local
White House bats down speculation that Trump got access to Eli Lilly obesity drug for ‘compassionate use’
By Ashleigh Fields and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
The retatrutide drug is manufactured by Eli Lilly and is not FDA approved, however, one person gained access to the prescription through a program that approves experimental treatments for patients traditionally suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The news that a person gained access to Eli Lilly's retatrutide drug through a compassionate use program raises questions about access to experimental treatments in El Paso . While the drug is not FDA approved, its availability through such a program suggests that local healthcare providers may be exploring alternative options for patients with severe conditions. This could have implications for El Paso residents struggling with obesity and related health issues, who may be seeking innovative solutions. As the city's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it will be worth watching how local hospitals and medical centers navigate the use of experimental treatments like retatrutide, and what support systems are in place for patients who may be eligible for such programs. The availability of these treatments could potentially improve health outcomes for El Pasoans, and it is crucial that local healthcare providers are equipped to provide guidance and support.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The retatrutide drug is manufactured by Eli Lilly and is not FDA approved, however, one person gained access to the prescription through a program that approves experimental treatments for patients traditionally suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ashleigh Fields and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter