A First Report of the Misuse of a Novel Synthetic Glucocorticoid, 9α-Fluoro-6α-Methylprednisolone in Camel Racing

We report the misuse of a novel synthetic glucocorticoid, 9α-fluoro-6α-methylprednisolone (9F6MP) for the first time in camel racing and, to the best of our knowledge, human or other animal sports. During routine post-race drug testing of cameline plasma samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry we encountered an unknown peak with the same selected reaction monitoring traces as a dexamethasone formate adduct but at a different retention time. The product ion mass spectrum of the unknown peak in negative ion mode was identical to dexamethasone. However, significant differences were observed in positive ion mode. Based on mass spectral analysis, we postulated the unknown peak to be a 6-methyl-16-nor isomer of dexamethasone. Following the procurement of a commercial 9F6MP reference material, the unknown peak was successfully identified as this substance. Interestingly, previous research predicted a high potential for glucocorticoid and anti-inflammatory activity for 9F6MP. However, the therapeutic use of 9F6MP in camels has not been approved by any authorities, and any toxicities and side-effects potentially caused by 9F6MP have not been thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, the misuse of 9F6MP should be strictly controlled for the sake of animal welfare and the integrity of camel racing. The information described in this case report will be beneficial for other anti-doping laboratories in both human and animal sports for the purpose of doping control.