Viagra on the doping list?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is currently examining whether or not the potency pill Viagra has a performance-enhancing effect in sports. The medication, which was initially developed for special heart diseases and is now mainly used to alleviate erection problems, could then be included in the list of forbidden substances.

"There have been statements to suggest that [Viagra] is performance-enhancing," said WADA president John Fahey to the press after a Foundation Board meeting on November 23. "That is being evaluated. Before any decision to put it on the prohibited list, there has to be a rigorous examination that allows the Committee to make a recommendation. No decision has been made."

The WADA president added that there was "no likelihood that there will be either a positive or a negative decision when examination is ultimately concluded."

The result of the study is expected in February 2009. The drug could be banned from use in high-level sports in September 2009.