This is one thing that makes me question their fairness. They wait until 10k is filed then issue options. Now we have to wait a full year to learn why. I'm certain they knew the options were going to be rewarded so why not disclose in this year's filing?
Also, the options awards are on an irregular schedule so it appears they are tied to some milestone. I don't object the awards, I would like to know what they were for? What milestone was reached? Was it recent patent? If so, then where is the patent PR? If patent milestone is significant then it should be in a PR. Things have been too quiet too long. The best argument for a good value partnership is to release data and get share price up. Higher share price equals higher partnership value.
Releasing data is not detriment partnership value. It's time.