playISSUE 1 - 2005 AN OFFICIAL true PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY Doping Science and sport converge once again as medical research charts the complexities of genetic treatment. A look at the facts, and the dangers of gene doping, and at what WADA is doing to fight this new threat.

A genetic delivery device, or vector (in this case an adapted virus), delivers its payload to the nucleus of a muscle cell. See full feature on Page 2 and more detailed explanation on Page 5 play true 02

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY

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PHOTOS APPEAR COURTESY OF: 01 02-03-04 STACY SPLETZER (WADA) GETTY IMAGES R.W. Pound Editorial: Cover Story and Special Feature: IPC Taking the Lead Gene Doping OWI DOMINIC FUIZZOTTO Gene doping may represent a new frontier in athletic A review of where stands, the possibilities it GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATIONS: performance enhancement, provides for performance enhancement, and what WADA ANTHONY PHILBIN COMMUNICATIONS, MONTREAL but WADA is working hard is doing to keep gene doping out of sport. E-MAIL: [email protected] to ensure that these Page 2 emerging medical All information published in this newsletter was techniques are not used to correct at time of printing. The articles published in this create super athletes. newsletter, and the opinions expressed by the writers and featured athletes and experts do not necessarily Page 1 Gene Doping Projects Funded by WADA reflect the opinions of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Summaries of research projects now being funded by WADA into gene doping and its detection. Page 6

Interview: Dr. Theodore Friedmann

The Professor of pediatrics and director of the gene therapy program at the University of California, San Diego, on the current gene therapy environment and the challenges that lay ahead. Page 7 contents

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WADA Governance WADA Gene Doping Panel Partner Profile: and Government Support International Paralympic Committee Brian Mikkelsen is elected as WADA brings together world experts to An overview of one of elite sport’s WADA’s new vice-president, and help in the fight against gene doping. most important organizations, profiles of government officials and its current stance on Page 8 providing strong support to the anti-doping issues. cause of anti-doping. Page 17 Pages 13-114

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Athlete Profile: WADA Updates Pg Gene Doping and Olympic Sport Jacqui Cooper New Social Science Fund ...... 19 A close-up look at one of WADA Poster Series...... 19 Dr. Thomas Murray provides a reality Australia’s most ardent thrill- Uruguay Symposium...... 20 check on the hype surrounding gene seekers and vocal supporters of List and Guide Release ...... 20 doping and its current potential for anti-doping initiatives. UNESCO Convention...... 20 performance-enhancement. Staff Arrivals ...... 21 Page 15 Page 9 Medications Booklet ...... 21 Funding...... 21 Editorial: Richard W. Pound

01 Taking the Lead Gene therapy represents an exciting and promising step forward in medical research, but its use to enhance athletic ability is as wrong as any type of traditional doping.

As the in Athens It was an eye-opening event for all of studies. But there is still much that wrapped up last summer, I was us and led to the inclusion of gene needs to be done in this area. Some frequently asked one question by doping as a prohibited method on the disreputable labs would be willing journalists who were already thinking 2003 Prohibited List of Substances to replicate the technology for ahead to the Beijing Games: Could and Methods. Since that time, we performance enhancement – for the there be genetic doping by 2008? have done quite a bit to get ahead of right price. As dangerous and wrong the cheaters in this field. We have as traditional doping is, it is hard to The idea that genetically-altered partnered up with some of the best conceive what the consequences athletes could be competing at the scientists in the world to fund could be of altering a person’s genetic Olympics in Beijing is disturbing but research projects into how gene makeup just to make them better in not out of the realm of possibility. doping can ultimately be detected. sports. This is a slippery slope we WADA has, for some time, considered We have created a gene doping do not ever want to go down. genetic doping to be a looming threat. panel, whose members will We have taken the lead in focusing continually advise us on cutting edge We should all keep in mind one the attention of the scientific and technology in gene-doping detection. important point: gene therapy is an sport communities on the challenge And we have undertaken education incredible step forward in the field of this new method presents for efforts to let athletes and their medicine and a testament to human enhancing performance. As you will entourages know that gene doping is ingenuity and ability. The fact that read in the following pages, our still an imperfect science and quite science now allows us to tinker with scientists do not believe that genetic doping is a reality – yet. But that could very well change in the next As dangerous and wrong as traditional doping is, it few years and we have to be ready with new weapons in our arsenal to is hard to conceive what the consequences could deal directly with this new threat. be of altering a person’s genetic makeup just to In 2002, WADA brought together, for make them better in sports. This is a slippery slope the first time, leaders in sport and in science to discuss the issue of gene we do not ever want to go down. doping at the Banbury Conference in New York. The conference was exactly dangerous. In addition to being as our genetic codes in order to be what we needed to place gene doping morally wrong as traditional doping, healthier human beings is a on the map for those who could do gene doping can present a significant remarkable achievement. While we something to prevent it before it ever risk to health. have a long way to go, I am confident gets off the ground. Those involved in science will get us to the point where sport learned just how far science has Last winter, I spoke to the annual gene transfer technology can be come in the field of gene therapy. meeting of the American Association applied safely and effectively. But to Cures for many devastating diseases for the Advancement of Science on misuse this advancement to create now sit tantalizingly within our reach. this topic. One point I stressed to super athletes is not acceptable. The scientists learned just how far them is the need for governments and WADA will fight gene doping as some athletes will go to be the best. regulatory bodies to create a framework vigorously as it has traditional doping. They heard directly from some of their for regulating the application of gene should still be won colleagues who had already had calls transfer technology. Some of that is through hard work, training, from coaches and trainers, asking already in place. In the U.S., for and dedication. how gene therapy could be applied example, there are stringent rules to their athletes solely to enhance regarding oversight of gene transfer performance. 1 play true - issue 1 - 2005 02 Special Feature: Gene Doping Gene Doping 02 Gene therapy for a number of diseases may be just around the corner, but those who would seek to use these advances for athletic gain should take note: the science of detecting gene doping is rapidly advancing to meet this new challenge.

Imagine a day when we will no longer But soon, we may be able to do just that. While it is doubtful that gene doping worry about Parkinson’s Disease. Or is already a reality, WADA and its cystic fibrosis. Or some cancers. Unfortunately, advancements in this partners in the fight against doping field of science also may someday be have already made it a top research There may come a day, in the not too used by athletes to try to better their priority. In 2003, the Prohibited List distant future, when diseases such as performance on the playing field. For of Substances and Methods was these and others that have plagued some, the lure of becoming better, amended to include gene doping as a mankind become a distant memory, stronger and faster than their prohibited method. WADA brought thanks to research into genetics. Gene competitors through tinkering with together experts in the field of therapy – the ability to manipulate the their may be too strong a genetics, as well as representatives human genome to prevent or cure temptation to resist. from the sporting world, in 2002 to diseases – is still a highly look at the problem. And the Agency experimental procedure performed by “Most doping is the misuse and continues to take a leading role in the very few research and clinical centers. abuse of medicines normally used for fight against gene doping by forming Science has not advanced to the point therapeutic purposes,” said Dr. Olivier a panel of experts to continuously where we can go to the doctor’s Rabin, WADA’s science director. advise the agency on the most recent office, get a shot, and be cured of an “Many of the substances used for progress in this area. assortment of ailments caused by doping actually represent great steps defects or mistakes in our genetic forward in the fields of science and “We know the threat of gene doping is code. medicine. But they are being wrongly very real,” said Richard W. Pound, used to enhance athletic WADA’s president. “We need to start performance. The same may become fighting this threat now, before it true of gene doping.” becomes a reality. It is easier to prevent a problem than it is to solve it.” 02 playplay true true - -issue issue 1 1 - -2005 2005 2 Anatomy of a muscle What is gene therapy? The cells that make up our muscles are unlike most found in the body. To understand how gene To understand what gene doping is, one must first understand the doping may one day affect the human musculature, concept of gene therapy. Most of what we are, from the way we look, to how good we are in athletics, to what diseases we might one day it is useful to first understand how our muscles are develop, comes to a certain degree from our genes. Some of our traits made and how they work. are predominantly determined by our genes with a minor contribution from our environment. For other traits, the environment plays a bigger part. Usually, the two work in tandem to make us who we are. In 1990, the U.S. Department of Energy and National Institutes of Health From the outside moving in, Fig. 1 our muscles begin as great began the Human Genome Project, a 13-year effort to identify all of the approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in human DNA. bundles of fibers that either contract or Genes are composed of segments of our DNA and can best be thought of relax depending on muscle as the instruction sheet for what the genes ultimately produce– . what we ask of These proteins build our cells and instruct them how to function. them (Fig. 1). But what happens if a particular gene is defective and not working properly? What if the gene is missing or is mutated through inheritance from our parents, by exposure to chemical products or to radiation? When the gene cannot carry out its proper function to regulate the production of certain proteins, disease can result. For Each bundle of example, muscular dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive muscle fibers is wasting of the muscles in the body, is a . The genes itself a similarly that create proteins for the growth and function of muscles are formed aggregate missing or defective. of either slow or fast fibers (Fig. 2). Slow One day, gene therapy may eliminate diseases such as muscular fibers help muscles dystrophy. Scientists are studying various ways in which gene therapy when they want to Fig. 2 can work. In some cases, a normal gene may be inserted into cells of burn energy less muscle fiber patients or directly into the patient’s genome to replace or repair a gene that does not work properly. In cases where a new, normal gene is rapidly and increase inserted, scientists must use a gene transport method, known as a endurance. Fast fibers vector, to deliver the gene into the genome. The most common way to help with quick bursts get the gene into the body is to use a disabled virus that has been of explosive strength. altered to not be harmful in itself but simply to act as a moving van to deliver normal DNA to the cell.

“The viruses are like Trojan horses,” said Dr. Theodore Friedmann, director of the Gene Therapy Program at the University of California San Moving in to examine Diego and chair of WADA’s gene doping panel. “The virus carries the Fig. 3 genes into the targeted cells and unloads the normal genes, which can the structure of a 'slow' then begin to function and produce the necessary proteins and enzymes.” fiber or cell (Fig. 3), we find that it too is made up 'slow' fiber While the process sounds fairly straightforward, it has proven extremely of bundles called difficult, with no real evidence of therapeutic effect in many hundreds myofibrils, as well as of attempts. However there has been a notable recent success. In the cell nucleus. myofibril France, scientists have carried out gene transfers on several children who suffer from severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), or “Bubble Boy Disease.” These children have a single malfunctioning gene that produces non-functioning form of a critical involved in the creation of a normal immune system. They must, therefore, live in isolation to protect them from the outside world. When treated with a The myofibrils are made virus vector carrying the normal copy of the gene, their bodies were up of smaller units called multiple able to produce the necessary protein to create a normal immune system. sarcomeres (right), nuclei Unfortunately, three of the children treated later developed leukemia (see which perform the sarcomere article by Dr. Thomas Murray, pages 9-12). contractions that stimulate overall The realities of gene doping muscle movement. In gene doping, an athlete would not be suffering from any disease. Instead, normal genes would be injected into the body to increase the

3 play true - issue 1 - 2005 function of a normal cell. Scientists, including Dr. Lee Sweeney, have Enhancing with genes experimented with genes that produce insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Genes can theoretically be used to build muscles, which helps muscles grow and repair themselves. The genes, carried alter and adjust muscle composition, or boost en- into the body by a harmless virus, produce more IGF-1 than the body durance levels. Simulating injury (see explanation would normally produce, stimulating muscle growth. below), energizing dormant genes, inhibiting specific Friedmann envisions a scenario in which some athletes with injuries in proteins, or adding new genetic material are all a particular part of the body could use IGF-1 to speed healing and possible methods that may one day be used to repair of the damaged muscles. Others might use gene doping to achieve these medical procedures. strengthen, for instance, a weakened knee or other damaged joint or injured tissue, which would give them a significant advantage on the playing field. Normal muscle growth due to repair For athletes who use , or EPO, to enhance performance, gene doping would represent the next step. Instead of injecting Small microscopic injuries caused by exercise and themselves with the EPO itself, they would inject with the gene that training are thought to provide the signal for satellite produces the EPO, allowing the body to naturally produce more red cell division and growth, but other factors may also blood cells. be at work.

The dangers of gene doping damaged area of fiber Of course, gene therapy is not quite as easy as it seems on paper.

“Gene therapy is far from being mastered,” Rabin said. “The chances of success are very low and the risks are still very high.”

Indeed, gene therapy can be quite dangerous (see interview with cell nuclei Friedmann, page 7). It is therefore strictly regulated in the United States satellite and now in other countries in which these kinds of experimental clinical stem cells studies are being carried out – England, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, China, Australia and others. In the U.S., all gene transfer studies in humans must be approved at the local level by hospitals and Under normal circumstances a localized 'factory' of institutional committees, as well as at the national level by the Food and a protein known as IGF-1 causes growth and Drug Administration (FDA) and, in most cases, also by the Recombinant hypertrophy of the muscle, at least partly by causing DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) of the National Institutes of Health, nearby satellite cells to divide, grow and fuse with which Friedmann has chaired. existing cells. This process leaves the repaired cell with more nuclei and myofibrils - thus bigger than Nevertheless, most experts predict that rogue labs will pop up, in the before the injury. A protein called is one U.S. and elsewhere around the world, which would be willing to make of several that can tell the satellite cells when to stop. experimental gene doping, no matter how dangerous, available to athletes for the right price. repaired and What WADA is doing bulked-up fiber

WADA became involved in the fight against genetic doping in 2002. The Agency convened a two-and-a-half day conference called “Genetic Enhancement of Athletic Performance” at the Banbury Center on Long Island. The Banbury Conference, as it came to be known, was the first time experts from both the scientific and athletic worlds came together to tackle this issue (see Friedmann interview, page 7). increased number of Conference participants issued a series of conclusions, including a call nuclei and myofibrils for the inclusion of gene doping on the Prohibited List, which occurred a year later. They also called for governments to “expedite the development of a global social framework for the application of genetic transfer technologies that address the potential misuse of these technologies in Mimicking injury with genes sport and a publicly stated deadline for the adoption of that framework.” One method of enhancing muscle fiber size through At that conference, WADA also pledged to devote more resources to gene therapy could possibly involve introducing an research projects dedicated to gene doping. To that end, WADA is now IGF-I gene with a vector (see page 5) to increase sponsoring five distinct projects on how best to detect gene doping. stem cell attraction and proliferation, or else by (See table on page 6). bringing in a gene for a protein to inhibit myostatin.

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Can it be Detected?

Many athletes and their entourages Howman, WADA’s director general. “It body, but there will be consequences may have a false sense of security is a priority for WADA and for our to that addition that can be seen and about whether gene doping can be partners to make sure gene doping is measured. For example, the gene will detected. After all, when a gene is as detectable as any form of express itself and produce more of a inserted into the body, it becomes traditional doping.” particular protein or enzyme, which part of the genome. How can you tell can be detected and measured just as if a gene is new or if it has always The projects WADA is funding in this in the case of drug-based doping. The been there? field give a good indication of the type effects of that new and foreign of methods researchers are examining substance will have an effect on the “Those who think they can cheat for the detection of gene doping. It body that also can be detected. For using gene transfer technology will be might be difficult to see that a example, there could be increased in for a rude surprise,” said David particular gene has been added to the production of red blood cells.

Special delivery Researchers have coined the term ‘vector’ to refer to any of a number of possible systems for delivering genes to target cells. In one example in the illustration below, a packet of free DNA that might have been injected directly is represented as a bare double-helix entering the cell nucleus upper left (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Any of a number of disabled virus classes (represented by the yellow figure, above right) may also be used to deliver DNA. Researchers will strip the harmful genetic material in the virus and then replace it with the helpful DNA that they wish to introduce into the target cell. The virus then simply does what nature designed it to do: penetrates the cell and delivers its genetic payload.

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Furthermore, the addition of a new Researchers are looking at ways in “I would like to send a shot across the gene can have an effect on a number which these changes to the genome bow of those who think we will not be of other genes, causing them to “turn can be detected through blood able to detect gene doping,” on” or “turn off,” creating specific testing. Another unique idea being Friedmann said. “My advice to them genomic, proteomic or metabonomic looked at is imaging, where a process is: don't be so sure—this is a very signatures that could also be similar to magnetic resonance dangerous road to proceed on, and detected. This method of detection imaging would be used to scan the we will be ready to halt the traffic.” would be similar to how astronomers body and search for unusual locations find new planets: they cannot see the of . planet but know that it is there by observing the effect its gravitation has Bottom line? Detection is possible and on nearby objects that are visible. probable.

GENE DOPING PROJECTS FUNDED BY WADA AS OF JANUARY 2005 Investigator Project Location Started Short summary

Dr. Geoffrey Manipulation of muscle mass via Royal Free and University 2002 Both GH and IGF-1 are human peptides involved in muscle growth. These factors Goldspink the growth College Medical School are naturally upregulated during athletic training. Therefore, the distinction between (GH)/insulin-like growth factor University College London, endogenous and exogenously administered GH and IGF-1 is difficult. It has been (IGF-1) axis UK shown that intake of GH, but not exercise, modifies the expression of a muscle- specific variant of IGF-1. This property is being used to design a test allowing the ability to distinguish between the introduced and the endogenous substances.

Dr. Günter Application of microarray ARC Seibersdorf Research 2004 Microarray technology will be used to search for changes in white blood cell Gmeiner technology for the detection of Seibersdorf, Austria gene expression following application of human . Gene changes in gene expression after expression profiles of treated and untreated cells will be compared, with the doping with recombinant human objective of defining a set of genes modulated after hGH treatment. growth hormone (hGH)

Dr. Theodore Microarray detection methods for University of California 2004 Administration of growth hormone and IGF-1 or of the genes expressing them Friedmann growth hormone and insulin-like San Diego, CA, USA will be associated with reproducible and detectable secondary changes in IGF-1 gene expression in many affected tissues, including peripheral blood. New methods for gene expression screening, such as global microarray techniques, will be used to detect such changes in cells from peripheral blood of mice exposed to GH and IGF-1 and to gene transfer vectors expressing them.

Dr. Jordi IMAGENE: non-invasive Pharmacology 2005 An important field of application of imaging will be the prevention of the Segura molecular imaging of gene Research Unit prohibited misuse of gene therapy in athletes. For this purpose, imaging will expression useful for doping Institut Municipal be used to detect the RNA being formed in unusual tissues after the gene control: pilot study in animals d'Investigació Mèdica transfer process. This approach is applicable to any gene transfected to after erythropoietin gene transfer (IMAS-IMIM) tissues not usually expressing the "doping" protein, such as muscle for EPO. Barcelona, Spain Imaging of mRNA will be carried out by the use of antisense peptide nucleic acids oligonucleotide probes labeled for tomographic detection. A pilot project will be carried out to image the presence of transfected EPO genes into muscle of mice.

Dr. Jane The application of cellular HFL Laboratory Inc. 2005 A different and more global approach for the detection of doping is proposed. Roberts chemistry and proteomic Fordham, Cambridgeshire Following doping with doping substances or the use of genetic manipulation, approaches to the detection of UK the expression of one or more genes and/or proteins will be altered in several gene doping accessible tissues, such as blood cells or bucal mucosa cells. These changes in gene/protein expression will be detected through the application of high performance transcriptomic or proteomic techniques. Ultimately, this will lead to the identification of abnormal RNA/protein patterns, representing molecular signatures associated to the use of doping substances, such as IGF-1 or growth hormone. 03play true - issue 1 - 2005 6 Special Feature: Gene Doping 04

Dr. Theodore Friedmann, professor of pediatrics and the director of the gene therapy program at the University of California, San Diego, is a foremost expert in genetic research. He has worked with WADA on the issue of gene doping since shortly after the Agency’s inception and was instrumental in organizing WADA’s conference on gene doping at the Banbury Center in March of 2002. He is also the head of WADA’s new panel on genetic doping. He shares some of his thoughts on gene therapy, why the Banbury Conference was so important, and whether gene doping is already a reality.

04 Interview: Dr.Theodore Friedmann What were the concrete results from It was clear that the scientists were And the athletic community took WADA’s conference on gene doping only marginally aware of what was away a level of sophistication about in Banbury, Long Island, in 2002? happening in sport. At the same time, the advances science was making in the sports world was hearing in the this field. Before Banbury, there really wasn’t lay press about gene therapy and much in the way of interest or other advances in genetics but was I think that the meeting was a kind of publicity about the application of gene not up to date on its true promise, epiphany for most or all of the therapy in sport. What came out of problems and potential impact on participants. The conference put a Banbury was an awareness in both sport. After this conference, the level of credibility and importance on the athletic and scientific scientists became interested very the issue that wasn’t there before. It communities that there was a quickly in the models of the was a very effective moment in the problem. application of gene therapy in sport. history of this issue.

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How advanced is gene therapy? Is it have not shown any striking to happen. Gene doping won’t replace already a reality in the medical world? therapeutic benefit to patients. In fact, traditional drug doping because gene- some serious adverse events, based approaches will be more The technology is evolving very including death, have occurred. The difficult. But as the technology rapidly. The science is not all that bottom line is that everything gets advances, there will be those with difficult and can be reproduced by complicated when you move from the means and motivation who will be well-trained people in many laboratory into a human being. We willing to try. thousands of laboratories all over the don’t have the technology yet in hand world. The research results in the to ensure a predictable and adequate The frightening thing is that rogue, field are rapidly and widely published level of safety to feel comfortable unregulated laboratories will not be in the open medical and scientific using gene transfer technology in concerned about safety and will not be literature and therefore are available anyone other than in a patient with a concerned about informed consent to any and all to learn. What is serious or untreatable disease. from athletes. extremely difficult is to transfer the underlying basic scientific technology Such a use would be frivolous, Can gene doping really be detected? into human beings, whether they be dangerous and, in my mind, would sick people or athletes, and to do so constitute medical malpractice or I think there is a very good chance safely and efficaciously. professional misconduct. that scientists will discover techniques for detecting gene doping. There are For humans, gene therapy remains Do you believe gene doping many avenues of research to pursue. very immature, experimental and is already a reality? Those who will try it, thinking it is highly risky. In the United States, undetectable, will be in for quite a thousands of patients have been The simple answer is that we don’t surprise. enrolled in clinical trials in the last know. We have no proof that it has decade and most of these studies happened yet, but we think it is likely

WADA’s new gene doping panel, from left to right: Dr. Alain Garnier, WADA medical director, Professor Odile Cohen-Haguenauer, Dr. Lee Sweeney, Dr. Theodore Friedmann, Dr. Ann-Muriel Steff, WADA manager for scientific research, Dr. Kurt Zinn, and WADA science director Dr. Olivier Rabin. Not pictured: Professor Doug Wallace. WADA Forms Gene Doping Panel WADA is using all resources at its disposal to battle gene of the molecular imagery department of the University of doping, and that includes bringing together some of the Alabama at Birmingham, United States. top scientists in the field for advice. Panel members will advise WADA’s Health, Medical and Late last year, the Agency formed a gene doping panel, Research Committee on gene-based doping to ensure the which is composed of five of the top researchers in Agency has the latest information on advances in this various fields of genetics. The panel is headed by Dr. field. The panel will also encourage promising research Theodore Friedmann, from the University of California at in the field of detecting gene doping. San Diego, and includes other experts in the fields of energy utilization and imaging: Professor Odile Cohen- “The gene doping panel is meant to expand the Haguenauer, of the Laboratoire de biotechnologies et horizons of WADA,” Friedmann said. “It’s a way of pharmacologie génétique appliquée de l’École normale bringing attention to new concerns in this field and supérieure de Cachan, France; Professor Lee Sweeney, new areas of expertise. This is something no one of the physiology department of the University of person can do alone.” Pennsylvania, United States; Professor Douglas Wallace, of the evolutionary biology department of the University The panel met for the first time in February at WADA’s of California at Irvine, United States; and Dr. Kurt Zinn, headquarters in Montreal. 05 play true - issue 1 - 2005 8 Special Feature: Gene Doping

06 Gene Doping and O

Article contributor Thomas H. Murray is an expert in bioethics and the President of The Hastings Center (www.thehastingscenter.org). He also chairs WADA's Ethical Issues Review Panel. Will the Olympic Games soon be dominated by genetically transformed athletes? With all the recent attention to genetically manipulated animals, one could be forgiven for thinking that the future of sport will belong to genetic engineers and their human guinea pigs. But the reality does not yet match the hype.

H. Lee Sweeney, a scientist at the soon will gene “doping” have a of sport and about fair , University of Pennsylvania and a discernible impact on athletes’ there is no time to lose in responding member of WADA’s Gene Doping abilities to run faster, leap higher, or to the challenge of gene doping. Panel, has indeed created genetically throw farther? The hoopla over modified mice and rats with larger genetically supercharged mice and But we do have time. and stronger muscles than their rats worries—or excites—many unmanipulated peers. How soon will people over the prospect that A sober and realistic assessment is the Olympic movement have to worry genetically enhanced human athletes needed to shoulder aside the about human analogs of these will soon be here. For people who sensation-mongering that has unnaturally muscular rodents? How care about the meaning and integrity dominated public discussion of gene

9 play true - issue 1 - 2005 Special Feature: Gene06 Doping d Olympic Sport

doping. One question helps to throw their Y, or male, chromosome. If their When the first boy developed the cold water of reality on over- only copy of the gene is defective, leukemia, knowledgeable scientists heated speculations about genetically their ability to fight off infection is treated it as an instance of colossally enhanced humans: For how many severely compromised. Clinically, bad luck. Picture gene transfer in this human diseases has gene transfer— having X-SCID is like being born with admittedly crude way: Imagine the scientific term for inserting new an untreatable case of AIDS. These millions of targets (human cells), genes into cells, such as with children have to be protected against each with its genome, like thin Sweeney’s mice—been clearly even the mildest infection or they will die. spaghetti tangled inside it. Then demonstrated to be an effective therapy? imagine blasting away at these targets Researchers found the gene with a shotgun. Most of the pellets The answer is, one—a very rare responsible and devised a way to pass harmlessly through. Some inherited disorder known as X-linked insert healthy copies of it into the targets are obliterated. In other Severe Combined Immune Deficiency genome of these children’s blood- instances, though, a few pellets lodge or X-SCID for short. It is “X-linked” producing cells. In a clinical trial in one of the spaghetti strands, but because the disease is caused by an conducted in France, eleven boys not enough to destroy the cell’s ability abnormal gene on the X chromosome. received the experimental gene to function. The new genes become Similar to what happens in therapy. The initial news was integrated into the genome of that hemophilia, girls inherit two copies of wonderful: most of the boys treated cell. The first boy’s misfortune the X chromosome. A normal copy of were able to make enough of the occurred because in one of those cell- the gene on one X chromosome missing protein for their immune targets, a gene-pellet came to rest in a compensates for the unhealthy one, systems to function for the first time. sensitive spot close to another gene. so female children escape the ravages As we have subsequently learned, That other gene began to function of the disease. Boys, however, get while the gene transfer was effective, incorrectly, causing the disease only one X chromosome to pair with it was far from safe. known as leukemia.

play true - issue 1 - 2005 10 “DOING GENE TRANSFER IS NOT LIKE TOSSING A BEAN INTO A BEANBAG WITH PREDICTABLE EFFECTS. OUR GENOMES ARE MORE LIKE INTRICATE ECOSYSTEMS, WITH COMPLEX INTERACTIONS AND FEEDBACK LOOPS INVOLVING THE GENES THEMSELVES AND THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS.” Special Feature: Gene Doping

Scientists knew that the methods of two years, a human’s can easily themselves to genetic manipulation; gene transfer—so technically exceed eighty. A genetically false about them becoming super- sophisticated and yet at the same engineered mouse might die of old athletes. The rumors will grossly time so imprecise—could result in a age well before long-term overestimate the effectiveness of cell going haywire. But most likely the complications of gene transfer gene doping and its impact on sport. cell would simply die, or cease to emerge. A twenty-year-old athlete, function. In this unfortunate boy, on the other hand, can look forward • Of the athletes who try gene doping, instead the cell became a kind of to many decades of uncertainty most will experience no bully, proliferating faster than its peers during which unpredictable, possibly performance boost beyond the and ultimately taking over – as catastrophic, consequences might placebo effect, while others will find cancerous cells do. appear. Drugs are more or less rapidly their abilities diminished and metabolized and excreted from the possibly their health damaged. Several months later another of the body—although in some cases they There is the possibility—exceedingly eleven boys in the experiment also can result in permanent changes. If remote at this time—that some few developed leukemia. What was new genes become stably integrated athletes may experience a almost universally regarded as an into the genomes of long-lived cells or temporary increase in performance. astonishing coincidence became cell lines, they can continue to exert a But this is very, very unlikely to instead an ominous pattern. In powerful influence on the person’s affect the competitive balance in January 2005 the researchers health for a lifetime. Olympic sport—at least not for a announced yet a third case, similar to good many years. the first two. That same announcement Although the technology of genetic included the news that one of the two manipulation has come a long way, For those who love the Olympics and boys diagnosed earlier had died; the it is still very early days with respect want to preserve its dignity and other appears to be recovering. to our understanding of how to make integrity, complacency is not an it work—and not malfunction—in option. Gene doping is not an Scientists have learned to get genes people. Sadly, the history of imminent threat to sport, but it has into a cell, and how to prompt them performance-enhancing technologies the potential to dramatically affect the to produce the protein, enzyme or in sport suggests that these Games many years hence unless hormone the gene is programmed to uncertainties and risks will not deter steps are taken now. make. But that is not enough. The unscrupulous entrepreneurs—or newly-inserted gene has to make just desperate, gullible athletes. Coaches Education is vital. Athletes and the enough of its product—not too little, and trainers indifferent to the health people athletes rely on for advice not too much—and to make it at the of the athletes under their influence need to understand the complexities right time, for it to be optimally may collude with unethical scientists and uncertainties around gene effective. But the X-SCID experiment who have the skills, knowledge, and transfer—not least, our enormous shows that where the gene lands in access to raw materials necessary to ignorance about the risks of gene a cell’s genome may be just as attempt genetic modification. transfer in humans, risks that the X- important to the health of the person SCID experiment demonstrates can be undergoing gene transfer. The renowned physicist Niels Bohr is unexpected and grave. credited with saying “Prediction is The more we learn about our very difficult, especially about the Research is also crucial. We need to genomes, the more complexities we future.” How true. Nevertheless, I will devise strategies to deter and detect uncover. The central dogma of 1960s offer a few educated guesses about gene doping. We also must refine our molecular biology was: one gene, one what the next several years will offer understanding of the ethics of genetic protein. Now we know that in some for gene : enhancement. Does gene-doping cases an individual gene can make challenge our conception of natural multiple proteins that can affect • There will be people offering talents ? In what ways is it similar to different parts of our physiology. what they will claim is genetic or different from using performance- Doing gene transfer is not like tossing enhancement to athletes. enhancing drugs? a bean into a beanbag with predictable effects. Our genomes are • Some athletes will take them up Meanwhile, if you find someone more like intricate ecosystems, with on their offer. hyperventilating about the Olympics complex interactions and feedback being on the verge of ruin because of loops involving the genes themselves • Rumors will fly around the world gene transfer, encourage the person to and the internal and external of Olympic sport about gene-doped take a deep, slow breath, and then set environments. super-athletes. about the work necessary to insure that what you love and value about It is also worth remembering that • Those rumors will be half-true: Olympic competition is preserved. while a mouse’s lifespan is roughly True about some athletes subjecting

play true - issue 1 - 2005 12 Governance

Newly-elected WADA VP Brian Mikkelsen (above and with Richard Pound bottom-left) hosting the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Copenhagen in 2003. A Vice President for WADA Brian Mikkelsen, the Danish Minister for Sport, newly elected as WADA vice president by the Foundation Board

For the first time since the Agency's Mikkelsen is no stranger to WADA. In schedule, he finds time each inception, WADA has a vice fact, he was responsible for hosting morning to jog, likes to play tennis president. At its November 2004 the 2003 World Conference on and attends sporting events as often meeting, the Foundation Board Doping in Sport in Copenhagen, as possible. Mikkelsen has been unanimously elected Brian Mikkelsen, where the World Anti-Doping Code elected WADA's vice president for a the Danish Minister for Sport, to this was unanimously approved. He has period of one year. position. Since that time, Mikkelsen also served Europe on WADA's has been working closely with WADA Executive Committee since 2002 and "WADA is built upon a partnership President Richard Pound and Director has been working hard on placing the between the Olympic Movement and General David Howman. fight against doping on the European governments of the world," Union agenda. Mikkelsen said. "This partnership is reflected in all the work the Agency Mikkelsen, who holds a Masters degree carries out and it is now evident in in political science, was elected to the WADA's leadership, as well." Danish Parliament as a representative of the Conservative People's Party at Pound, who was re-elected to a only age 28. He became Minister of three-year term, is pleased to have Culture in November 2001 and was Mikkelsen on board. reappointed following the February 2005 Danish election. "Denmark has always been a stalwart supporter of the anti- Since responsibility for sport falls doping fight and Brian has shown under the cultural minister, Mikkelsen his commitment to WADA many also holds the title of Minister of times," Pound said. "I am happy to Sport, a topic for which he has a be able to collaborate even more great passion. Despite a busy closely with him."

13 play true - issue 1 - 2005 Government Support

07 State of the Nations Our continuing series on government representatives who are particularly active in the fight against doping in sport.

Jean-FFrançois Lamour Humberto Rodriguez Gonzalez Datuk Azalina Othman Said (FRANCE) (CUBA) (MALAYSIA) Jean-François Lamour is a well Humberto Rodriguez Gonzalez holds Datuk Azalina Othman Saidi is a known sports figure in France. A a dual role in Cuba, as president of pioneer. She is the first woman to talented fencer, he has won two the Cuban National Insitute for Sport, serve as Minister for Youth and Sport Olympic titles, in Los Angeles in Physical Education and Recreation in Malaysia and is also the first 1984 and in Seoul in 1988, as well and as president of his country's woman to serve the Asian region on as three other Olympic medals and a national anti-doping commission, WADA's Foundation Board. world championship in 1987. He which was created in 1999. In this was the flag bearer for the French role, he plays an important role in the A lawyer by trade, she has Olympic team in Barcelona in 1992 fight against doping at both a national undertaken her role as minister with and retired from sports competition at and international level. the same fervor that she used to the age of 36. He then took up again create "Women, Sport and Health," an his trade of physiotherapist, which he Gonzalez, who holds a degree in law, organization dedicated to promoting put aside in 1993, when then Paris was the chief of mission of his physical activity among women. She Mayor Jacques Chirac asked him to country's delegations to the Olympic entered politics in 2000 and has be his counselor on youth and sport. Games in both Sydney and Athens served as minister since March 2004. He held the same position at the and is quite familiar with the world of She has launched a national national level from 1995 to 2002, elite sport. His role with the anti- campaign "Sport for All," and has when Chirac became president of the doping commission gives him respon- created a council on physical activity, republic, before being named France’s sibility for putting in place educational opened athletic centers to the public Minister for Sport. campaigns, warning athletes about and has invited the Malaysian the dangers of doping and putting in population to contact her directly with Today, Lamour is one of Europe's place various programs, in their thoughts and suggestions. most active ministers in the fight collaboration with the Cuban Olympic against doping in sport. He has Committee, to ensure clean sport. A fifth-dan black belt in taekwondo helped coordinate this fight interna- and a sport enthusiast, she is tionally for years and in 2004, In recent years, Cuba has stepped up passionate about the concept of sport became a member of WADA's its efforts in the fight against doping, without doping and has put in place Executive Committee. As Minister in particularly since the opening of an several measures in this regard. Her France, he has prepared a law that accredited laboratory in Havana in election to WADA's Foundation Board will put French legislation completely 2001. In addition, more than 2000 allows her to pursue more anti-doping in line with the International doping controls will be carried out in activities in her country, which is one Convention Against Doping in Sport, Cuba this year as part of the anti- of two nations in Southeast Asia to being prepared under the auspices of doping program and Cuban sports have a WADA-accredited anti-doping UNESCO. authorities continue to put in place laboratory. various programs for educating Under Lamour's guidance, France has athletes and their entourages. intensified the fight against doping in many areas, including education, doping control tests and international cooperation in the area of substances trafficking. France also continues to make one of the largest contributions among governments to WADA's annual budget (approximately US$593,000 in 2004). 07play true - issue 1 - 2005 14 A proven champion and certified lover of life on the edge, Jacqui Cooper has become one of Australia’s most vocal advocates of how the greatest thrills come from an honest and dedicated pursuit of athletic excellence.

Jumpin’Jac 08 A freestyle aerialist has the agility of a This is Jacqui Cooper’s sport of choice. for almost two miles, as the car moved gymnast, the courage of a skydiver, the It’s a good thing she’s afraid of virtually through traffic. It was only upon creativity of a skateboarder and the nothing. pulling into her garage that Cooper’s skill of a professional skier. Aerialists fly mom realized where her daughter had down an icy mountain at high speeds, Since her youth, Cooper has been been for most of the ride. then launch off a man-made ramp known for trying stunts. When she was with an upturned end (kicker) that four years old, she climbed out the Cooper started freestyle-skiing when she shoots them 50 to 60 feet above the back window of the family car and was 16 years old. She was spotted by heads of spectators, where they twist, onto the car roof. Her mother never a ski coach who saw her doing flips and flip and turn in mid-air before landing. noticed and Jacqui sat on the roof rack turns in the sand dunes in Australia.

15 play true - issue 1 - 2005 Athlete Profile: Jacqui Cooper

He told her she would be good at must sign before they are accepted “I think WADA, the Australian Sports freestyle and she took it from there. onto the Australian Olympic Team. Drug Agency (ASDA) and the NFs are Cooper’s role as deputy chairperson on doing a great job targeting drug Now 32, Cooper’s career highlights the AOC’s Athletes Commission allows cheats,” she added “The harshest include 15 career World Cup wins and her to help formulate that policy. It penalty should be in place for people 27 World Cup medals (15 gold, 8 stresses the need for all athletes to take that cheat the system. Taking drugs silver and 3 bronze). Cooper was full responsibility for what they take. is breaking the “sport” laws and 1999 World Champion and she was punishment should be very tough.” World Cup Freestyle Overall Champion “Given the information out there, I don’t in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Cooper think there is any excuse for what we Last year, Cooper made a successful was the first woman in the world to take as athletes,” she said. “Anything return to aerial skiing competition at compete Full Tuck Full (Complex double twisting somersault). She was also the first woman in the world to do a Full Full Full on snow and compete it I really believe that education is vital, and that education (triple twisting triple somersault). about drugs in sport is very important for individuals that Cooper is one of several high-profile compete in sport. Being a role model brings certain Olympians spearheading the “Live Clean, Play Clean” Drug Education responsibilities. I feel it is my responsibility to help inform Program, which is an initiative of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). and educate people about drugs in sport. Olympians can be

“I really believe that education is vital, a huge asset to these types of programs. and that education about drugs in sport is very important for individuals that compete in sport,” Cooper said. we put in our mouth is our respon- Mt Buller’s Alpine Exposure World “Being a role model brings certain sibility. As long as the education is Aerials in September 2004, more than responsibilities. I feel it is my respon- there for the younger and up-and- two and a half years after the injury sibility to help inform and educate coming athletes, a lack of knowledge that ended her gold medal campaign people about drugs in sport. Olympians is not an excuse anymore.” at the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games. can be a huge asset to these types of She came back not only intent on re- programs; they can raise the When asked what she thinks of joining the World Cup circuit and getting awareness of drug issues because athletes who cheat and the adequacy to the Olympic Games in Turin in Olympians have to deal with drugs of penalties in reference to cheaters 2006, but also on completely rebuilding in sport everyday.” Cooper said, “Athletes that cheat are her technique step by step, making really just cheating themselves. sure fundamentals were bedded down This program targets young athletes Winning is so important but it should in low degree of difficulty routines. involved in Olympic and non-Olympic be honest and it should be a display sports throughout Australia. The of a person’s natural abilities, hard Cooper was still only part way through program highlights the dangers of work and talent. I have no respect for the process of re-building her routine, taking performance-enhancing drugs. athletes that cheat. I’d rather see a performing double somersaults rather It also deals with the use of food mediocre performance that wins, than than her trademark triples, but she supplements, recreational drugs and an outstanding performance that only executed them superbly, not only explains in detail the penalties for any won because the performance was making the podium, but also qualifying athlete who returns a positive test. The enhanced by drugs.” for selection to the Australian team for program travels to schools and sporting the Turin Games. institutes throughout Australia. (For more information on the program see When the 2004/05 World Cup circuit the spring 2003 issue of Play True.) resumed in Mont Tremblant (Canada) in January, Cooper maintained her “I think all national federations (NFs) focus on rebuilding her technique, should run similar programs in line opting for a double twisting and single with the AOC ”Live Clean, Play Clean” twisting double somersault routine. initiative,” Cooper said. “I think that She placed sixth, but more importantly, educating everyone (all young people) she earned a perfect form score on her is an enormous job. All NFs need to lay full from one of the judges, and be responsible for their athletes and an was just 1.7 points off a perfect points education program for drugs in sport score for the jump. should be out in place. Too many times people say that they weren’t aware of the banned substances.” Cooper was 1999 World Champion and World Cup Freestyle Overall Champion in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Her career highlights include 15 career The program outlines the AOC’s strict World Cup wins and 27 World Cup medals (15 anti-doping policy, which all athletes gold, 8 silver and 3 bronze).

play true - issue 1 - 2005 16 Partner Profile

Ever vigilant in its stance against doping, the IPC’s priorities remain focused on the education of athletes and the implementation of a comprehensive registered testing pool

By Miriam Wilkens, IPC Media and Communication Director

The International Paralympic whereas the TUE Committee is sign a declaration to abide by the Committee (IPC) is the international responsible for the TUE process WADA Code and to implement governing body of sport for athletes (applications, decisions, etc). appropriate rules and regulations. It is with a disability. The IPC supervises International level athletes with believed that this is the strongest and co-ordinates the Paralympic specific medical conditions requiring message that the IPC can send to its Summer and Winter Games and also medication that are prohibited may members signalling that doping will acts as the international federation apply for TUE. The IPC works closely not be tolerated. (IF) for 13 sports. For these 13 IPC with WADA through its representation sports, the IPC supervises and co- on the WADA Foundation Board (Phil In-CCompetition Testing ordinates multi-disability Craven), Health, Medical and competitions, such as world and Research Committee (Dr. Björn The IPC negotiates the number of regional championships, and provides Hedman), and the Education Working tests to be taken with each organizing the administrative and policy Group (Andy Parkinson). committee of an IPC sanctioned development services, including in competition. Generally, no less than the area of anti-doping. The IPC also The Code 15 percent of the accredited athletes supports the recruitment and at world championships are tested development of all athletes across all In March 2003, the IPC became a and at regional championships and performance levels. signatory of the World Anti-Doping other sanctioned competitions, Code. Thereafter, the IPC Anti-Doping approximately 10 percent are tested. The IPC was founded in 1989 as an Code was revised to comply with the Last year, tests were carried out at a international non-profit organization WADA Code and corresponding variety of world championships (eg, and is formed and run by 161 International Standards, and was IPC 2004 Bowls World Championships), National Paralympic Committees officially launched on February 1, regional championships (eg, IPC (NPCs) and four disability specific 2004. The IPC Anti-Doping Code is a 2004 Archery Asia & South Pacific international sports federations. The unique code as it applies at all IPC Championships) and world cups (eg, IPC headquarters, situated in Bonn, sanctioned competitions, meaning at IPC 2004 Nordic Skiing World Cup). Germany, includes approximately 20 all 13 IPC sports’ competitions The IPC plans to increase the number professional staff, the first employed (championships, cups, etc) and at of competitions with in-competition in 1998, who manage the daily . This is in contrast testing significantly in 2005. operations of the organization. to, for example, the IAAF Code, which Previously, the organization was run only applies for one sport, namely Paralympic Games almost exclusively by volunteers. athletics, or the IOC Code, which only applies at Olympic Games. The IPC The Paralympic Games provide the Andy Parkinson, who will be joined was the second organisation, in its IPC with the greatest single by an anti-doping and classification capacity as an IF, to release a WADA- opportunity to test athletes across a manager in the near future, currently compliant Code. wide variety of sports. A total of 680 heads the IPC medical and scientific To protect the athletes’ fundamental urine tests, including EPO tests, were department. The department right to participate in doping-free carried out at the Athens 2004 manages anti-doping, classification sport, the IPC in mid-2003 ruled that Paralympic Games. For the Turin and sport science issues and is all NPCs and sports wishing to take 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, supported by the Anti-Doping part in the Paralympics must declare approximately 250 urine tests are Committee and the Therapeutic Use their acceptance and recognition of planned including EPO, and blood Exemption (TUE) Committee. The the WADA Code. This obligation has tests for hGH and other substances. Anti-Doping Committee supports test now been expanded; today one planning and manages results requirement for IPC membership is to

17 play true - issue 1 - 2005 09 Partner Profile

Photo courtesy IPC

Out-oof-CCompetition Testing

In 2004, the IPC signed an agreement with WADA on out-of- competition testing, ensuring that the 13 IPC sports are subject to out-of- to track athletes’ whereabouts and competition testing; in the past, implement an effective out-of- testing has only taken place at competition testing program. Together sanctioned competitions. WADA, in with other organizations, such as UK consultation with the IPC, manages Sport and the International Rugby the out-of-competition testing and Board, the IPC is involved as part of the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, sample analysis with national anti- the ADAMS implementation group to and at the IPC 2004 Alpine Skiing doping organizations or third parties assist with the first phase of World Championships. The Outreach carrying out the testing on behalf of operations of ADAMS. program will also be present at the WADA. All athletes competing at an Another area, which ADAMS will Turin 2006 Paralympic Winter Games international level may be subject to hopefully simplify, is the TUE and is a successful means of out-of-competition testing. It is procedure. The IPC has had a TUE educating athletes. However, the IPC expected that the number of tests will process in place since 1994 (formerly plans to implement greater initiatives increase in 2005. known as the Medications Advisory for education and is presently Panel) and the number of applications developing web-based educational Registered Testing Pool/ADAMS has, over the years, grown. In 2004, tools and investigating possibilities to approximately 350 TUE applications develop an IPC Athlete Outreach Since 2004, the IPC has been were managed. While the number of program in line with WADA’s strategy. working on refining the criteria for and applications is not expected to management of the IPC’s registered decrease, it is hoped that ADAMS will Contact testing pool, which currently includes assist both athletes and the IPC in the all athletes participating at Paralympic TUE process, from application to For further information visit the IPC Games. Being the IF for 13 sports approval, through an online solution. website: www.paralympic.org or complicates the already hard-to- contact us at: handle matter of athletes’ Education whereabouts. At present, there is no International Paralympic Committee (IPC) internal solution for tracking athletes’ During 2005, another priority will be Adenauerallee 212 - 214 whereabouts but it is hoped that the education. In the past, the WADA 53113 Bonn, Germany WADA Anti-Doping Administration Athlete Outreach program has and Management System (ADAMS), successfully assisted the IPC in Tel.: +49-228-2097-200 once implemented in mid 2005, will educating athletes through its Fax: +49-228-2097-209 assist significantly in the IPC’s ability presence at the Salt Lake 2002 and E-mail: [email protected]

play true - issue 1 - 2005 18 WADA Updates

WADA Funds available for Social Science Research US $60,000 earmarked for 2005 pilot program

Anti-doping education remains a high program priorities. Priorities will be priority for WADA. To this end, the assigned on an annual basis to Agency will award grants in the social certain topics, research subjects and sciences to encourage research in this protocols. More detailed information area. The objective is to gain more is available in the "Guidelines for information into the most effective Applicants 2005," which are way to put in place anti-doping available, along with the "Call for education programs. Proposals," on WADA's website under the education section. In the 2005 pilot program, US $60,000 in funds will be available as grants. WADA will dispense research grants Future funding of this program will to all types of organizations depend largely on the interest shown (universities, small businesses, for- by the research community in this profit organizations, etc.) Deadline for field and by the quality of proposals submissions for consideration for the submitted for grants this year. pilot program is March 31, 2005. Those interested in obtaining further All proposed research projects must information can contact: be related to one or more of the stated [email protected] WADA Launches Poster Series WADA has launched a poster series to Sport" and features five athletes in the Tanabe; German rower Roland Baar; promote the values of sport (respect, fight against doping: Canadian and English runner Paula Radcliffe. dedication, character, solidarity and basketball player Tracey Ferguson; Interested stakeholders can contact excellence). The series - available for Brazilian swimmer Gustavo Borges; WADA at [email protected] now only in English - is titled "Spirit of Japanese judo competitor Yoko

play true - issue 1 - 2004 19 play true - issue 1 - 2005 WADA Updates

Education Symposium held in Uruguay

WADA has launched its education symposia program February 22 and 23 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The symposium brought together approximately 50 participants, including representatives from the sporting world, anti-doping agencies, athletes, trainers and other interested parties from Latin America.

WADA was represented by Director General David Howman and others at the event in Uruguay. The Agency has developed this symposia program with a particular focus on developing countries and regions worldwide. The program has a fundamental objective of assisting 2005 Prohibited List and Third Edition WADA's stakeholders in implementing effective education Athlete's Guide now available in print programs and ensuring the provision of relevant information WADA's 2005 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which went into on doping-free sport, with effect January 1, is now available in print form in English and French. particular emphasis on athletes and their support personnel. The Agency has also published a third edition of the Athlete's Guide, which gives an over view of the World Anti-Doping Code and describes athletes' rights More educational symposia will be and responsibilities in the doping control process. organized in other regions of the world in the coming months. These two publications can be found on WADA's website at: www.wada-ama.org

International Convention Reaches New Stage Draft final text sent to member states, will be presented to UNESCO General Conference in October

The International Convention Against This draft final text was sent in early Doping in Sport, being prepared March by UNESCO Director General under the auspices of UNESCO, the Koïchiro Matsuura to all member United Nations body for education, states and will be presented to the science and culture, reached an UNESCO General Conference during important milestone in January. its session, which will take place October 3 to 21 in Paris. The final text of the document was drafted during a Category II meeting The objective remains to have the of UNESCO member countries in convention ratified by governments Paris. WADA representatives, and the World Anti-Doping Code thus The UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The objective including Director General David formally recognized by them prior to remains to have the convention ratified prior to the Howman, participated in the the Olympic Games in Turin in Turin Games in February of next year. meeting. February 2006.

play true - issue 1 - 2005 20 WADA Updates

NEW ARRIVALS WADA has new Communications Director WADA has hired Elizabeth Hunter as the United States Chamber of business association in the blood its new director of communications. Commerce, the world's largest products and services industry. She Hunter was senior director of business federation. In that capacity, has also worked as a legislative aid to communications and member she was responsible for the a member of the United States services, Federation Relations, for organization's relationship with Congress. She holds a master's degree 3,000 state and local chambers and in French from Middlebury College in 800 business associations, Middlebury, Vermont. Hunter will start garnering their support for U.S. at WADA in early April. Chamber legislative and regulatory priorities. In addition, WADA welcomes new legal manager Julien Sieveking, From 1999 to 2001, she served as who previously worked for the marketing director for the U.S. European Football Union (UEFA) in Chamber's joint venture Nyon, Switzerland. WADA's regional ChamberBiz.com, a business-to- office in Lausanne has also grown business web portal providing with the addition of Nicole Frey, grassroots advocacy services and who assumes the role of medical business information to the small coordinator. Frey will assist medical business market. Prior to joining the director Dr. Alain Garnier in the U.S. Chamber, Hunter was the review of therapeutic use Elizabeth Hunter government affairs officer for a U.S. exemptions. New booklet on Athletes and Medications now available

WADA has published a new This publication is the latest in a question and answer booklet series produced by WADA in entitled Athletes and Medications. multiple languages. Other Q & As produced focus on the World Anti- The booklet, available in English, Doping Code, therapeutic use French and Spanish, gives athletes exemptions (TUEs) and nutritional information on how to be cautious supplements. All of these when taking medications in order publications can be found in PDF to avoid a positive doping test. format on the Agency's website. Funding 94 percent received for 2004, Oceania contribution paid in full for 2005 WADA has already received of which was an advance from the several contributions from the International Olympic Committee. Olympic Movement and world governments to its budget The Oceania region has paid in beginning this year. full for this year. WADA has also received contributions due from By the end of January, WADA had previous years, which brings the received 25.5 percent of its total received for 2004 to 94 budget for 2005, US $3.7 million percent.

21 play true - issue 1 - 2005