he International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) would like to remind players, coaches, teams, and all other stakeholders that the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the "List") and the 2025 Monitoring Program have come into effect as of 1 January 2025. The List, approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee on 12 September 2024, outlines the substances and methods prohibited in and out of competition and specifies bans unique to certain sports.
Key Updates to the 2025 Prohibited List
According to the 2025 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the following updates have been introduced:
- Additional examples added for the following substance classes to aid identification:
- S0. Non-approved substances
- S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators
- S5. Diuretics and masking agents
- S6. Stimulants
- Revised dosing intervals for formoterol, while maintaining the same maximum daily dose.
- Removal of blood and blood component donation restrictions (including apheresis) if conducted in an accredited collection center.
- Classification of hydrafinil as a non-specified stimulant.
- Clarification that guanfacine is not a prohibited substance.
- Removal of beta-blockers from prohibited substances in all skiing and snowboarding disciplines.
Annual Review Process
The List undergoes an extensive annual review led by WADA, starting each January and concluding with the List's publication by 1 October. This process involves:
- Scientific and medical research analysis.
- Intelligence from law enforcement and pharmaceutical industries.
- Feedback from stakeholders via the WADA Health, Medical, and Research Committee (HMR).
To be included, a substance or method must meet at least two of these three criteria:
- Enhances or has the potential to enhance sports performance.
- Poses an actual or potential health risk to athletes.
- Violates the spirit of sport.
Athletes, their entourage, and other stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with any changes and consult their Anti-Doping Organizations (ADO) for clarification if needed.
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Program
Athletes with legitimate medical reasons for using a prohibited substance or method can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) under the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). This program ensures fair and necessary access to treatment while maintaining anti-doping integrity.
Educational Resources
WADA has made educational materials available to support stakeholders, including:
- CISP Checklist: Implementing the Revised List.
- Athlete and ASP Guide to the 2025 List.
These resources can be accessed through the WADA Code Implementation Support Program (CISP) and the Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL).
Languages and Availability
The 2025 Prohibited List, Summary of Modifications, and Monitoring Program are available for download in English, French, and Spanish on WADA’s website. Stakeholders interested in translations into other languages may contact WADA at code@wada-ama.org.
A mobile-friendly digital edition of the List is also available.
For more details, visit the IWBF Anti-Doping webpage or WADA’s official website.
