WADA turns attention to gene doping

Jun 11, 2008 - 9:26 PM ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Ticker) -- The World Anti-Doping Agency have called for increased awareness of the dangers of gene doping.

Defined by WADA as "the non-therapeutic use of cells, genes, genetic elements, or of the modulation of gene expression, having the capacity to improve athletic performance", it is thought to be the next big performance-enhancing threat in world sport.

After a symposium on the subject in St Petersburg, WADA vice president Professor Arne Ljungqvist said the organization had an important role to play in informing athletes of the problems it could cause.

"Most experts do not think that gene transfer is being misused by athletes yet, but we know that there is a growing level of interest in the sports world in the potential for gene doping, and that scientists working on potential genetic cures for muscle diseases or blood disorders are being approached by sports figures to inquire about the use of genes to enhance performance in sport," Ljungqvist said.

"We need to make sure that athletes know the dangers associated with these technologies, and, for those who may choose to ignore them and cheat, that they will be caught."

WADA director general David Howman believes the symposium is the first step in providing a unified front against a growing threat.

"Issues associated with gene transfer are multiple and complex," he said. "By gathering top experts in various fields related to genetic enhancement, this fruitful symposium helped address them and further advance strategies to detect potential misuse of these technologies.

"WADA will continue to devote significant resources and attention to this specific area, to protect the integrity of sport and the health of athletes."