UKAD at the APPG: Addressing Emerging Drug Threats

Representatives from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) recently spoke at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emerging Drugs and Online Behavioural Trends, held in the House of Commons. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and international partners to examine the growing risks posed by emerging substances, including SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) and peptides. SARMs are experimental drugs designed to have similar effects to testosterone and other anabolic androgenic steroids. They have not been approved for human use by any official medicines or healthcare product regulatory agency in the world, yet they are widely available to purchase online.

UKAD's session built on the theme of Clean Sport Week, covering the growing negative influence of online misinformation in promoting SARMs as evidenced by research findings of our recent public survey focussing on young people, parents and carers. It was also an opportunity for UKAD to share ongoing work disrupting the supply of drugs, working collaboratively with law enforcement partners.

The event featured contributions from leading experts, including Professor Olivier Rabin (WADA) on global efforts to harmonise anti-doping and respond to emerging threats such as peptides; Professor Ornella Corazza (University of Hertfordshire) on IPED prevalence and body dysmorphic disorder; Professor Lambros Lazuras (University of Lincoln) on changing patterns of drug use in sport; Dr Luke Turnock (University of Lincoln) on the international supply of illicit weight-loss medicines and experimental peptides; and Dr Fabio Castro (University of Hertfordshire) on the Enhanced Games and attitudes towards performance enhancement.

Reflecting on the discussions, Sam Pool, Head of Insight and Innovation, said:

“This was an important opportunity to highlight growing public health concerns, particularly for young people, driven by misleading online narratives and the increasing use of SARMs, all despite the significant health risks involved. We brought insights from our research and Clean Sport Week campaign into this wider public health conversation, and there was strong support for our next steps, as we look to work collaboratively with fellow regulators and public health bodies.

Later this year, we will also publish new research undertaken with Swansea University examining how SARMs are marketed and sold online, including the role of social media influencers in their promotion."