The World Doping Agency
The World Doping Agency (WADA), an agency established in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), fights doping among athletes and protects the integrity of sport against the use of illicit substances. Every year WADA publishes a list of prohibited drugs, which includes β2-agonists and ICS, treatments for athletes suffering from EIB and asthma. These substances are considered to be performance-enhancing drugs.
Although these drugs are not allowed to be used in systemic administration by athletes, under certain conditions, inhalation use is permitted for athletes who suffer from EIB and asthma. The IOC regulations require diagnosis of AHR or reversibility to bronchodilators, to allow the use of such drugs during competition. Pharmaceuticals from this group include (inhaled): formoterol, salbutamol, terbutaline and salmeterol. Furthermore, WADA or the IOC Medical Commission must always be informed of which athletes are using ICS treatment.