Maybe, but billion dollar purchases, even for the likes of MRK, are generally part of a larger development plan that was probably provisionally in place before they partnered with ariad(and is likely the more important basis for doing so).
Just as in the case of ariad herself, I believe MRK viewed the sarcoma(orphan drug) indication as a useful vehicle for the initial approval of rida, but it was never, from either companies point of view, the primary application objective(since potential sarcoma revenues alone wouldn't justify the expense).
Also, all of MRKS other individual and combo rida trials go a long way to confirm their thinking here.
Therefore, I think it's pretty likely that MRK has some very definite (and big) plans for rida in endo, as well as a number of other applications.
It's just that, consistent with their overall strategy in such matters, there's no advantage to advertising them ahead of time.
And with regard to potential acquisitions, it may of course be disadvantageous.
All reasons why I'm not discouraged in the least by MRKs minimalist approach to singing Ridas praises.
Best,
bw
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