Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
During a Thursday press conference in the Oval Office, a drug executive collapsed while President Donald Trump was announcing a deal with drugmakers to reduce obesity drug prices.
Incident Details
The event was interrupted when Gordon Findlay, the global brand director for Novo Nordisk, fainted. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quickly assisted as Findlay fell to his knees and collapsed.
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, noticed the incident and asked,
“Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?”
Health and Human Services Secretary was also present during the event. The press conference was briefly halted and reporters were asked to leave.
Context of the Announcement
The press conference focused on a new agreement between President Trump and drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand insurance coverage and lower prices for popular obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Aftermath
Approximately 30 minutes later, the press conference resumed with President Trump providing an update on Findlay's condition.
“President 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 announcement on lowering drug prices.”
Summary: During a White House announcement on lowering obesity drug prices, Novo Nordisk’s Gordon Findlay collapsed and was aided by Dr. Mehmet Oz, delaying the event briefly.