14 months just validated the true effectiveness and consistency of Bavi
Effectiveness is validated by beating the control group. It wouldn't matter (for proof of efficacy) if bavi produced 25 months mos if the control also came in at 25 months. Institutions have people in charge of their biotech investments that understand this.
I think it is a positive that they cut their losses after this early look and ended development of that combo. That sounds like Garnick's influence, part of the reason he was brought in was to put a quick end to trials that weren't working. I suspect that the board would have wanted to drag it out the release until the 80% mark was reached.
This PR might have been housecleaning prior to a partnership, but it wasn't additional proof of bavi's effectiveness.