Originally posted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Oct 16, 2024 here.
Every year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes an updated Prohibited List. For 2025, there are no major status changes where a substance changes from permitted to prohibited or vice versa, but the 2025 Prohibited List does include new examples of prohibited substances and a few clarifications.
It’s important to keep in mind that the WADA Prohibited List is not exhaustive and there could be substances that are not specifically listed but still belong to a category on the Prohibited List. Before taking medications, it is important to check GlobalDRO.com and search by brand name or ingredients for the most up to date anti-doping status information.
It is important to note that under the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes are strictly liable, meaning they are ultimately responsible for what is in their systems. The 2025 Prohibited List and WADA’s explanatory note on the modifications can be found here.
S0. Non-Approved Substances
In the category of S0- Non-Approved Substances, WADA has added two new examples, specifically S-107 and S48168 (ARM210). These experimental compounds are ryanodine receptor-1-calstabin complex stabilizers, which are involved in skeletal muscle function. Keep in mind, the S0 category could include substances that are not specifically indicated on the Prohibited List. If a substance is not approved for clinical use by any governmental regulatory authority and has performance enhancing potential, it may be prohibited under the S0 category.
S3. Beta-2 Agonists
The category of S3. Beta-2 Agonists has been updated with a change to the permitted use of inhaled formoterol. Formoterol continues to be permitted by inhalation up to a maximum of 54 micrograms over 24 hours, but importantly, athletes can only use a maximum of 36 micrograms over 12 hours. This is to allow athletes to use formoterol therapeutically but prevent someone from using a large dose all at once that may allow a performance benefit. We recommend checking the metered dose carefully so that the permitted inhaled dosage is not exceeded. Beta-2 agonists used by all other routes of administration remain prohibited at all times.
S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators
There were a few examples of S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators added to the Prohibited List, including elacestrant (added as an anti-estrogen), S519 and S597 (examples of insulin-mimetics), and MOTSc (an example of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator). Athletes should be aware that MOTSc is sometimes marketed by wellness/anti-aging clinics and on social media as a weight loss peptide, even though it is an experimental peptide not approved for human therapeutic use.
M.1 Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components
For 2024, WADA made a change to the M.1 category so that plasma donation (also known as plasmapheresis) is not prohibited when performed in a collection center accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates. For 2025, WADA has added the clarification that this includes blood donation by apharesis, which is the medical technology that separates out the blood components and returns some of the components back to the donor. It is understood that blood components such as red blood cells will be removed and reintroduced to the circulatory system. This is normally prohibited, but WADA is allowing this procedure for donation purposes only. However, it is critical that athletes only go to legitimate donation centers and can provide documentation of the donation procedure upon request.
S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents
In the category of S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents, xipamide was added as an example.
S6. Stimulants
In the category of S6. Stimulants, midodrine and tesofensine were added as examples of prohibited stimulants, and guanfacine (sometimes prescribed for ADHD) was clarified as permitted. Athletes should be on the lookout for tesofensine in dietary supplements as it has been more commonly appearing on product labels.
]]>Originally posted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Oct 7, 2024 here.
Recognizing the need for rigorous and independent anti-doping protocols, Powerlifting America has achieved a landmark event by partnering with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to provide the anti-doping education, testing, and results management services that will best protect athletes and support the credibility of the sport.
“Powerlifting America came to us soon after the organization was formed with a deep understanding of the need for robust anti-doping protocols to safeguard both athletes and the sport,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “We applaud their commitment to safe and fair sport, and we are truly honored to help them realize this vision.”
“By signing the Anti-Doping Agreement with USADA, this is a truly a landmark and historical day for our athletes and the sport of Powerlifting in the United States,” said Powerlifting America President Robert Keller. “Our athletes will now have the best testing possible, which they rightfully deserve.”
Under the current four-year agreement, USADA will conduct in-competition and out-of-competition testing, meaning athletes may be tested with no notice at any time. This no-advance-notice testing without blackout periods is critical to both detecting and deterring doping as part of an effective anti-doping program. Athletes in the Powerlifting America Whereabouts Pool must submit and update their Whereabouts information so they can be located for out-of-competition testing throughout the year. For both in-competition and out-of-competition testing, USADA may collect urine and blood from athletes and employ the most innovative testing and analysis methods to make testing as effective and athlete-friendly as possible.
“I want to say thank you to our friends at USADA for their trust in us: This partnership will ensure we deliver to our athletes the best testing standards and anti-doping education” said Powerlifting America Secretary General Miryam Elm.
Prior to testing, every athlete will also receive customized and engaging anti-doping education. Athletes will receive e-learning tutorials and webinars, as well as in-person education sessions as the program grows, that are designed to help them understand their clean sport responsibilities and uphold anti-doping rules. These education opportunities will be supplemented with ongoing access to USADA’s host of athlete support tools, including Global Drug Reference Online, Supplement Connect, and the toll-free Drug Reference Line.
Athletes who need to use prohibited medications or methods will be able to apply for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) that, if granted, allow them to receive necessary medical treatment without compromising the integrity of competition. TUEs will be processed in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemption (ISTUE) and the USADA Protocol.
Results management will also be conducted by USADA and handled according to the WADA International Standard for Results Management. As always when USADA is the results management authority, any sanctions will be published on the USADA website after conclusion of the results management process.
]]>– The Powerlifting America Executive Committee
]]>The World is Coming to Austin, Texas!
Friends, it is time to saddle up!! Nearly 1000 of the strongest female and male athletes from 60+ countries will converge on Austin between May 21 and June 1, 2024, to determine who has the strongest bench press in the world! Athletes ranging in ages from 14 to 80+ will participate in the World Championships.
The event will be directed by Powerlifting America and the International Powerlifting Federation. Visit Austin and Eleiko USA have also signed on to direct and support this prestigious event.
Gaston Parage, the President of the IPF said, “we’re very excited to come to Austin for the World Bench Press Championships, and I want to thank Powerlifting America, our VIP Partner Eleiko, and, most importantly, our friends from Visit Austin, for all their support. I’m sure it will be a great show.”
Information pertaining to 2024 IPF World Bench Press Championships can be found at the following two links: www.powerlifting.sport and www.ipfworlds.us
About Powerlifting America
Powerlifting America is the National Governing Body for powerlifting in the United States and is dedicated to the promotion and the support of amateur drug-tested powerlifting. The mission of Powerlifting America is to support United States athletes to achieve excellence in local, national, and international competition, and to support, promote, and educate a diverse and inclusive community of powerlifting.
Information pertaining to Powerlifting America can be found here: www.powerlifting-america.com
About Eleiko USA
As one of the longest-running companies in strength, Eleiko is a testament to the stability gained from being a family business. Our relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers span generations. Staying true to our roots, we’ve never wavered from delivering precision crafted strength equipment.
Information pertaining to Eleiko can be found here: www.eleiko.com
About Visit Austin
Visit Austin has the best job in town. We’re here to promote all of the things in Austin that people are already talking about. This city has a one-of-a-kind culture and universal appeal, and we want to make sure people know about it.
Our mission is simple. Visit Austin is charged with marketing Austin nationally and internationally as a premier business and leisure destination, thus enriching our community’s overall quality of life. Information pertaining to Visit,Austin can be found here: www.austintexas.org
]]>Originally posted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Oct 13, 2023 here.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently released the 2024 WADA Prohibited List, which will go into effect on January 1, 2024. For 2024, WADA only made a few significant changes, all of which USADA has been advocating for and supports. As usual, WADA also made clarifications to the List to help athletes and their support teams better identify and understand prohibited substances and methods.
WADA’s Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes is available and we’ve explained the major changes, as well as some of the minor clarifications, below.
As of January 1, 2024, tramadol is prohibited in-competition* in the class of S7. Narcotics. Data has indicated significant use of tramadol in sports and research studies funded by WADA have confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance physical performance, in addition to its potential to adversely affect athlete health due to its opioid properties. In 2023, WADA issued a notification that tramadol would be prohibited in 2024, and as you may have noticed, Global DRO also included a notification in the search results for tramadol throughout 2023 to ensure athletes were informed of this upcoming change. You can also reference this fact sheet from WADA for more information.
Going forward, you need to:
Plasma donation by plasmapheresis** performed in a registered collection center is now permitted and does not require a TUE as of January 1, 2024. Previously, plasmapheresis was prohibited under M1. Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components because blood components are removed and then reintroduced to the circulatory system. However, donation by athletes of plasma or plasma components by plasmapheresis by an official registered blood donation facility is no longer prohibited, allowing athletes to donate for humanitarian or other personal reasons. Athletes can donate whole blood, or donate plasma by plasmapheresis without requiring a TUE. It’s best practice to keep records, including the dates and locations, of your donations in case any medical records are requested.
WADA has now included washout times for glucocorticoids administered by the rectal route. The washout period for all glucocorticoids by the rectal route is three days, except for triamcinolone (diacetate or acetonide), which requires 10 days. If prescribed use occurs within the washout period before a competition, then athletes are advised to retain all medical records in case a TUE is necessary. More information on glucocorticoids and TUEs is available here.
This category is for substances that are not approved for therapeutic use anywhere in the world that don’t fit into any other substance classification on the Prohibited List, and that have the potential to enhance performance. In 2024, WADA has added a few new substances, including 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), an extremely dangerous compound often marketed for weight loss, and the troponin activators Reldesemtiv and Tirasemtiv. Troponin activators are being investigated to improve muscle function, such as in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
In this category, a few examples were added to the Prohibited List, including trestolone and dimethandrolone. These substances have been on Global DRO for years as substances prohibited at all times. This List update does not change the status of these compounds, but merely adds more examples.
WADA has reworded this section to clarify that testosterone-stimulating peptides (previously Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist analogs) are prohibited in males, including buserelin, deslorelin, goserelin, histrelin, leuprorelin, nafarelin, and triptorelin. Users of Global DRO will find this information in the Conditions and Warnings section of the search results page for these substances. Histrelin and kisspeptin were both added as examples to the Prohibited List as well. Tetracosactide (ACTH 1-24) was added as an example, as it is the first 24 amino acid portion of natural corticotrophin (ACTH) and possesses the full biological activity of the natural hormone. Capromorelin and ibutamoren (MK-677) were added as examples of a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), which are mimetics of the natural hormone, ghrelin, stimulating the production of growth hormone and, in turn, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
This section was updated to include Rev-Erb-ɑ agonists and SR9011 was added as an example. Another important example added to this section is MOTS-c, more formally known as “Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c.” MOTS-c is heavily marketed by wellness and anti-aging clinics and on social media as a weight loss peptide, even though it is an experimental peptide not approved for human therapeutic use.
Conivaptan and mozavaptan were added as further examples of vaptan drugs.
Beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA) was added as an example to the Prohibited List. This stimulant is not a legitimate medication or dietary ingredient, but it can be found unlawfully in dietary supplements. Visit Supplement Connect to read more about the risks of dietary supplements.
]]>The World Games 2025 will be held in Chengdu, China between 7th and 17th August 2025 and we are delighted to announce that, for the first time, we will have classic as well as equipped powerlifting in the programme.
There will be 128 athletes in total, 64 classic and 64 equipped. The format will be similar to previous events in that we will have compressed weight classes – four classes for each of the categories, male and female, classic and equipped. This increases our medal events from 8 to 16.
The qualification event for the classic categories will be the 2024 IPF Open Classic Powerlifting World Championships in Lithuania.
The qualification event for the equipped categories will be the 2024 IPF Open Equipped Powerlifting World Championships in Iceland.
Further information regarding qualification criteria will be published in the next few weeks.
]]>The current list will remain in force until 31-12-2022 and the new list will come into effect on 01-01-2023.
In order to assist with identification, we have introduced IPF ID numbers to clearly identify each item and we will store a physical sample of each at IPF Headquarters as a reference product. We will also link photographs of each item to the Approved List to assist with identification. The text version is available now and we expect to have completed the full version online, with photographs available, by the end of the year.
All queries should go to the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Hannie Smith, at office(at)powerlifting.sport.
]]>Originally posted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Oct 24, 2022 here.
USADA is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which means that USADA upholds and enforces WADA rules that govern sport around the world.
The WADA Prohibited List is among those rules, and identifies (by categories) which substances and methods are prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition, and in some cases, by specific sport. WADA conducts an annual review of the List and identifies if substances and methods should be added or removed, as well as if any categories and conditions should be modified or clarified.
WADA recently released the 2023 WADA Prohibited List, which will go into effect on January 1, 2023. While the Prohibited List is reviewed and updated, annually, significant changes may not always occur, which is the case for the 2023 Prohibited List.
For 2023, WADA only made clarifications to the List to help athletes and their support teams better identify and understand prohibited substances and methods. Some of those clarifications are highlighted and explained below, and a full list can be found here: Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.
While USADA has a team available to help answer your specific questions (contact info below), we also urge you to use GlobalDRO.com to search the prohibited status of your medications and ingredients.
There were no changes to the status of any anabolic agent, but a few new examples were added to the Prohibited List. Several of these substances are illegally marketed in dietary supplements, which is among the many reasons that USADA reminds athletes to reduce their risk from supplements by using products that are third-party certified.
The new example include:
It’s important to remember that while the Prohibited List includes many examples, it is not exhaustive, and new examples may be added during the year. As always, the easiest way to check the prohibited status of medications is to visit GlobalDRO.com.
This section was updated to include antibodies against myostatin and myostatin precursors.
In clinical trials, such antibodies promote muscle growth, and they are being explored to treat muscle wasting diseases. Apitegromab was added to the List as one example of a new myostatin inhibitor antibody.
As in years past, WADA still requires athletes to have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if they use a diuretic/masking agent AND a threshold substance at the same time, specifically formoterol, salbutamol, cathine, ephedrine, methylephedrine, and pseudoephedrine. For example, if you are on a diuretic medication (or on any other substance in the S5 category of the Prohibited List) for any reason and you are using an inhaler that contains salbutamol (albuterol) or formoterol, then you may need a TUE.
However, WADA has clarified that a specific class of diuretics called Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, such as dorzolamide or brinzolamine, used in the eye in conjunction with a threshold substance does not require a TUE. This is because the local use of these substances in the eye won’t have an effect on other parts of the body. Dorzolamide and brinzolamine are sometimes prescribed as eye drops to reduce pressure in the eye such as in glaucoma.
Similarly, WADA has clarified that the use of felypressin in dental anesthesia in conjunction with a threshold substance is also not prohibited.
Lastly, torasemide (torsemide) was added as an example of a diuretic in the Prohibited List. The status of torasemide has not changed and it remains prohibited at all times.
Voxelotor was added as an example to this section.
Solriamfetol was added as a non-specified stimulant as it improves wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea.
Also, a few more names for methylhexanamine were added as examples to this section.
WADA additionally clarified that tetryzoline is considered an imidazoline derivative, and therefore, like other imidazoline derivatives, it is not prohibited when used in the ear (otic), in the eye (ophthalmic) or in the nose (nasal).
Tramadol will become prohibited in 2024, as WADA has identified potential patterns of misuse since tramadol has been in the monitoring program. Because the status remains not prohibited in 2023, athletes can continue to use tramadol both in- and out-of-competition in 2023 without a TUE. According to WADA, the addition of tramadol to the Prohibited List will be delayed until 2024 to allow for sufficient education of athletes and athlete support personnel about this new rule.
There were no changes in the cannabinoid section of the Prohibited List, but WADA published its conclusions from a recent assessment it conducted on whether THC specifically should be prohibited. WADA concluded that:
Based on these three criteria, WADA determined that THC meets the criteria to remain on the List. More information about WADA’s decision on THC is available here.
WADA has clarified that use of corticosteroids in the ear (otic) is not prohibited.
Under the 2023 Prohibited List, beta-blockers will be prohibited in-competition in the sport of mini-golf (World Mini-Golf Federation).
Beta-blockers are already prohibited in-competition for all subdiscipline of freediving, spearfishing, and target shooting (World Under Water Federation CMAS). As of 2023, beta-blockers will also be prohibited out-of-competition. Athletes in these sports will need a TUE to use beta-blockers at any time, even if they are not competing.
All of the substances in the 2022 Monitoring Program are staying in the 2023 Monitoring Program. WADA is also adding the following:
Substances in the Monitoring Program are not prohibited. The WADA laboratories will be analyzing for the substances in the program to evaluate patterns of use, but athletes will not incur an anti-doping violation for using substances in the Monitoring Program.
]]>As this is a delicate matter, we want to provide the correct interpretation of the IPF Rule on when and how Article 14 is applied so as not to cause any misunderstanding and to be as fully transparent as possible.
Key and important, once an athlete, coach, official, or referee participates in a Powerlifting America event, they shall be bound by all Rules and Regulations of the International Powerlifting Federation. Until this point, neither the IPF nor Powerlifting America retains no jurisdiction over anyone who is NOT currently a member.
For example, if an athlete, coach, and/or referee, while a member of Powerlifting America, takes part in a non-WADA-recognized event, they shall render themselves ineligible for (only National and International Championships only) 12 months.
Overall, the responsibility to ensure compliance rests with each individual. If you’re unsure, please email us at the PA National Office here: [email protected]
We welcome all athletes, coaches, officials, and referees from the United States to join our organization!
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]]>Please find the revised Technical Rules for the Bench Press online now that shall go into effect on January 1, 2023.
The changes have been made after careful and extensive discussion by the IPF Rule Group (consisting of the Athlete’s Commission, the Coach Commission, the Women’s Commission, the Youth Commission, the IPF Technical Committee, and the IPF Executive Committee).
The rules were changed/revised after numerous complaints were received, specifically after the 2022 IPF World Bench Press Championships held in Almaty, Kazakhstan,
Please be sure to the review, carefully, the text (in red), and the photos which describe the new technical guidelines in the Bench Press.
Finally, the rule changes to the Bench Press shall not effect 95% of at the athletes.
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