September 27, 2011 - Following approval by the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Executive Committee on September 17, the 2012 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods is now available.

Noteworthy changes to the List, which will come into force on January 1, 2012, include:

Formoterol added as an exception to beta-2 agonists

One of the most significant changes is the removal of formoterol from Section 3 ‘Beta-2 Agonists’ of the List when taken by inhalation at therapeutic dosages.

Taking into account recent research results and requests by members of the sports community, inhaled formoterol at therapeutic doses is no longer prohibited.

The List prohibits the administration of all beta-2 agonists except salbutamol (maximum 1600 micrograms over 24 hours), salmeterol when taken by inhalation, and now formoterol (maximum 36 micrograms taken over 24 hours).

The issue of beta-2 agonists will continue to be a focus of WADA’s research activity in order to ensure that the administration of large doses or by systemic routes of these substances is prevented and prohibited, but that the appropriate care and treatment of asthmatic athletes is facilitated.

Alcohol and beta-blockers

At the request of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ), alcohol is no longer included on the List as a prohibited in-competition substance for ninepin and tenpin bowling.

After a review by WADA and following discussions with stakeholders, bobsleigh and skeleton, curling, modern pentathlon, motorcycling, sailing and wrestling have also been removed from the list of sports included in the List in which beta-blockers are prohibited.

Nicotine placed on monitoring program

In order to detect potential patterns of abuse, nicotine has been placed on WADA’s 2012 Monitoring Program.

It is NOT WADA’s intention to target smokers, rather to monitor the effects nicotine can have on performance when taken in oral tobacco products such as snus.

Nicotine is one of several stimulants added to the Monitoring Program, along with the narcotics hydrocone and tramadol. Out-of-competition use of glucocorticosteroids has also been included.

Under Article 4.5 of the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA is mandated to establish a monitoring program regarding substances that are not on the List, but which the Agency wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse.

Mobile-friendly formats

In an effort to provide stakeholders with tools to support anti-doping activities, and following the successful IPhone application introduced in 2011, the 2012 Prohibited List will again be available on IPhones, and for the first time on other mobile devices.

In addition to the English, French and Spanish versions of the List, it is also now possible to add additional languages. Stakeholders who wish to translate the List can do so by November 1, 2011 and send WADA the new version to be inserted into the mobile-friendly platforms at minimal cost.

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