Direct has the potential to put Merck and many more out to pasture. Makes sense they would want to stall its progress from a financial standpoint even if not from an ethical one especially if they intend to make a bid for NWBO without the market realizing what Direct really represents. Best wishes.
Let me make it simple. Merck is not interested. If Merck was genuinely interested, they would have partnered and not run the risk of another competitor making an attractive offer.
LP is likely bending over backwards and yet no interest from any big pharma.