NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[exwannabe]

And the reason for the denial?

OTCMarket is not a National Exchange (per SEC Act) and operates under different rules. In particular, they will only halt is FINRA calls for it. FINRA does not in general call for halts for news. They will do so under exceptional circumstances. Here are the FINRA regs on this.

• • • Supplementary Material: --------------

.01 Discretion for Extraordinary Event Halts. FINRA may impose a trading and quotation halt in an OTC Equity Security pursuant to Rule 6440(a)(3) where FINRA determines, in its discretion, based on the facts and circumstances of the particular event, that halting trading in the security is the appropriate mechanism to protect investors and ensure a fair and orderly marketplace. As a general matter, FINRA does not favor imposing a trading and quotation halt in an OTC Equity Security and will exercise this authority in very limited circumstances. FINRA may also determine to extend an Extraordinary Event Halt that has been initiated pursuant to Rule 6440 (a)(3) to continue in effect for subsequent periods of up to 10 business days each if, at the time of any such extension, FINRA finds that the extraordinary event is ongoing and determines that the continuation of the halt beyond the prior 10 business day period is necessary in the public interest and for the protection of investors.

.02 Factors Considered. In determining whether to impose an Extraordinary Event Halt under Rule 6440(a)(3), FINRA will consider several factors in making its determination, including but not limited to: (1) the material nature of the event; (2) the material facts surrounding the event are undisputed and not in conflict; (3) the event has caused widespread confusion in the trading of the security; (4) there has been a material negative effect on the market for the subject security; (5) the potential exists for a major disruption to the marketplace; (6) there is significant uncertainty in the settlement and clearance process for the security; and/or (7) such other factors as FINRA deems relevant in making its determination. FINRA may review all or some of these factors as it determines appropriate.

Nothing prevented NWBO from providing a summary TLD PR in advance of this as is normal i the industry for exactly this reason.