A pharmaceutical industry executive collapsed unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press briefing today.
The incident occurred while the man was positioned behind the US president during an event where the Trump administration was revealing a new agreement related to weight-loss medications. Suddenly, his knees gave way, causing him to collapse.
Upon witnessing the incident, administration officials and representatives from pharmaceutical companies swiftly rushed to his aid to prevent him from falling. White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that during the ‘Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement,’ a representative from one of the companies had fainted.
Leavitt reassured that medical personnel onsite promptly attended to the individual, confirming his well-being. She further stated that the press conference would resume shortly.
A formal statement released read: “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative from one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit promptly responded, and the individual is in good condition. The Press Conference will continue shortly.”
Subsequently, reporters were escorted out of the Oval Office as cabinet members provided assistance, including elevating the man’s legs. The cause of his collapse remains undisclosed.
The press conference featured executives from pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, aligning with the Trump administration to introduce a groundbreaking deal that could have significant implications in the healthcare sector. The agreement entails that the manufacturers of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound will offer their treatments directly to the public through TrumpRx, a new government website set to launch next year.
As a boon for patients, the companies anticipate that an oral version of the medications could be priced at $149 (£113) per month, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, individuals covered by Medicare or Medicaid dealing with diabetes and other approved conditions can expect a reduction in the price of injectable versions to $245 (£186) per month.