, LH | S2 Testosterone-stimulating peptides in males | Prohibited at all times (males) |
The table covers the names lifters ask about most. It isn't the whole list: each section also bans substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects, so a renamed or slightly modified peptide doesn't escape by having a new name.
WADA classifies all prohibited substances in S2 as non-specified. That's a technical term in the Code that generally means tougher sanction starting points than "specified" substances.
S0: the catch-all that gets BPC-157
S0 covers any pharmacological substance not addressed elsewhere on the list that has no current approval by a government health authority for human therapeutic use. Think drugs still in development, drugs that were dropped, and designer compounds. The 2026 list names BPC-157 as an example, alongside DNP and several experimental muscle drugs.
That matters well beyond BPC-157. Many research peptides aren't named anywhere on the list, but if a peptide isn't approved for human therapeutic use and doesn't fit another section, S0 can catch it. "It's not on the list" is rarely a safe reading for a research compound. If you're comparing the two big recovery peptides, our BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison covers the science; for a tested athlete, the answer to "which one?" is neither.
S2: growth hormone and its helpers
S2 is where most of the performance-peptide market sits. The 2026 list names:
- GHRH and its analogues, for example CJC-1293, CJC-1295, sermorelin and tesamorelin. Note that tesamorelin and sermorelin are prohibited even though tesamorelin is an FDA-approved prescription drug; see our tesamorelin access guide.
- Growth hormone secretagogues, for example anamorelin, capromorelin, ibutamoren (MK-677), ipamorelin, lenomorelin (ghrelin), macimorelin and tabimorelin.
- GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs), including examorelin (hexarelin) and GHRP-6.
- Growth hormone fragments, for example AOD-9604 and hGH 176-191.
- Thymosin-β4 and its derivatives, for example TB-500, under growth factors and growth factor modulators.
- Testosterone-stimulating peptides in males, including chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), luteinizing hormone and kisspeptin and its agonist analogues. Our kisspeptin vs hCG vs enclomiphene comparison covers why men use these outside sport.
For the compounds themselves, our CJC-1295/ipamorelin profile is a good starting point.
What isn't on the list (that we could find)
We didn't find GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide or tirzepatide named in the 2026 Prohibited List. Lists change every year, though, and individual sports and leagues can have their own rules. Check the current list and your federation's rules before you assume anything is allowed. The list also has a separate Monitoring Program for substances WADA tracks without prohibiting. In 2026 that includes caffeine, nicotine and bupropion, among others.
How testing works, in broad strokes
We're not going to speculate about detection windows for specific peptides. That information is unreliable online, and it's the wrong question for a tested athlete. What matters more:
- Strict liability. Under the WADA Code, you're responsible for any prohibited substance found in your sample, whether or not you meant to take it. "The vial said something else" isn't a defense that reliably works.
- Out-of-competition testing. S0 and S2 substances are prohibited at all times, so a clean test on meet day doesn't protect you from a random test months earlier.
- Stored samples. Samples can be kept and reanalyzed later as methods improve.
- Contamination risk. Research peptides aren't made to pharmaceutical standards. A vial can contain something other than what's on the label, including a different prohibited substance. Our COA guide explains why paperwork doesn't eliminate that risk.
If you have a real medical need
Athletes with a legitimate medical condition that requires a prohibited substance can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) through their anti-doping organization. TUEs are for diagnosed conditions with appropriate treatment, not for recovery optimization. An approved prescription drug for a documented condition has a pathway. A research peptide for a sore shoulder doesn't.
Three common scenarios
"I used BPC-157 in the off-season. I'm clean now."
S0 substances are prohibited out of competition too, so off-season use was already a violation under the rules if you were subject to testing at the time. Whether it could still be detected isn't something we can answer reliably, and stored samples can be reanalyzed. If you're facing a test and are worried, talk to your anti-doping organization or a specialist lawyer rather than guessing.
"My doctor prescribed sermorelin (or tesamorelin, or hCG)."
A prescription doesn't make a substance permitted. Sermorelin and tesamorelin are named GHRH analogues under S2, and hCG is listed for males. A prescription does give you the starting point for a TUE application, which has to be made through the proper channel and, as a rule, before use. The same goes for testosterone itself, which is prohibited as an anabolic agent.
"I only take a GLP-1."
As noted above, we didn't find semaglutide or tirzepatide on the 2026 list. Check again each year, check your sport's own rules, and be wary of compounded or research-labeled GLP-1 products. A mislabeled or contaminated product can contain something that is prohibited.
Practical checklist for tested lifters and fighters
- Find out which anti-doping rules your federation, league or event uses. Many powerlifting, strongman, combat sports and collegiate programs test; some follow the WADA list, some have their own.
- Look up every compound, prescription and supplement you use against the current year's list. Check every year, since the list is updated.
- Treat "research use only" peptides as prohibited unless you have clear evidence otherwise.
- If a doctor prescribes something on the list, ask about a TUE before you take it.
- Use third-party-certified supplements where possible to lower contamination risk.
For recovery that won't cost you your card, our return-to-sport guide and combat-sports recovery post are worth reading with this list in mind. The legal recovery basics (sleep, load management, rehab with a qualified professional, nutrition) are all fully allowed.
Anti-doping rules are detailed and sport-specific. If you've been notified of a test result or are unsure about a substance, contact your anti-doping organization or a lawyer who handles anti-doping cases. Research-use-only peptides are not sold for human use and have no approved human dose. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- World Anti-Doping Agency, 2026 Prohibited List (final, September 2025; in effect January 1, 2026; copy hosted by SEGAS). Sections S0, S2 and the Monitoring Program note.
Frequently Asked
Yes. The 2026 WADA Prohibited List names BPC-157 as an example under S0, non-approved substances, which are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition.
Yes. Thymosin-beta-4 and its derivatives, with TB-500 named as an example, are listed under S2 growth factors and are prohibited at all times.
Yes. The 2026 list names CJC-1295 under GHRH analogues and ipamorelin and ibutamoren (MK-677) under growth hormone secretagogues, all in section S2, which is prohibited at all times.
We did not find GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide or tirzepatide named on the 2026 Prohibited List. Lists change yearly and individual sports can have their own rules, so check the current list and your federation before assuming it is allowed.
TUEs are for diagnosed medical conditions treated with appropriate therapy, and you apply through your anti-doping organization. A research peptide used for recovery is very unlikely to qualify. Apply before using any prescribed substance that is on the list.