It actually doesn't mean anything definitive. He could just want to keep confidence up so investors will keep soaking up the float resulting in an increasing share price. I'm not saying this is the case but he can say whatever he wants at this point. That doesn't mean offers and Partnerships are off the table.
Yes, Dr Misslings response raises some interesting questions and your conjecture is as good as anyone's. It seems like Anavex is pursuing quite an unorthodox path to success. Perhaps they think they can achieve their goal piecemeal, with smaller successes (Australian funded p3 success, or Rett organization funded p2 success) leading to funding and eventual FDA approval in the USA. Otherwise stock dilution? Who knows? But, as long as the drug works, it wont matter much.