tarvacin, here is what I think.
Peregrine is in the financial position to start trial alone even though as stated many times before they WOULD PREFER to start it with a partner. Trial is registered on gov. site ready to go. I see no reason why they can't start it and therefore I believe that they will start it as planned (even if no partnership will be signed).
As others mentioned here, FDA wouldn't approve start of PIII unless criteria were met, i.e. finances assured for full completion, etc.
We will know much more soon.