RMTC Approves Illicit Substance Research Funding

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At its Aug. 21 meeting at Del Mar Turf Club, in Del Mar, California, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board approved the immediate funding of two grant projects focused on inhibiting illicit substance use.

One will study the detection of compounds called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) LGD-4033, which have the potential to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids on tissues—increasing muscle mass but lacking the androgenic effects that cause male characteristics. The goal of the second project is to improve the screening of and confirmation sensitivity for erythropoietin (EPO, which stimulate red blood cell production and, thus, blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity)-stimulating agents (ESAs) administered in very small amounts (called micro-dosing) to obtain a blood-doping effect while avoiding detection.

The RMTC board heard plans for the creation of a four-year grant program beginning in 2018 to encourage tactical research into the detection and identification of illicit substances. The RMTC will pursue contributions from other industry groups and individuals to match the funds the consortium provides. The funding level has not been finalized but is expected to be at least $500,000.

“We want this program to provide researchers a consistent funding source for these types of tactical research projects,” said RMTC Executive Director Dionne Benson, DVM. “This initiative will enable us to make significant advances in targeting emerging threats and developing new techniques to test for them—both of which are essential to effectively regulating our sport

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