New generation doping drugs hard to test

The illegal 'new generation drugs' used by athletes and administered by coaches are designed to stimulate growth hormones and are nearly impossible to detect by testing.

Peptides can have many benefits for sportspeople, including the reduction of body fat and assistance in the swift recovery from injuries.

Legal peptides help the body recover from physical activity and can be taken as supplements.

However, the illegal peptides uncovered by the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and being investigated by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) are used to stimulate muscle growth and have less obvious side effects than steroids.

Many peptides aren't approved for human use.

These new-age drugs are very difficult to pick up through testing.

The use of coercive powers by investigators, such as calling on witnesses is usually the only way to prove illegal use.

The ACC report released on Thursday found athletes and officials were part of a 'widespread' use of the growth hormone-releasing peptides.

The substances it found in use in Australia were GHRP-2, GHRP-6, CJC-1295, AOD-9604 and hexarelin, all of which promote the release of an increased level of growth hormone into the bloodstream.

All except one type are prohibited under WADA guidelines.

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New generation doping drugs hard to test