Former ASADA boss says status of anti-obesity drug must be clarified

RICHARD Ings says authorities need to provide clarity on the status of the anti-obesity drug named in the AFL's supplements scandal.

FORMER Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority chief Richard Ings says authorities need to provide clarity on the status of the anti-obesity drug named in the AFL's supplements scandal.

The drug -- AOD-9604 -- was mentioned in a series of text messages between sports scientist Stephen Dank and Melbourne Football Club doctor Dan Bates revealed on Thursday.

The anti-obesity drug believed to be involved is not approved for human use, putting its use under a cloud.

"I think at this stage there is a lot of uncertainty as to the status of AOD-9604 in regard to the WADA code," Ings said.

"The status of AOD-9604 really needs to be clarified for the purposes of this inquiry, but particularly for the comfort of other athletes in a range of other sports who maybe looking at this substance and determining whether it's OK to take or not."

ASADA yesterday said it could not comment on any potential probe into the Demons.

Ings said he could not understand clubs not seeking clarification from ASADA.

"I am still staggered that the clubs and the individuals involved did not fly to Canberra and sit down with ASADA and lay out exactly what they had planned to triple check that it was all completely within the letter and in the spirit of the World Anti-Doping Agency Code," he said.

"It is incredibly easy to sit down with ASADA or meet with the AFL medical commission or meet with whoever to triple check these things.

"You would not have the uncertainty they have today. Particularly when the consequences of getting it wrong are so great."

WHAT WADA SAYS

Any pharmacological substance which is not addressed by any of the subsequent sections of the List and with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use (i.e. drugs under pre-clinical or clinical development or discontinued) is prohibited at all times.