Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53.

WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers have questions about the 79-year-old patient who received special access in April to retatrutide, Eli Lilly’s experimental obesity drug, and are pressing the Trump administration on if the person is the president or another prominent figure. 

STAT reported on Tuesday that Eli Lilly and the Food and Drug Administration offered the drug to the patient, who has refractory obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension, via the FDA’s “compassionate use” program. This pathway gives patients with serious and immediately life-threatening medical issues access to experimental treatments.

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