Trump may be mystery patient in odd case of 79yo getting experimental obesity drug

In a peculiar case, a 79-year-old individual has been granted early access to Eli Lilly's cutting-edge obesity medication, retatrutide, through the FDA's "compassionate use" program. This development has sparked speculation about the identity of the patient, with some reports suggesting it could be former President Donald Trump. Retatrutide is a highly anticipated next-generation obesity drug that works by targeting GIP and glucagon hormones, alongside GLP-1. Currently, it is undergoing late-stage trials aimed at treating obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, and other related conditions. According to data released by Lilly from a Phase 3 trial in May, patients suffering from obesity (without diabetes) who were treated with the drug for 80 weeks experienced an impressive weight loss of 28 percent, a result comparable to that achieved through bariatric surgery. With millions of Americans struggling with obesity and limited treatment options available, many are eager to access this innovative drug. Currently, options are primarily restricted to enrolling in clinical trials or seeking alternative, less reliable methods of procurement. As noted in a minimal public notice and corroborated by sources from Stat News, this single patient has been granted early access through the expanded access program, typically reserved for individuals facing serious or life-threatening conditions who cannot participate in clinical trials due to their health status. The request for access was submitted back in April, coinciding with the patient’s 79th birthday (Trump turned 80 on June 14). It was made by Ranganath Muniyappa, a senior clinician at the National Institutes of Health, on behalf of a patient suffering from refractory obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension. Sources indicate that this patient had previously been on tirzepatide, another medication targeting GLP-1 and GIP hormones, but had only seen moderate weight loss results.