WADA Postpones Therapeutic Use Exemption Symposium to 2022

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), together with its host partner, the Korean Anti-Doping Agency (KADA), regrets to announce that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WADA is postponing its Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Symposium, which was to be held from 22-23 April 2021, to 21-22 April 2022 in Incheon, South Korea. Stakeholders are kindly asked to save the new dates in their calendars.

The primary objective of the Symposium is to harmonize the approach to TUEs, which ensure that athletes with legitimate medical conditions may participate in sport despite their need for a prohibited substance or method. The Symposium will discuss elements of the revised 2021 International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE) that will enter into effect on 1 January 2021; and, include interactive discussions on medical cases; medico-legal issues; retroactive TUEs; and, the challenges regarding global harmonization of practices. The goal is to ensure that fairness is maintained, and athletes are afforded similar opportunities, regardless of their sport, geographical location or specific medical issues. 

WADA’s Medical Director, Dr. Alan Vernec, said: “We are disappointed about postponing the TUE Symposium yet, despite the optimism surrounding the new COVID-19 vaccines, there still remains considerable uncertainty as to the course of the pandemic; and, therefore, the ability for all participants to safely travel and congregate in April 2021. WADA and KADA are committed to offering a safe and productive experience for all; and therefore, we will be ready to welcome participants to Incheon in April 2022.”

In the meantime, WADA is planning to hold short webinars regarding the 2021 ISTUE, medico-legal issues and TUE cases; regarding which, more details will follow in the coming months.

Should you have any questions regarding the TUE Symposium and/or webinars, please contact WADA’s Medical Unit at medical@wada-ama.org or WADA’s Events Manager, Ms. Anais Lefevre, at anais.lefevre@wada-ama.org.