Financing is THE concern. I've been looking for an improved balance sheet for a long time, and it is keeping me largely on the sidelines despite promising trials.
I've seen this time and again: If you want a decent partner/buyout multiple, strengthen your balance sheet, even if share price suffers. Be positioned to "go it alone" if you have to. If there are dollars available to take you through phase 3, or even through an NDA, you will benefit when it comes to acquisition and/or partnering.
Frankly, I pretty dang sure CTIX' management know this.