Drug Executive Collapses During Oval Office Press Conference
During a Thursday press conference in the Oval Office, a drug executive fainted while President Donald Trump was announcing a deal with drugmakers to reduce obesity drug prices. The event was abruptly cut short due to the incident.
Details of the Incident
The executive, identified as Gordon Findlay, global brand director for Novo Nordisk, collapsed while David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, was speaking. Ricks noticed and asked,
“Are you OK? Gordon, are you OK?”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, immediately assisted Findlay as he fell to his knees. The press was then asked to leave the room.
Context of the Announcement
President Trump was discussing a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at expanding insurance coverage and lowering prices for their obesity drugs, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Additional Participants
Health and Human Services Secretary was also present during the incident.
Getty Images confirmed the identity of the collapsed individual as Gordon Findlay.
Author’s Summary
An executive's unexpected collapse during a major drug pricing announcement highlights the intense pressure present at high-stakes political events.