The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Bureau has approved changes to the organization’s prohibited substances list proposed by the FEI List Group. The new list will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

In accordance with FEI rules, all changes to the list are published 90 days in advance in order to allow national federations, athletes, and veterinarians sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the revised list prior to implementation.

Key changes:

• Two new controlled medications have been added to the prohibited substances list for 2014: metformin, a potent but legitimate oral anti-diabetic drug with a potential welfare risk, and levothyroxine, an exogenous thyroid hormone replacement that could enhance performance;
• Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), currently classified as a banned substance, will be moved to the controlled medication section of the 2014 List due to its therapeutic value in equine medicine; and
• Three previously unlisted substances—injectable ammonium chloride, Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)—will be added to the banned substances list, as they are considered to have a potential for abuse or to improve athletic performance.

A list of changes is also available on the FEI Clean Sport webpage. The Equine Prohibited Substances Database will be amended and the complete prohibited substances list will be made available on the Clean Sport website prior to Jan. 1, 2014