The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has developed new regulations and resources to streamline the Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) process. These exemptions are essential to allow athletes with legitimate medical conditions to continue competing without violating anti-doping rules. TUEs are granted to athletes who require prohibited substances or methods to treat medically diagnosed conditions.

WADA’s medical team has collaborated with international experts to develop specific guidelines for doctors treating athletes with short stature conditions without growth hormone deficiency. These guidelines address the use of human growth hormone (hGH) in such cases, suggesting that treatment may be therapeutic if the athlete’s height is below 2.25 standard deviations on the growth curve. Treatment can continue until the athlete reaches the 5th percentile of adult height, according to relevant growth charts.

NEW REGULATIONS

WADA has recently published a guide and an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism to assist doctors treating athletes with short stature conditions without growth hormone deficiency. These guidelines are the result of collaboration between WADA’s medical team and a group of international endocrinologists. The goal is to provide clear guidance on the therapeutic use of human growth hormone (hGH) in these cases, ensuring that treatment is medical rather than performance-enhancing.

TUEs are crucial in ensuring that athletes with medical conditions can compete without violating anti-doping rules. To obtain a TUE, athletes must meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). This includes demonstrating a legitimate medical need and proving that no alternative treatments are available. TUE applications are reviewed by expert panels who assess medical evidence and WADA’s established guidelines. This process ensures impartial, medically sound decisions that uphold the integrity of competitive sports.