Athletic Eligibility
NCAA Banned Peptides 2026 — Complete List
Every peptide and research compound tracked on PeptidePrices, cross-referenced against the 2025-26 NCAA Banned Drugs List and the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. NCAA D1 athletes should treat anything in the "Banned" list below as disqualifying for in-competition testing. Last refreshed April 2026.
Not legal advice. NCAA eligibility determinations are fact-specific. Any compound in our "Not listed" group may still fall under NCAA's catchall clause ("any substance chemically or pharmacologically related" to a banned class). Always consult your athletic department's compliance office before using any research peptide.
57 Banned Peptides & Compounds
Use of any of these compounds is a positive NCAA drug test. Explicitly named on the list OR falls within a prohibited class (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics; Anabolic Agents; Hormone & Metabolic Modulators; Narcotics).
GnRH antagonist (prostate cancer); WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies.
Activin receptor IIB decoy / myostatin inhibitor; WADA S4.5 explicitly prohibits myostatin inhibitors. NCAA catchall applies.
Pro-apoptotic prohibitin-targeted weight loss peptide; catchall applies under hormone/metabolic-modulator class given claimed adipose-specific action (falls within 'mimetics' clause).
AMPK activator; WADA S4.4 explicitly lists AICAR as a prohibited metabolic modulator. NCAA catchall applies.
Veterinary GnRH agonist; NCAA catchall applies (GnRH analog — LH stimulator).
Modified hGH fragment 177-191; banned under NCAA growth hormone entry / WADA S2.1 GH and releasing factors.
EPO-derived innate repair receptor agonist; WADA S2 extends to EPO-receptor agonists and mimetics. NCAA catchall applies.
Boldenone explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Anabolic Agents.
Explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List (added 2023) under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
GnRH antagonist; WADA S2 covers GnRH-axis modulators. Banned under NCAA catchall (hormone mimetic in males).
Modified GHRH; WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists CJC-1295. Banned under NCAA catchall (GHRH analog).
Long-acting GHRH analog; WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists CJC-1295. Banned under NCAA catchall.
ACTH; WADA S2.1 explicitly lists corticotropins (and its derivatives) as prohibited. NCAA catchall applies.
Synthetic ACTH analog (1-24 fragment); WADA S2.1 corticotropins. NCAA catchall applies.
GnRH antagonist (prostate cancer); WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies.
Frog-skin heptapeptide — potent mu-opioid receptor agonist (~40x morphine). Banned under NCAA Narcotics class (mu-opioid agonist) and WADA S7.
Veterinary GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
Synthetic vasopressin analog; historically used as a plasma-volume masking agent to dilute EPO detection. Covered by WADA S5 Diuretics & Masking Agents / NCAA masking-agents catchall.
Oral GnRH antagonist (endometriosis); WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies as a GnRH-axis modulator.
Explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
Veterinary GnRH agonist; NCAA catchall applies (GnRH analog — LH stimulator).
Myostatin inhibitor; WADA S4.5 prohibits myostatin-pathway modulators. NCAA catchall applies.
GnRH antagonist; WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies.
Growth hormone releasing peptide (pralmorelin); WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists GHRP-2. Banned under NCAA catchall.
Growth hormone releasing peptide; WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists GHRP-6. Banned under NCAA catchall.
Native GnRH (LH-releasing hormone); NCAA catchall applies under hCG/LH-mimetic class.
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
Explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics (stimulates endogenous testosterone in males).
GHRP (examorelin); WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists hexarelin. Banned under NCAA catchall.
Explicitly named (Growth hormone/hGH) on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
hGH C-terminal fragment; covered by NCAA growth hormone entry and WADA S2.1.
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
LH/FSH mixture; NCAA explicitly bans hCG (same LH-mimetic class). Catchall applies.
IGF-1 analog; NCAA explicitly names IGF-1 under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
IGF-1 analog; NCAA explicitly names IGF-1 under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
Growth hormone secretagogue; WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists ipamorelin. NCAA catchall covers GH secretagogues as related to hGH.
Upstream stimulator of GnRH/LH release; NCAA catchall applies as LH/testosterone mimetic pathway.
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males (stimulates LH/testosterone). NCAA catchall applies.
Oral GnRH antagonist (uterine fibroids); WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies.
Long-acting pegylated hGH prodrug (FDA-approved); banned under NCAA growth hormone entry.
Recombinant IGF-1; NCAA explicitly names IGF-1. WADA S2.3 explicitly lists mecasermin.
IGF-1 splice variant; NCAA IGF-1 entry plus WADA S2.3 explicitly lists Mechano growth factors (MGFs).
Mitochondrial-derived peptide and AMPK activator / exercise mimetic; banned under NCAA catchall (same mechanism class as AICAR in WADA S4.4).
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
Pegylated MGF; covered by NCAA IGF-1 entry and WADA S2.3 Mechano growth factors.
Same compound as ARA-290 at research dose; banned under NCAA catchall (EPO-related).
Oral GnRH antagonist; WADA S2 / NCAA catchall applies.
GHRH analog (first 29 aa); WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists sermorelin. Banned under NCAA catchall.
Pan-ERR agonist / exercise mimetic; WADA S4.4 metabolic modulators. NCAA catchall applies.
Long-acting pegylated hGH analog (FDA-approved); banned under NCAA growth hormone entry.
Testosterone ester blend; explicitly banned under NCAA Anabolic Agents.
Explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors & Mimetics.
GHRH analog (FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy); WADA S2.2.4 explicitly lists tesamorelin. Banned under NCAA catchall.
Testosterone explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Anabolic Agents. No TUE for athletic use — doctor's prescription is insufficient.
Trenbolone explicitly named on NCAA Banned Drugs List under Anabolic Agents.
GnRH agonist; WADA S2 prohibits GnRH analogues in males. NCAA catchall applies.
1 Therapeutic Use Exemption Required
NCAA athletes can use these compounds only if their medical condition is documented and an exemption is filed with the compliance office.
Insulin is prohibited under WADA S4.5 / NCAA hormone modulator catchall but medical exception is routinely granted to Type 1 diabetic athletes with documentation.
15 Permitted Compounds
Not on the banned list and not covered by a prohibited class. Commonly used therapeutically or cosmetically with no performance-enhancement concern.
Echinocandin antifungal. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Neurotoxin (cosmetic / spasticity). Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Echinocandin antifungal. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Lipopeptide antibiotic. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
HIV fusion inhibitor peptide (T-20). Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Random copolymer for multiple sclerosis. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Tripeptide antioxidant. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Joint viscosupplement / dermal filler. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Amino acid derivative. Oral/IM use is permitted; WADA only prohibits IV infusion >100 mL / 12 hr as a prohibited METHOD (M2), not the substance itself.
Pineal hormone sleep aid. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Echinocandin antifungal. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Glycopeptide antibiotic. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Glycopeptide antibiotic. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Essential vitamin (cyanocobalamin). Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
70 Not Explicitly Listed (Use With Caution)
Not on the NCAA Banned Drugs List and not obvious class members — but the NCAA catchall clause allows any structurally or pharmacologically related compound to be treated as banned. Research compounds with limited human data are especially exposed. Do not assume safe for NCAA athletes without confirming with compliance.
NNMT inhibitor; not explicitly listed by NCAA or WADA, but metabolic-modulator catchall could apply given performance-enhancement claims.
PTH-related protein analog (osteoporosis). Not listed by NCAA/WADA; therapeutic only.
Arginine vasopressin (same as native ADH). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Oxytocin receptor antagonist (preterm labor). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Relaxin-2 single-chain analog (research peptide); no explicit listing. Catchall could be argued as a peptide hormone mimetic — conservative researchers should assume risk.
Direct thrombin inhibitor (anticoagulant). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Long-acting amylin analog. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Combo of amylin analog + GLP-1. WADA monitors GLP-1s; amylin not listed. Not prohibited.
Hypocalcemia / osteoporosis hormone. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Oxytocin analog (postpartum hemorrhage). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Neurotrophic porcine brain-derived peptide mixture; not explicitly listed by NCAA or WADA, but contains neurotrophic growth-factor-like peptides so NCAA catchall could apply.
Peripheral kappa-opioid agonist (uremic pruritus). Not listed by NCAA/WADA; structurally distinct from banned narcotics (non-CNS-penetrant).
Angiotensin IV-derived nootropic hexapeptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Research nonapeptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. No known performance enhancement mechanism.
GLP-1 agonist. WADA monitored class; not prohibited. NCAA has not listed.
Tetrapeptide telomerase activator (Russian research); not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Catchall risk low — no class fit.
GP IIb/IIIa antagonist (antiplatelet). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
GLP-1 agonist. WADA monitored class; not prohibited. NCAA has not listed.
Vasopressin analog used as local-anesthetic vasoconstrictor. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Senolytic D-retro-inverso research peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Copper tripeptide-1, used topically for skin/hair. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. If injected systemically, catchall risk is low but theoretical.
Hyperglycemic rescue hormone. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Mitochondrial-derived cytoprotective peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Mechanism overlaps with MOTS-c but less characterized — catchall risk exists.
Alpha-MSH tripeptide fragment; not listed by NCAA or WADA, not a performance enhancer.
Somatostatin analog. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Proprietary lipolytic blend (riboflavin + bromelain + lecithin, composition varies). Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Component review recommended before use.
Guanylate cyclase-C agonist (IBS-C). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Compounded B-vitamin + amino acid weight-loss blend (methionine/inositol/choline/B12). Components not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
GLP-1 agonist (FDA-approved Saxenda/Victoza). WADA monitored class; not prohibited. NCAA has not listed.
GLP-1 agonist. WADA monitored class; not prohibited. NCAA has not listed.
Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Lysine vasopressin (diabetes insipidus). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Topical cosmetic collagen-signaling peptide. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist (investigational). WADA monitored; not prohibited.
Alpha-MSH analog; not explicitly listed by NCAA or WADA. Not a known performance enhancer; catchall unlikely to apply.
Alpha-MSH analog; not explicitly listed. Some sources argue catchall via nebulous 'anabolic' tanning claims; consensus is not banned.
Recombinant BNP (acute heart failure). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Somatostatin analog — INHIBITS GH release. Not listed by NCAA/WADA (anti-doping in effect).
Hypocretin wakefulness neuropeptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Stimulant-adjacent mechanism but intranasal research doses are not prohibited by name.
Vasopressin analog (hepatorenal syndrome). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Posterior pituitary hormone. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
CNTF-derived neurogenesis research peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Somatostatin analog (Cushing's). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Spadin analog antidepressant research peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Diagnostic GI hormone (gastric acid). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Tripeptide bioregulator (Russian research); not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Guanylate cyclase-C agonist (chronic constipation). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
p53-derived anticancer research peptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
FDA-approved amylin analog for diabetes. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
TRH (diagnostic). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
FDA-approved melanocortin agonist (hypoactive sexual desire). Not explicitly listed by NCAA/WADA; catchall application is disputed but not enforced.
CXXC5-Dvl disruptor research peptide (hair growth); not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist (investigational). WADA monitored; not prohibited.
Diagnostic GI hormone. Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Russian anxiolytic heptapeptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
GLP-1 agonist. On WADA 2026 Monitoring Program (in- and out-of-competition) but NOT prohibited. NCAA mirrors — no explicit listing.
Russian nootropic heptapeptide (ACTH 4-7 analog); not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Catchall risk low given non-anabolic mechanism.
FDA-approved MC4R agonist (rare genetic obesity). Not on NCAA/WADA list; therapeutic use documented.
CCK analog (diagnostic). Not listed by NCAA/WADA.
Topical cosmetic acetyl octapeptide-3 (SNAP-25 mimic). Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
Mitochondrial cardiolipin-targeting peptide; not explicitly listed. Mechanism overlaps MOTS-c/metabolic modulators — catchall risk low because it is tissue-protective rather than performance-enhancing.
Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist (investigational). WADA monitored; not prohibited.
PTH 1-34 (osteoporosis). Not listed by NCAA/WADA; therapeutic only.
Thymic extract (Russian); immunomodulator. Not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Distinct from Thymosin β4 (TB-500).
Immunomodulatory thymic peptide (FDA-approved for hepatitis B in some countries). NOT the same as Thymosin-β4 (TB-500). Not explicitly listed by NCAA or WADA.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. On WADA 2026 Monitoring Program but NOT prohibited. NCAA has not listed.
Native ADH (vasodilatory shock, diabetes insipidus). Not explicitly listed; therapeutic use. Desmopressin specifically is flagged as masking.
Tripeptide vascular bioregulator; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list.
28-aa neuropeptide; not on NCAA or WADA prohibited list. Secretin/glucagon family — therapeutic research only.
N-type Ca channel blocker for chronic pain (intrathecal only). Not listed by NCAA/WADA; not a narcotic.
1 Status Unclear
Proprietary sleep/recovery blend — status depends on component peptides (often melatonin, DSIP, GABA). Confirm each ingredient individually before use.
How We Classify
- Banned: Either explicitly named on the NCAA 2025-26 Banned Drugs List (BPC-157, TB-500, EPO, hGH, hCG, IGF-1, etc.) or falls within a named class such as Peptide Hormones/Growth Factors/Mimetics, Anabolic Agents, Hormone & Metabolic Modulators, Narcotics.
- Permitted: Not on the NCAA list and not in a prohibited class. Examples: melatonin, vitamin B12, L-carnitine, topical cosmetic peptides used non-systemically.
- TUE required: Banned generally but NCAA athletes with a medical diagnosis can file a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Insulin for diabetics is the classic case.
- Not listed: Catchall risk — not explicitly named and not clearly in a banned class, but the NCAA reserves the right to apply related-substance language. Use compliance-office confirmation.
Total tracked: 144 compounds. Data refreshed April 2026. If the NCAA updates its list, ratings here will lag by up to 30 days.