About ISPF

About ISPF

ISPF exists to advance the global practice of sports pharmacy as a distinguished specialty, promote and defend sports integrity, safeguard athlete health, dignity and wellbeing, and strengthen the scientific, educational and ethical foundations of medications, substances and therapeutic methods used in sport and exercise.

Our Principles

ISPF is grounded in integrity, independence, equity, scientific and ethical rigour, shared decision-making, transparency and accountability. We remain free from political, commercial and sporting influence, and we acknowledge the diversity of every patient, athlete, consumer and healthcare professional we serve, without discrimination.

What ISPF Is and Isn't

ISPF is a non-profit sports association based in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a clinical, educational, ethical and sport-integrity purpose. We are not a trade union, professional regulator, or representative body for the private commercial interests of any member, organisation, profession, company or national group, and we do not represent members in employment, regulatory, disciplinary or commercial matters.

Legal Status

ISPF is incorporated as a non-profit association (Verein) under Swiss Civil Code Art. 60–79, for an indefinite duration, with its registered office in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Global Voice for Pharmacy in Sport

The International Sports Pharmacy Federation (ISPF) is a global, non-profit, non-governmental association dedicated to advancing the pharmacist's role in sport, driving innovation in sports pharmacy, promoting best clinical practice, and protecting athlete health and wellbeing — all within a framework of integrity, equity, ethical conduct and clean sport.

We connect pharmacy expertise across sport and exercise to collect and share safe, ethical, evidence-based pharmacotherapy and supplementation guidance, upholding the highest standards of scientific excellence, integrity and independence.

What is Sports Pharmacy?

Sports pharmacy is defined by the use of pharmacy knowledge and skills in the context of sport and exercise, to support healthcare innovation and athlete wellbeing, balancing high performance goals with pharmacy ethics and sports integrity.

Traditionally, sports pharmacy knowledge is termed "Drugs-in-Sport Expertise" with the application of this knowledge in a clinical setting (i.e., directly caring for athletes, providing pharmacy services, practicing as a community druggist or chemist) is a specialty practice of pharmacy or applied within pharmaceutical sciences. The lifestyle of athletes makes them a unique patient population for whom we customize pharmacy practices and medication counseling. The diverse world of sports, sporting competition, and standard for sports integrity guide decisions.

Sports Pharmacists accept the role and responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel as healthcare professionals, defined by sports governing bodies, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee Medical Code.