Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
A press conference in the Oval Office was abruptly interrupted when a drug executive fainted as President Donald Trump announced a drug pricing deal. The event took place while Trump and representatives from drugmakers were discussing agreements aimed at lowering costs for obesity medications.
Incident Details
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, was speaking about the deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand coverage and reduce prices for obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy. During his remarks, he noticed a man to his right collapse and asked,
“Are you okay? Gordon, are you okay?”
Response and Identification
The man who collapsed was identified as Gordon Findlay, the global brand director for Novo Nordisk. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quickly assisted as Findlay fell to his knees. Other officials, including the Health and Human Services Secretary, were present during the incident. Following this, the press was asked to leave the room.
Aftermath
About 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 an event where Trump made a statement on lowering drug prices.”
Author's summary: During a drug pricing announcement in the Oval Office, Novo Nordisk's Gordon Findlay collapsed and was assisted by Dr. Mehmet Oz, leading to a temporary pause in the press conference.