Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
A press conference in the Oval Office was interrupted when a drug executive fainted while President Donald Trump announced a deal with drugmakers to lower obesity drug prices.
Incident Details
The event on Thursday involved President Trump and representatives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk discussing a new agreement to expand coverage and reduce costs for obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy.
During remarks by David Ricks, Eli Lilly's CEO, he suddenly noticed the executive to his right and asked,
“Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?”
The Executive and Response
The man who collapsed was identified as Gordon Findlay, the global brand director for Novo Nordisk. As he fell to his knees, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, immediately intervened to assist him.
Other officials, including the Health and Human Services Secretary, were present during the incident. The press was then asked to leave as the situation was addressed.
Aftermath
Approximately 30 minutes later, the press conference resumed, and President Trump provided an update on Findlay’s condition.
“President Donald Trump looks on as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz and others help Gordon Findlay of Novo Nordisk, who passed out during the event,”
The press conference continued with a focus on the drug pricing deal.
Author's Summary
During President Trump's announcement on reducing obesity drug prices, a Novo Nordisk executive collapsed, prompting immediate medical attention and a brief pause in the event.