I happen to agree with you that the timing was not well thought-out. But at least there should have been some anticipation of the impact on us long-suffering shareholders, and a qualifying explanation should have accompanied the announcement.
If the context would be explained, I don't think anyone would have a problem with Dr. Shannon volunteering to help a developing, life-saving treatment make some progress, involving a minimal use of his time.
Without that context, it breeds all the doubts that would best be avoided.