WADA conference to address gene doping

A summit convened by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA in New York is to address the potentially catastrophic phenomenon of gene doping in sport, whereby an athlete's genetic make-up would be altered to improve his performance.

Gene therapy - and hence gene doping - remains in its infancy and the concept of genetically engineered super-sportsmen repeatedly shattering world records is the stuff of science fiction. The time required for a human clone to reach adulthood makes the cloning of athletes unlikely.

But WADA is concerned that medicine is already capable of introducing genetic material into the body to promote, for example, muscle growth or the blood's ability to absorb oxygen.

"There is no evidence that gene doping is taking place. Expectations in gene therapy have not been met," said Professor Klaus Mueller, appointed by the German government to investigate doping in Germany.

Mueller is one of about 40 distinguished genetic researchers and doping experts expected at the conference, which begins on Sunday and is set to run until Wednesday.

Despite the limited risk of gene doping at present, Mueller had high expectations of the WADA conference.

"For the first time, we are going to be told exactly what it is we are dealing with," he said.

"I hope we will get things rolling."

Delegates will likely address the possible manipulation of the so- called myostatine gene, which helps regulate muscle growth.

Growth Factor IGF-I, which regulates the regeneration of nerves and skeletal muscles, could likewise be susceptible to abuse through injections.

Gene dopers could also seek to increase the body's natural production of erythropoetin (EPO), a substance currently abused by some endurance athletes.

Mueller believes fear of the potentially substantial health risk linked to genetic manipulation will not deter those out to beat the system.

"When your objectives are fame and fortune, that isn't going to stop you."

Another conference, of European sports ministers in Brussels on March 20, will focus on the more immediate problem of conventional doping and the contribution of E.U. member countries to WADA funding.

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, is expected to attend. - Sapa-DPA