Rk, thx for this article. So interesting to trace the history of something so important. I am always so curious to understand why BP jumped into a breakthrough or not and if not, why not. A lot can be said about why BP focuses where they do. Alzheimers research had some channeling of thought it appears and it looks like after decades of trying they are back to the drawing board on that one. It will probably take a small lab to make the Alzheimers breakthrough needed. Dendritic cell research may have been bucketed into cell therapy and somewhat discounted, or, maybe the IP was not considered satisfactorily protective of large scale investment, or, maybe it was seen as less potent. But, it is starting to emerge that BP, at least to date, has missed the boat with DC therapy. Good for all that NWBO took the all in approach. Now BP will partner it or buy it depending.
I saw the commentary on the Sawston facility being paused. It is key to pause a large scale capital project intelligently and with foresight to avoid major complications in contracts and timing and cost. I guess they have accomplished that and in my guess will probably lose around 6 mos from where they could be in site development. It will cost a little more but if the main use of the capacity was actually for Direct and that has been delayed it will not be a major issue in timing. Given their financial challenges there is a need to take drastic steps and this may just be one of them. As I have said before a site project like this, basically from the ground, is a good 3 year project to startup, could be a little longer depending. It will take them a year to qualify the plant once all construction and equipment installation is done and technical staff is on the grounds. It sounds like they are about halfway done, which may be great for the long term plan.
Good to have P3 data in hand soon.