If Merck were to acquire NWBO and gain exclusive rights to DCVax-L, they could potentially create and market a combination therapy like "Keytruda+" that integrates DCVax-L with Keytruda. This strategy could allow Merck to leverage NWBO's robust patent portfolio for DCVax-L to protect the new combo therapy from competitors. By doing so, Merck could extend exclusivity for the combination drug, even after Keytruda's patent expires. This only makes sense with a Merck buyout. Perhaps that is what the Keytruda/DCVax-L trial was about.
This is all speculation on my part. I have no knowledge in this area. It would be interesting what the big boys, including you, and girls have to say about it. Does it make sense?