Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
During a press conference in the Oval Office, a drug executive fainted while President Donald Trump was announcing a deal with pharmaceutical companies to reduce obesity drug prices. The event took place on Thursday as Trump and major drugmakers, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, discussed expanding coverage and lowering prices for their obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy.
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, noticed the executive's condition and asked,
"Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?"
The man who collapsed was identified as Gordon Findlay, global brand director for Novo Nordisk. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, immediately assisted as Findlay fell to his knees and lost consciousness.
Following the incident, the press were asked to leave the room. Health and Human Services Secretary was also present during the event. About 30 minutes later, the press conference resumed with President Trump providing an update on Findlay's condition.
Summary
The unforeseen collapse of a drug executive during a significant Oval Office announcement highlighted the urgency and sensitivity surrounding the drug-price reduction deal.