Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu

Anti-Doping Science : Overview and Recent Developments

Anti-doping science is crucial for maintaining fair competition, protecting athlete health, and upholding sports integrity. Significant advancements in analytical techniques, pharmacokinetics, and biological monitoring have enhanced the detection and deterrence of prohibited substances. The framework for these efforts is built upon comprehensive regulations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, which outlines prohibited substances, testing protocols, and legal guidelines.

A key focus for anti-doping laboratories involves improving their technical capabilities. This includes the extensive use of high-end instrumental analytical techniques. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and, more commonly today, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are foundational to these efforts, offering unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity for detecting a vast array of compounds and their metabolites in biological samples. The evolution to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) further enhances the ability to identify unknown substances and perform untargeted screening. Additionally, Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) plays a vital role in differentiating between endogenously produced substances and those administered externally, particularly for anabolic steroids. These sophisticated instruments enable more precise, efficient, and reliable detection, even at trace levels.

Emerging strategies such as dry blood spot testing, omics-based approaches, and retrospective data analysis is strengthening anti-doping programs, boosting efficiency and reducing sample manipulation risks. The evolution of longitudinal biomarker monitoring, especially through the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), offers deeper insights into physiological changes indicative of doping including gene doping detection.

Enhanced international collaboration among nations and scientific institutions has significantly improved anti-doping governance, fostering greater transparency and adherence to ethical standards. As doping methodologies continue to evolve with novel substances and sophisticated evasion strategies, anti-doping science must remain proactive, driving innovation, advancing educational initiatives, and enhancing global cooperation to safeguard the integrity of sports.

Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu

Dr. Sahu has a Master’s degree followed by Ph. D. in Chemistry from Central University, Sagar, India. He has over 30 years of rich and varied experience in analytical research & development working on various positions in top ranking Pharmaceutical companies in India and abroad including Lupin Ltd., Ipca Laboratories, Dr. Reddy`s Laboratory, Jubilant Life Sciences, Abdi Ibhrahim Pharmaceutical, Turkey and Teva API India Ltd.
Initiating his career as Analytical Chemist at Lupin; over the period of time he has risen to the level of Head R&D at Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and currently leading the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) which is only such World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited Laboratory in India and among 29 Laboratories in the World.
He is also Technical and Lead Assessor for ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034 at National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
Dr. Sahu appointed as Professor of Practice (Honorary) at National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Adjunct Professor at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER).
Dr. Sahu is representing India at UNESCO Global Task Force for Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the context of Sport Values, Ethics and Integrity.
Recently, he has also appointed as Director- Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU), India.