Who knows how real it is. While what I posted was a quick summary, the 'back and forth with attorneys' was specifically said.
In another one of my private photonics company investments, their CEO updates investors every 2 weeks. On a particular lead they were in the redlining stage for several months before finalizing the deal.
Same with NLM...I knew about their AFR contract in ~December but it took until end of July to announce.
These things take time.
While there is no guarantee we get the announcement by end of the year, all signs are pointing to it being likely.