Role of Reference Materials
India Achieves Breakthrough in Anti Doping Science: Reference Materials are highly purified chemical compounds or their metabolites used to achieve accuracy in laboratory analysis. In the field of sports, these substances allow scientists to identify prohibited drugs mentioned in the WADA list. They are crucial to ensure precision and credibility in anti-doping tests.
Globally, only a handful of institutions produce such advanced materials, making them rare and expensive. By developing them at home, India has reached a new level of scientific capability.
Static GK fact: WADA was set up in 1999 and its headquarters is located in Montreal, Canada.
Unveiling of Methandienone Long Term Metabolite
On September 4, 2025, Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite during the 22nd Governing Body Meeting of NDTL in New Delhi.
This compound is essential for detecting Methandienone, an anabolic steroid often abused by athletes for performance gains. Long-Term Metabolites remain in the human body for extended durations, making it possible to identify doping long after the last intake.
Static GK Tip: Methandienone, also called Dianabol, is among the earliest anabolic steroids used in competitive sports.
Salient Features of Methandienone LTM
- Not commercially produced worldwide
- Enables detection of steroids through urine samples over long periods
- Increases accuracy of anti-doping enforcement
- Strengthens deterrence by improving test sensitivity
This makes Methandienone LTM a strong weapon in global doping control.
Joint Effort of NIPER and NDTL
Since 2020, NIPER Guwahati and NDTL New Delhi have worked together under the Department of Pharmaceuticals to create specialized non-commercial Reference Materials. Out of the targeted 22, a total of 12 have been successfully developed, with Methandienone LTM being the latest milestone.
This initiative reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and builds a robust self-reliant doping detection framework in India.
Static GK fact: NIPER was established in 1998 and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance in pharmaceutical sciences.
Importance at the Global Level
By synthesizing Methandienone LTM, India strengthens the worldwide fight against doping. The material will be shared with 30 WADA-recognized laboratories, ensuring standardized testing procedures.
This achievement supports fair play in sports, empowers honest athletes, and expands India’s contribution to the global anti-doping mission.
It also reflects the government’s broader vision for sports integrity under programs such as the Fit India Movement, which promotes physical fitness along with ethical sporting practices.
Static GK Tip: The Fit India Movement was launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Achieves Breakthrough in Anti Doping Science:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Date | September 4, 2025 |
| Launched By | Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Material Developed | Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite (LTM) |
| Purpose | Detect anabolic steroid Methandienone for anti-doping |
| Developed By | NIPER Guwahati and NDTL New Delhi |
| Department | Department of Pharmaceuticals |
| Global Labs | 30 WADA-accredited labs |
| Unique Feature | Detects doping months or years after use |
| Total RMs Planned | 22 |
| RMs Synthesized So Far | 12 |
