Every peptide in this catalogue mapped to its WADA category. For the testing methodology, detection windows and TUE pathway, see the WADA Testing and Detection article. The list below is a quick-reference snapshot - the WADA Prohibited List updates annually, so verify against the current published edition before any competition-window decision. Strict liability applies.
| Compound | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 | S0 | Non-approved; obesity development abandoned. |
| BPC-157 | S0 | Explicitly named in WADA guidance. |
| CJC-1295 (DAC) | S2.2 | GHRH analogue. Banned at all times. |
| Dihexa | S0 | Angiotensin-IV analogue, no human approval. |
| DSIP | S0 | No therapeutic approval. |
| Epitalon | S0 | Russian investigational; no Western approval. |
| Follistatin-344 | S0 / mimetic | Peptide form is non-approved. Gene therapy work (different vector) inspired the bodybuilding interest. |
| Fragment 176-191 | S0 | HGH C-terminal fragment, no human approval. |
| GHK-Cu | Cosmetic / grey zone | Topical use widely available as cosmetic. Systemic SC use sits in S2 mimetic catch-all per growth-factor framing. |
| Humanin | S0 | Mitochondrial-derived peptide, no approval. |
| IGF-1 DES | S2.3 | Growth-factor analogue. Banned at all times. |
| IGF-1 LR3 | S2.3 | Growth-factor analogue. Banned at all times. |
| Ipamorelin | S2.2 | GHRP. Banned at all times. |
| KPV | S0 | Alpha-MSH-derived; no approval. |
| Liraglutide | Not currently prohibited | GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved (Saxenda / Victoza). Verify weight-class-sport TUE rules. |
| LL-37 | S0 | Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; no approval. |
| Melanotan I | S2 mimetic catch-all | Scenesse (afamelanotide) is approved for EPP - thatās the same compound under approved name. |
| Melanotan II | S0 / S2 mimetic | Not specifically named most years; falls under S0 catch-all. Functionally treat as banned. |
| Mod GRF 1-29 | S2.2 | Modified GHRH analogue. Banned at all times. |
| MOTS-c | S0 | Mitochondrial-derived peptide, no approval. |
| PEG-MGF | S2.3 | IGF-1 isoform. Banned at all times. |
| PT-141 | Grey zone | Vyleesi is FDA-approved for HSDD. Sport context unclear; default to S2 mimetic framing. |
| Retatrutide | Investigational; not currently prohibited | GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist; no approval. Status may change on approval. |
| Selank | S0 | Russian nootropic; no Western approval. |
| Semaglutide | Not currently prohibited | GLP-1 RA. Approved (Wegovy / Ozempic). Verify weight-class-sport TUE rules. |
| Semax | S0 | Russian nootropic; no Western approval. |
| Sermorelin | S2.2 | GHRH 1-29. Banned at all times. |
| Somatropin | S2.2 | Recombinant human GH. Banned at all times. TUE possible for documented GH deficiency. |
| TB-500 | S2 mimetic | Thymosin Beta-4 fragment. Banned at all times. |
| Tesamorelin | S2.2 | GHRH analogue (Egrifta). Banned at all times. TUE possible for HIV lipodystrophy. |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Grey zone | Approved as Zadaxin in some countries (EU/Asia) for hep B/C. Not specifically named on most WADA lists; default to S2 mimetic framing for tested competition. |
| Thymosin Beta-4 | S2 | Specifically prohibited as a peptide hormone / growth factor. |
| Tirzepatide | Not currently prohibited | GLP-1/GIP dual agonist. Approved (Zepbound / Mounjaro). Verify weight-class-sport TUE rules. |
Category key
- S0 - Non-Approved Substances. Catch-all for anything not approved for human therapeutic use. Banned at all times.
- S2.2 - Peptide hormones and releasing factors. GHRH analogues, GHRPs, recombinant GH, related growth-hormone signalling compounds. Banned at all times.
- S2.3 - Growth factors. IGF-1 family (LR3, DES, PEG-MGF), mecasermin, FGF / HGF / VEGF analogues. Banned at all times.
- Grey zone. Not specifically named on the current WADA list, but the broad S2 hormone-mimetic language and the S0 catch-all both plausibly apply. Treat as banned for tested-competition purposes.
- Not currently prohibited. The GLP-1 family sits here as of the current list. Status has been moving annually; verify before relying.
Operating rules for tested users
- The list updates annually. Always check the current edition (published each January) before any competition-window decision.
- Novel research peptides default to S0. "Not on the list by name" is not the same as "legal".
- Strict liability. Counterfeit peptides can produce a positive for substances the user didnāt knowingly take. The athlete bears the consequences regardless. See Sourcing and Verification.
- TUE pathway exists but is narrow. Approved for documented medical conditions; not for "recovery" or "wellness" framing. Submit through your NADO or international federation, not WADA directly.
Cross-references
- WADA Testing and Detection - how detection actually works, why "detection window" numbers from forums are mostly wrong, and the league-specific differences.
- Sourcing and Verification - counterfeit risk under strict liability.
- Peptide Class Lookup - the catalogueās class taxonomy, which roughly parallels the WADA categories.