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The drugs of ACC's Project Aperio

In the Australian Crime Commission's report on drugs in sport, the following performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) were investigated. Here's a complete rundown of exactly what they are, and what they do.

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides
These peptides stimulate the increased release of hGH. The most common peptides being used are CJC-1295, GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and Hexarelin. Often used in combination with anabolic substances to promote muscle gain, peptides can result in anabolic effect on an athlete. Some believe that they help in repairing soft tissue injuries, however this has not been scientifically proven. Peptides are sometimes used as anti-ageing medicine as they can be sold as a topical cream, or intravenously. They have been on the WADA Prohibited List since 2008.

Anti Obesity Drug number 9604 (AOD-9604)
AOD-9604 is a Growth Hormone with fat burning ability that can be used to increase the power and weight ratio in athletes. In clinical trials it was found that AOD-9604 can assist in cartilage creation and repair and could help enhance muscle formation. AOD-9604 is not yet on the WADA Prohibited List.

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)
SARMSs act on anabolic receptors to promote bone and muscle growth. SARMs can cause androgenic side effects such as baldness and breast development in males, and infertility and deepening of the voice in females. SARMs is often used in combination with other banned substances such as hGH. Also known as Ostarine and Enobosarm, it can be injected as a liquid, or applied with a cream. From May 2013, it will be illegal to possess SARMs without a prescription. It is an anabolic agent on the WADA Prohibited List.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
Primary hormone needed for cell growth. Secreted by the liver, it has an anabolic effect on muscle and helps the development of cartilage and bone. IGF-1 can be used with hGH as a masking agent to avoid testing positive for doping. It is delivered intravenously.

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF)
Derived from IGF-1, MGF helps repair tissue. Used after a weight training session, MGF can repair damage muscle and assist in the growth of new cells. MGF is a liquid solution, injected into the body. As a derivative of IGF-1 it has the same status as anabolic steroids under the Poisons Standard and possession without a prescription is illegal. The substance is on the WADA Prohibited List.

OTHER SUBSTANCES
Ipamorelin – Peptide that has anabolic effect – WADA Prohibited List
Sermorelin – Peptide that provides anabolic effect – WADA Prohibited List
Melanotan – Aphrodisiac and tanning agent
PT-141 - Aphrodisiac and tanning agent
Follistatin – Promotes muscle growth – WADA Prohibited List
Thymosin (TB-500) – Injury recovery – WADA Prohibited list


Information courtesy of the Australian Crime Commission's report 'Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport - New Generation Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs and Organised Criminal Involvement in their use in Professional Sport', published by the Commonwealth of Australia, February 2013.