Eli Lilly's Obesity Drug Sparks Controversy Over Access
Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration on who received special access to Eli Lilly's experimental obesity drug, retatrutide, via the FDA's compassionate use program.[1792065][1805527]
The 79-year-old patient, who has refractory obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension, was granted access to the drug in April.[1792065][1805527]
Eli Lilly and the FDA offered retatrutide to the patient through the compassionate use pathway, which gives patients with serious and immediately life-threatening medical issues access to experimental treatments.[1792065][1805527]
The move has raised questions about the influence of wealthy donors on drug approvals.[1805527]