A single individual has received access to an experimental obesity drug, retatrutide, through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) "compassionate use" program, according to a report by Stat News, a publication focusing on the biotech and medical industry. The program is typically reserved for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions who have exhausted other medical options.
Retatrutide, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is currently unapproved by the FDA but is being explored as a potential treatment for a range of conditions including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular issues. The drug is administered weekly via injection. The applicant in this case, who was 79 at the time of their application in April, sought the drug for refractory obesity complicated by obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension.
An anonymous source informed Stat News about the approval, describing the applicant as well-connected. The report notes that former President Donald Trump, who recently turned 80, has expressed interest in weight-loss drugs and is reportedly under the care of numerous medical specialists. Trump has also experienced incidents of falling asleep during official duties, which could be consistent with sleep apnea, a condition that can cause daytime sleepiness.
During his presidency, Trump received experimental Regeneron treatments for COVID-19 under a similar "compassionate use" designation. His administration also facilitated access to rare medical treatments for allies, including Scott Adams, creator of the "Dilbert" comic strip, and Rep. Mike Dunn (R-Fla.).
When asked for comment regarding the possibility of Trump leveraging influence for access to unapproved drugs, a White House deputy press secretary stated that the application was not for the President. The spokesperson also reportedly dismissed the Stat News reporter as an "unserious gossip columnist."