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 pharmaceutical companies to lower obesity drug prices.
Event Details
The press conference featured Trump alongside representatives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, discussing a new agreement to expand coverage and reduce costs for obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy.
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, noticed the executive's distress and asked,
“Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?”
The executive, identified as Gordon Findlay, global brand director for Novo Nordisk, suddenly fell to his knees and collapsed.
Response and Aftermath
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, immediately assisted Findlay as he collapsed. Health and Human Services Secretary was also present during the incident.
The press were asked to leave as aid was given. About 30 minutes later, when the conference resumed, President Trump provided an update on Findlay's condition.
“We’re informed that he is doing fine,” Trump said.
Summary
The unexpected collapse of a key pharmaceutical executive briefly interrupted an important announcement on efforts to make obesity medications more affordable, highlighting the intense environment of health policy discussions.