The doping case involving Iga Swiatek has gained additional context with a statement from LEK-AM, the Polish pharmaceutical company that produced the melatonin supplement linked to her positive test. The tennis star, currently serving a one-month suspension for testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ), was found to have ingested the substance through a contaminated batch of the company’s Melatonina LEK-AM 1 mg, used to manage jet lag and sleep issues.
In their statement, LEK-AM expressed deep regret over the situation, both as professionals and as fans of the tennis champion. They reiterated their commitment to producing high-quality drugs in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and emphasized the safety of their melatonin supplement, which has been trusted by doctors, patients, and athletes for years.
The company confirmed that while traces of impurities were found in the tested packages, they were well below acceptable safety standards and posed no threat to patients’ health. However, these impurities led to the inadvertent doping violation that disrupted Swiatek’s career and cost her the No. 1 world ranking to Aryna Sabalenka in October.
LEK-AM clarified that the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) did not directly contact them regarding the case. Instead, a UK-based law firm, whose client was not disclosed, reached out with requests that the company deemed legally questionable under Polish pharmaceutical laws. This lack of clarity and potential legal conflict led to LEK-AM not responding at the time.
Reflecting on the situation, LEK-AM acknowledged that, with hindsight, they would have initiated contact to support Swiatek’s case. They are now in continuous dialogue with the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (GIF) and have pledged full cooperation to clarify any remaining doubts about the incident.
Swiatek’s suspension will end on December 4, 2024. The ITIA ruled her violation unintentional, recognizing the contamination as the source of the banned substance.
Women’s Tennis Blog