yes beartrap, what about Dr. Duffy? My belief is that the intention is to go it alone in Glioblastoma, but Linda may be open to partnering combinations for other indications, and that is where Mr. Duffy’s expertise would be required, if “external collaborations” is indeed his role. Seems a bit curious that he would be brought in a year before they even apply for approval though doesn’t it?
Northwest Bio already has an approved trial in combination with Merck for colorectal cancer that seems to be abandoned, a trial for brain metastases that was approved in 2018 which hasn’t started recruiting, and a DIPG trial that was in the process of FDA review and clearance last June, which hasn’t been spoken of since. So I’m not real confident that Northwest Bio is capable of, or has a desire to run and chew gum at the same time. They will surely have their hands full with gaining approval and pioneering a commercial launch for a brand-new cell therapy in FOUR countries. This is a major undertaking, and a daunting task for an experienced pharmaceutical company, much less a clinical-stage company with absolutely zero commercial experience. And we are to believe that they will also partner multiple new combination trials on top of that?
This is why deals are often made at this stage of development; the odds are stacked against the small bio making a successful commercial transition. Meanwhile, Big Pharma knowing this, will attempt to wield their considerable leverage and make low-ball offers. Linda knows what the platform is potentially worth, and won’t accept a low-ball offer. This is why I think it should be interesting.
