Carlos Oyarzun, Fabio Taborre Suspension: New Performance-Enhancing Drugs Not Yet in the Market

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Two cyclists have already tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug that has not even hit the market yet. Carlos Oyarzun from Chile and Italian cyclist Fabio Taborre both tested positive for a drug labeled FG- 4592.

In Oyarzun's case, the postive test resulted in his expulsion from this year's Pan American Games hosted by the city of Toronto, states the New York Times. Meanwhile, Taborre has been fined 1,000 Euro by his team, Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec.

Additionally, Taborre's team has been suspended for a period of 30 days by the Disciplinary Commission of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The Italian cyclist team's suspension will last from Aug. 1 to Aug. 30, reports Cycling Tips.

The suspension was decreed after the two cyclists from the squad tested positive for taking performance-enhancing drugs. Besides Taborre, Davide Appollonio also tested positive for performance-enhancing substances. It has not been reported if Appollonio tested positive for the same drug as Taborre.

According to the New York Times, the drug used by both Oyarzun and Taborre was FG-4592, which is not a drug per se, but more of an experimental chemical as it is still undergoing trials. 

The chemical is not meant to enhance the performance of athletes, but rather to treat anemia in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, states Callagentech's official website.

However, the drug has the ability to increase production of red blood cells by producing more EPO, a hormone that can stimulate the production of red blood cells in the body.

The hormone is usually injected and has been used by cyclists for years, even if it has been banned. The new substance Oyarzun and Taborre tested positive for is easier to consume, since it comes in pill form. 

Red blood cells can make an athlete faster and enhance their endurance, which is probably the reason EPO and FG-4592 have become popular in the world of sports. 

It is currently in Phase 3 of its clinical trials conducted by Fibrogen and AstraZeneca. Since it is still under experimentation, FG-4592 has not been approved for sale or distribution by the FDA. 

The New York Times suggests that athletes are buying the drug directly from chemical supply companies online, like Callagentech. As seen on its official website, the substance can be bought for a minimum price of $79. 

The chemical can be bought in powder form in 10 mg, 50 mg, or 250 mg. It is also possible to buy the drug in bulk on the site. 

Other sites, like Selleck, require a written document claiming that the buyer will be using it for research purporses only. However, in Callgentech's case there seems to be no such requirement. 

Gregory W. Endres, vice president of Cayman Chemical, warns against consuming the drug.  "This is a research chemical, for research purposes. Things go through the F.D.A for a reason," said Endres. 

Cayman Chemical also sells the substance through the Internet, but clearly warns buyers that the product is not meant for human or veterinary use on its official webpage.