They have 1Q of cash left to burn. How can they advance the trial without raising cash. Its a pure fantasy to get partner this early. Look at ANDS when they announced their interim phase 1 data. Having higher share price as leverage is just bullcrap especially when the HCV arena is extremely crowded and all the companies will be testing combos not single agents.
Sure but i would take that as a really bad sign if they go into phase 2 without a partner. They'll be going down a long road and funding will be a huge problem. Not to mention the stock would have virtually 100% downside risk. IMO if the p1 continues to look strong they should try to sell the company.