exwannabe,
NWBO, unlike big pharma, has never been in position to “buy” influence. Anything they have with regard to research institutions and regulatory bodies connected to them they have earned the hard way. This translates down to a limited number of trusted consultants and publishers too because of the ongoing attacks. Show me one big name that has publicly stated they are helping NWBO right now that you think could or will benefit when approval hits. Crickets... because NWBO is considered a competitive threat to all until at least one partnership gets wrapped up and that won’t likely happen on desired partner terms but rather on Linda Powers negotiated terms and they know it.
So don’t think you can get away with the assumption that the route NWBO chose was because they are inept because they are not. Their choices are and often have been limited because of the threat of influence by outsiders on their operations and share price. One word from Merck could change all that but there is good reason why they are not ready yet. Patent cliff timing and peak sales without price compression from combo use or introduction of generics for use with L. Best wishes.