India has achieved a major milestone in global anti-doping research. The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi, has successfully developed a rare, high-purity Reference Material (RM) – Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite (LTM).
This is a significant step in strengthening India’s role in sports integrity, doping control, and global anti-doping research.
Key Highlights
Reference Material (RM):
- Highly purified, scientifically characterized drug/metabolite standard.
- Essential for accurate detection of doping substances.
- Used for detection of 450+ banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Global Context:
- Only 4–5 manufacturers worldwide produce RMs.
- RMs are scarce and expensive.
- India now joins this exclusive group of producers.
India’s Achievement:
- NIPER-Guwahati & NDTL collaborating to develop 22 RMs not available commercially.
- Since 2020: 12 RMs already developed; Methandienone LTM is the latest.
- Methandienone LTM is not commercially available worldwide.
Detection Advantage:
- Long-Term Metabolites (LTMs) remain detectable in urine months/years after use.
- Helps identify athletes who discontinued doping long ago.
- Leads to more positive detections → stronger deterrent against doping.
Global Sharing:
- India may share Methandienone LTM with 30 WADA-accredited labs worldwide.
- Contribution towards clean sports and global anti-doping science.
Significance
- Protects Clean Athletes: Ensures fair competition and sports integrity.
- Global Recognition: Strengthens India’s role in the international anti-doping community.
- Science & Innovation: Positions India as a hub for anti-doping R&D.
- Deterrence: Stricter detection discourages use of anabolic steroids like Methandienone.
- Strategic Role: Enhances India’s credibility in hosting international sports events.
National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi
- Established: 1990, under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
- India’s only WADA-accredited dope testing lab.
- Conducts tests for Olympics, Asian Games, and national championships.
NIPER – Guwahati
- Established: 2008, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- India’s first institute to develop non-commercial RMs for anti-doping use.
- Leading in pharmaceutical education, drug research, and testing innovation.
Methandienone (Dianabol)
- An anabolic steroid, banned by WADA.
- Previously misused by athletes for muscle growth and performance enhancement.
- Detection possible via long-term metabolites developed by India.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
- Established: 1999.
- President (2023–): Witold Bańka (Poland).
- Role: Prepares the World Anti-Doping Code, maintains Prohibited List, and accredits dope-testing labs worldwide.
- Accredited labs worldwide: 30.
India & Anti-Doping Framework
- National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) – statutory body under National Anti-Doping Act, 2022.
- India became the first country to pass a national anti-doping law (2022).
- India was placed under Category A (highest compliance) in WADA’s compliance rating.