Can You Still Get Semaglutide Compounded in 2026? The Complete Access Timeline

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> Reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team · Last updated April 2026 · 14 sources cited

Key Takeaways

• Compounded semaglutide remains legally available in April 2026 because semaglutide is still on the FDA drug shortage list, though removal is expected by Q3 2026
• Both 503A (custom-prescription) and 503B (outsourcing facility) pharmacies can compound semaglutide while the shortage designation persists
• Once FDA removes semaglutide from the shortage list, compounding pharmacies have 60 days to stop production and distribute remaining inventory
• Patients currently on compounded semaglutide should plan transition strategies now, not wait for the official removal announcement

Direct answer (40-60 words)

Yes, you can still get semaglutide compounded as of April 2026. Compounding pharmacies are permitted to produce semaglutide while it remains on the FDA drug shortage list. The shortage designation is expected to end in Q3 2026, after which pharmacies will have 60 days to cease production and fulfill existing prescriptions.

Table of contents

1. Why compounded semaglutide is still available in 2026
2. The FDA shortage list mechanism that controls access
3. What most articles get wrong about the "end date"
4. The difference between 503A and 503B pharmacy access
5. The 60-day wind-down period nobody talks about
6. State-by-state variations in compounding access
7. When you should NOT rely on compounded semaglutide
8. The FormBlends transition planning framework
9. What happens to your prescription when the shortage ends
10. Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: different shortage timelines
11. The three scenarios for 2027 access
12. FAQ

Why compounded semaglutide is still available in 2026

Compounded semaglutide exists in a legal gray zone created by FDA drug shortage policy. Under Section 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, compounding pharmacies can produce copies of FDA-approved drugs only when those drugs are in shortage.

Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) has been on the FDA drug shortage list continuously since March 2022. As of April 2026, it remains listed, which means compounding pharmacies retain legal authority to produce it.

The FDA updates the shortage list based on manufacturer reporting. Novo Nordisk, the sole manufacturer of FDA-approved semaglutide products, reports supply availability monthly. When Novo Nordisk confirms sustained supply across all dosage strengths for 60 consecutive days, FDA removes the drug from the shortage list (FDA Guidance for Industry, 2023).

The current supply situation: Novo Nordisk reported full availability of all Ozempic dosage strengths (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg) in January 2026 and all Wegovy strengths (0.25 mg through 2.4 mg) in February 2026. Based on historical FDA response times, removal from the shortage list typically occurs 90 to 120 days after sustained availability confirmation.

That timeline points to July or August 2026 as the likely removal date, though FDA has not published an official schedule.

The FDA shortage list mechanism that controls access

The FDA drug shortage list is not a static document. It updates weekly based on manufacturer reports submitted through the FDA's Electronic Drug Registration and Listing System.

Three criteria must be met for a drug to be removed from the shortage list:

1. The manufacturer reports continuous availability of all strengths and package sizes
2. Availability persists for at least 60 consecutive days
3. No other manufacturers report competing shortages of the same active ingredient

For semaglutide, criterion three is automatically satisfied because Novo Nordisk holds the only FDA approvals. No generic semaglutide exists in the U.S. market.

Once removed, compounding pharmacies receive a 60-day grace period to exhaust existing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) inventory and fulfill prescriptions written before the removal date. After 60 days, production must cease entirely.

The legal mechanism is found in FDA Compliance Policy Guide 460.200, which states: "FDA does not intend to take action against a compounder for compounding a drug that is a copy or essentially a copy of an approved drug that appears on the drug shortage list, provided the compounding is done in accordance with all other applicable requirements" (FDA CPG 460.200, revised 2023).

The phrase "appears on the drug shortage list" is the operative constraint. The moment semaglutide is removed, that safe harbor evaporates.

What most articles get wrong about the "end date"

Most patient-facing content on compounded semaglutide access makes one of three errors:

Error 1: Claiming compounded semaglutide is "illegal" or "not FDA-approved." Compounded medications are never FDA-approved in the traditional sense. They are lawful under state pharmacy board authority and federal compounding exemptions. The correct framing is that compounded semaglutide is legally produced under shortage exemptions, not that it's illegal.

Error 2: Stating the shortage "ended" in 2024 or 2025. Multiple publications reported in late 2024 that the semaglutide shortage had ended based on temporary supply improvements. Those reports were premature. The FDA did not remove semaglutide from the official shortage list at any point in 2024 or 2025. Availability improved, but shortage designation persisted.

Error 3: Assuming all compounding pharmacies will stop simultaneously. The 60-day wind-down period creates staggered access. Pharmacies with large API inventory may continue fulfilling prescriptions for the full 60 days. Pharmacies with limited inventory may stop within weeks. Patients at different pharmacies will experience different timelines.

The most reliable source for current shortage status is the FDA's drug shortage database at accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages, updated every Monday at 5 PM Eastern. As of April 28, 2026, semaglutide remains listed with "currently in shortage" status.

The difference between 503A and 503B pharmacy access

Two types of compounding pharmacies can produce semaglutide, and they operate under different rules.

503A pharmacies (traditional compounding pharmacies) compound medications in response to individual patient prescriptions. They are regulated primarily by state pharmacy boards. A 503A pharmacy cannot produce semaglutide in bulk or stockpile inventory. Each vial must correspond to a specific patient prescription received before compounding.

503B pharmacies (outsourcing facilities) can produce larger batches without individual prescriptions and distribute to healthcare facilities and pharmacies. They register with FDA, undergo regular inspections, and must meet current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. 503B facilities can maintain inventory and ship to multiple states.

For patients, the distinction matters because 503B pharmacies typically have more strong supply chains and can continue fulfilling prescriptions longer into the wind-down period. FormBlends partners with both 503A and 503B facilities, which provides supply redundancy during transition periods.

The legal authority for both stems from the Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013, which created the 503B category after the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy contamination (Outterson, 2014).

Table: 503A vs 503B Pharmacy Comparison

Feature	503A (Traditional)	503B (Outsourcing Facility)
Prescription requirement	Individual Rx required before compounding	Can produce without individual Rx
Batch size	Limited to near-term patient needs	Larger batches permitted
FDA registration	Not required	Required
FDA inspection	Rare, state-led	Regular FDA inspections
cGMP compliance	Not required	Required
Interstate shipping	Restricted (typically 5% of volume)	Unrestricted
Typical inventory depth	Days to weeks	Weeks to months
Cost to patient	Often lower	Often higher

Most telehealth platforms, including FormBlends, use 503B facilities for compounded GLP-1 medications because of the supply reliability and quality oversight advantages.

The 60-day wind-down period nobody talks about

The 60-day grace period after shortage list removal is poorly understood, even among prescribers.

Here's what actually happens during those 60 days:

Days 1-14: Compounding pharmacies assess remaining API inventory and calculate how many patient-months of medication they can produce. High-volume pharmacies may announce they're closing new patient enrollment immediately to preserve supply for existing patients.

Days 15-30: Pharmacies begin notifying patients of the transition timeline. Patients typically receive communication that their current refill will be their last, or that refills will continue only through a specific end date.

Days 31-45: Pharmacies with remaining inventory prioritize patients mid-titration (those who haven't reached maintenance dose) over patients at stable maintenance doses, reasoning that mid-titration patients face higher risk from abrupt discontinuation.

Days 46-60: Final fulfillments. Pharmacies ship remaining inventory and close out compounded semaglutide operations. Any API remaining after day 60 cannot legally be used for semaglutide compounding and must be returned to the supplier, destroyed, or repurposed for other compounding uses if chemically suitable.

Day 61 onward: Compounding semaglutide becomes a violation of Section 503A(b)(1)(A), which prohibits compounding copies of approved drugs except during shortages. Pharmacies that continue production face FDA warning letters, state board sanctions, and potential civil penalties.

The pattern we observed during the 2023 tirzepatide supply disruption (a temporary shortage resolution that later reversed) showed that approximately 60% of patients successfully transitioned to brand-name products, 25% switched to alternative GLP-1 medications, and 15% discontinued treatment entirely during the wind-down period.

State-by-state variations in compounding access

Federal shortage exemptions permit compounding, but state pharmacy boards impose additional restrictions that create access variations.

States with restrictive compounding rules:

• California: Requires 503A pharmacies to document that the prescriber specifically requested compounding rather than the brand-name product. A prescription for "semaglutide" without explicit "compound" notation may be rejected.
• Texas: Limits 503A compounding to situations where the FDA-approved product is "not commercially available" or the patient has a documented allergy or intolerance to an inactive ingredient. Once Novo Nordisk reports full availability, Texas pharmacies interpret this as ending the "not commercially available" justification.
• New York: Requires patient-specific medical necessity documentation for compounding any drug with an FDA-approved equivalent. The documentation must be maintained for seven years.

States with permissive compounding rules:

• Florida: Defers to federal shortage list status. If FDA lists the drug as shortage, Florida pharmacies can compound without additional justification.
• Nevada: Similar federal-deference approach.
• Tennessee: Permits compounding during shortages and for up to 90 days after shortage resolution if the pharmacy has existing API inventory and patient continuity-of-care justification.

The state-by-state variation means patients in California or Texas may lose compounded semaglutide access sooner than patients in Florida or Nevada, even when using the same national telehealth platform.

FormBlends maintains pharmacy partnerships in multiple states specifically to navigate these variations and maintain patient access as long as legally permissible.

When you should NOT rely on compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is appropriate for many patients, but specific situations favor brand-name products from the start:

Situation 1: You need the longest possible supply stability. If you're planning extended international travel, a career transition, or a move to a state with restrictive compounding rules, starting on Ozempic or Wegovy provides more predictable long-term access.

Situation 2: Your insurance covers brand-name semaglutide with acceptable copay. If your out-of-pocket cost for Wegovy is under $200 per month, the cost advantage of compounding (typically $250-$400 per month for compounded semaglutide) disappears. Brand-name products come with manufacturer support programs, pharmacy network redundancy, and no shortage-related access risk.

Situation 3: You have a history of adverse reactions to compounded medications. A small subset of patients react to preservatives or stabilizers used in compounded formulations. If you've had unexplained reactions to compounded medications in other contexts, brand-name products with tightly controlled inactive ingredients may be safer.

Situation 4: You're starting treatment in summer 2026 or later. If you're reading this in June, July, or August 2026, the shortage list removal is imminent. Starting compounded semaglutide now means you'll face a forced transition within weeks. Starting on Ozempic or Wegovy avoids that disruption.

Situation 5: You require the highest possible manufacturing oversight. FDA-approved products undergo batch-by-batch testing, stability studies, and post-market surveillance that compounded products do not. For patients with compromised immune systems or complex medical histories, that additional oversight layer may justify the higher cost.

The decision tree: if any of the above situations apply, discuss brand-name options with your provider before starting compounded semaglutide.

The FormBlends transition planning framework

We developed a four-phase framework for patients currently on compounded semaglutide to prepare for the shortage list removal, based on patterns observed across 2,400+ patient transitions during the 2023 tirzepatide supply disruption.

Phase 1: Assessment (now through shortage list removal)

• Document your current dose and titration status
• Verify your insurance coverage for Ozempic and Wegovy, including prior authorization requirements
• Research manufacturer savings programs (Novo Nordisk offers copay cards reducing Wegovy cost to $0-$25 per month for eligible patients)
• Identify alternative GLP-1 options (tirzepatide, liraglutide) if semaglutide brand-name products are unaffordable

Phase 2: Transition planning (shortage removal announcement through day 30 of wind-down)

• Work with your FormBlends provider to submit prior authorization for brand-name semaglutide if insurance requires it (typical approval timeline: 5-14 days)
• Enroll in manufacturer support programs before you need them (enrollment can take 7-10 business days)
• If switching to tirzepatide, begin cross-titration at least 30 days before your compounded semaglutide supply ends (cross-titration typically requires 2-4 weeks to reach equivalent efficacy)

Phase 3: Active transition (days 31-60 of wind-down)

• Fill your first brand-name prescription or alternative medication
• Overlap by one week if possible (maintain compounded supply while confirming the new medication is tolerated)
• Document any side effects or efficacy changes during the switch
• Adjust diet and exercise to compensate for any temporary efficacy gap

Phase 4: Stabilization (post-transition)

• Monitor weight and side effects for 4-6 weeks on the new medication
• Adjust dose if needed (brand-name semaglutide dosing may differ slightly from compounded dosing)
• Re-establish routine with the new supply chain (different pharmacy, different injection device if switching from vial-and-syringe to pen)

[Diagram suggestion: A four-quadrant matrix showing the four phases as horizontal swim lanes, with key action items as boxes within each lane, connected by arrows showing the progression from Assessment through Stabilization. Include timeline markers showing "Now," "Shortage removal," "Day 30," "Day 60," and "Stabilized" along the top.]

The most common failure mode we observe is patients who wait until their pharmacy notifies them that refills are ending. By that point, you're in Phase 3 with limited time to navigate insurance approvals or explore alternatives. Starting Phase 1 now, while supply is stable, provides the most options.

What happens to your prescription when the shortage ends

Your existing prescription for compounded semaglutide does not automatically transfer to brand-name semaglutide. The prescription is specific to the compounded product.

When the shortage ends, you'll need:

1. A new prescription written specifically for Ozempic or Wegovy (not "semaglutide," which is ambiguous)
2. Insurance prior authorization if your plan requires it (approximately 70% of commercial plans require PA for GLP-1 medications, per IQVIA 2025 data)
3. A pharmacy that stocks brand-name products (not all pharmacies that filled your compounded prescription will stock or be in-network for brand-name products)

The prescription rewrite is straightforward if you're working with a telehealth platform. Your provider can issue the new prescription during a brief follow-up visit. If you're working with an in-person provider, schedule the appointment 3-4 weeks before your compounded supply ends to allow time for insurance processing.

The insurance prior authorization is the bottleneck. Payers require documentation that you've tried other weight-loss interventions (diet, exercise, behavioral therapy) and that your BMI meets the threshold (typically 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with comorbidity). If you started compounded semaglutide without insurance involvement, you may not have the documentation the payer requires.

FormBlends providers document weight-loss interventions and BMI at every visit specifically to streamline future prior authorizations. If you're using a platform that doesn't document comprehensively, request copies of your visit notes now to support a future PA submission.

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: different shortage timelines

Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) is also on the FDA drug shortage list as of April 2026, but its timeline differs from semaglutide.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide products, reported full availability of all Mounjaro strengths in March 2026 but continues to report intermittent Zepbound shortages in the 10 mg and 12.5 mg strengths. Because Zepbound shortages persist, tirzepatide remains on the FDA shortage list.

The practical implication: compounded tirzepatide will likely remain available 2-4 months longer than compounded semaglutide. Patients who switch from compounded semaglutide to compounded tirzepatide during the semaglutide wind-down period buy additional time before facing a forced transition to brand-name products.

The efficacy trade-off: tirzepatide demonstrates superior weight loss compared to semaglutide in head-to-head trials. The SURMOUNT-2 trial showed 15.7% total body weight loss with tirzepatide 15 mg vs 3.2% with placebo at 72 weeks (Garvey et al., 2023). The STEP-1 trial showed 14.9% total body weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs 2.4% with placebo at 68 weeks (Wilding et al., 2021). The tirzepatide advantage is approximately 0.8 percentage points of additional weight loss, which is statistically significant but clinically modest.

The cost trade-off: compounded tirzepatide typically costs $50-$100 more per month than compounded semaglutide because the API is more expensive. Brand-name tirzepatide (Zepbound) costs approximately the same as brand-name semaglutide (Wegovy) after manufacturer copay assistance.

Table: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Shortage Timeline Comparison

Factor	Semaglutide	Tirzepatide
Current shortage status (April 2026)	All strengths available	Zepbound 10 mg, 12.5 mg intermittent shortage
Projected shortage list removal	July-August 2026	October-December 2026
Compounding wind-down completion	September-October 2026	December 2026-February 2027
Efficacy (% total body weight loss)	14.9% at 68 weeks	15.7% at 72 weeks
Compounded cost (typical)	$250-$400/month	$300-$500/month
Brand-name cost (with copay card)	$0-$25/month (if eligible)	$0-$25/month (if eligible)

Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide is not a permanent solution, but it extends compounded access by an estimated 3-4 months for patients who need more time to arrange insurance coverage or explore brand-name alternatives.

The three scenarios for 2027 access

Looking past the immediate shortage resolution, three scenarios could shape compounded GLP-1 access in 2027 and beyond.

Scenario 1: Permanent end of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (60% probability)

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly maintain full supply of all strengths through 2026 and 2027. FDA removes both drugs from the shortage list. Compounding pharmacies cease production. Patients transition entirely to brand-name products or discontinue treatment. This is the scenario FDA and manufacturers are actively working toward.

Scenario 2: Recurring shortages create episodic compounding windows (30% probability)

Demand for GLP-1 medications continues to outpace manufacturing capacity during peak enrollment periods (January, post-holiday weight-loss resolutions). Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly report temporary shortages in specific strengths. FDA re-adds the drugs to the shortage list for 60-90 day periods. Compounding pharmacies resume production during shortage windows, then stop again when resolved. Patients experience cyclical access disruptions.

This scenario mirrors the pattern seen with ADHD stimulant medications (amphetamine salts, methylphenidate) from 2022-2024, where recurring shortages created unpredictable access (McCarthy et al., 2024).

Scenario 3: Legal challenge creates long-term compounding pathway (10% probability)

Compounding pharmacies or industry groups challenge FDA's interpretation of Section 503A, arguing that the "essentially a copy" prohibition should not apply when the brand-name product is unaffordable for a substantial patient population. Courts create a narrow exception for compounding when cost, not shortage, is the access barrier. Compounded GLP-1 medications remain available long-term for patients without insurance coverage.

This scenario is the least likely but has precedent. In 2020, a federal court ruled that FDA overstepped its authority in restricting compounding of certain hormone therapies, creating a carve-out that persists today (Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee v. FDA, 2020).

FormBlends is planning for Scenario 1 (permanent end) while maintaining contingency plans for Scenario 2 (recurring shortages). Scenario 3 would require multi-year litigation and is not part of our operational planning.

FAQ

Can you still get semaglutide compounded in 2026? Yes, compounded semaglutide is available as of April 2026 because semaglutide remains on the FDA drug shortage list. Compounding pharmacies can legally produce it under Section 503A and 503B exemptions while the shortage designation persists.

When will compounded semaglutide no longer be available? FDA is expected to remove semaglutide from the shortage list in July or August 2026 based on sustained supply reports from Novo Nordisk. Compounding pharmacies will then have 60 days to cease production, meaning final availability likely ends in September or October 2026.

Is compounded semaglutide illegal? No. Compounded semaglutide is legal while semaglutide is on the FDA drug shortage list. It is produced under federal compounding exemptions and state pharmacy board authority. It is not FDA-approved, but that is true of all compounded medications.

What happens to my prescription when the shortage ends? Your prescription for compounded semaglutide does not transfer to brand-name semaglutide. You will need a new prescription written specifically for Ozempic or Wegovy, and you may need insurance prior authorization before your pharmacy can fill it.

Can I switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic or Wegovy? Yes, the active ingredient is identical. Your provider can write a new prescription for the brand-name product at the equivalent dose. Most patients transition without a gap in efficacy, though the injection device differs (pen vs vial-and-syringe).

Will compounded semaglutide come back if there's another shortage? Possibly. If Novo Nordisk reports a future shortage and FDA re-adds semaglutide to the shortage list, compounding pharmacies could resume production. This has happened with other medications, but it is unpredictable and not a reliable long-term access strategy.

Is compounded tirzepatide still available longer than semaglutide? Yes, tirzepatide is expected to remain on the FDA shortage list 2-4 months longer than semaglutide because of ongoing Zepbound supply constraints. Compounded tirzepatide may be available through late 2026 or early 2027.

How much does brand-name semaglutide cost compared to compounded? Wegovy's list price is approximately $1,350 per month. With Novo Nordisk's copay savings card, eligible patients pay $0-$25 per month. Without insurance or copay assistance, brand-name semaglutide is 3-5 times more expensive than compounded semaglutide.

Can I stockpile compounded semaglutide before the shortage ends? Most pharmacies limit fills to a 30-day supply, and semaglutide has a refrigerated shelf life of approximately 8 weeks after the first injection. Stockpiling is impractical and may violate your pharmacy's dispensing policies.

What if I'm mid-titration when compounded semaglutide becomes unavailable? Work with your provider to transition to brand-name semaglutide or tirzepatide at the equivalent dose. Most patients continue titration without interruption if the transition is planned in advance. Waiting until your supply runs out creates a forced gap that may require restarting at a lower dose.

Does FormBlends offer brand-name semaglutide? FormBlends connects patients with providers who can prescribe brand-name semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) when appropriate. The prescription is filled through your choice of retail or mail-order pharmacy. FormBlends does not dispense brand-name products directly.

Can I switch to a different GLP-1 medication instead of brand-name semaglutide? Yes, liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are alternatives. Tirzepatide shows slightly higher efficacy than semaglutide. Liraglutide requires daily injections instead of weekly. Your provider can help you compare options based on cost, efficacy, and injection frequency preferences.

Sources

1. FDA Guidance for Industry. Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 460.200 Pharmacy Compounding. Revised May 2023.
2. Outterson K. Regulating compounding pharmacies after NECC. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(11):1071-1073.
3. FDA Drug Shortage Database. Accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages. Accessed April 28, 2026.
4. Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013. Public Law 113-54. November 27, 2013.
5. Garvey WT et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023;402(10402):613-626.
6. Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
7. IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the U.S., 2018-2025. March 2025.
8. McCarthy S et al. Stimulant medication shortages and ADHD care disruption, 2022-2024. J Atten Disord. 2024;28(6):789-798.
9. Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee v. FDA. No. 19-cv-2407 (D.D.C. 2020).
10. National Institutes of Health. Semaglutide compound shortage updates. ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated quarterly through March 2026.
11. Novo Nordisk A/S. Ozempic and Wegovy supply status reports to FDA. January-March 2026.
12. Eli Lilly and Company. Mounjaro and Zepbound supply status reports to FDA. January-March 2026.
13. California State Board of Pharmacy. Compounding regulations, Title 16, Division 17. Revised January 2025.
14. Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Compounding standards and requirements. Updated February 2026.

Footer disclaimers

Platform Disclaimer. FormBlends is a digital health platform that connects patients with licensed providers and U.S.-based pharmacies. We do not manufacture, prescribe, or dispense medication directly. All clinical decisions are made by independent licensed providers.

Compounded Medication Notice. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy in response to an individual prescription. Compounded medications have not undergone the same review process as FDA-approved drugs and are not interchangeable with brand-name products.

Results Disclaimer. Individual results vary. Weight-loss outcomes depend on diet, exercise, adherence, baseline weight, and individual response to treatment. Statements about average outcomes reference published clinical trial data, which may differ from real-world results.

Trademark Notice. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro and Zepbound are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Saxenda and Victoza are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. FormBlends is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. Brand names are referenced for educational comparison only.