RE:RE:RE:OK, so I just spoke to Dr. Mandel fredgoodwinson wrote: Yes thanks BlueMetal - so the start of Phase II still depends on their finding appropriate partners.
Suggestion of plenty of positives to come elsewhere though.
I should have pressed him to explain what he meant by "partners".
Because saying they "are seeking partners for the commencement of the Phase II trial" could mean that TLT doesn't have the money to run the trial, and so is seeking companies or institutions with deep pockets to "partner" with. Presumably, in return for some kind of stock or licensing deal. If so, I consider this bad news...that the company is still merely "seeking"' such partners at such a late date (given that we were previously told the Phase II would commence in late 2018 to early 2019). It doesn't sound like anyone is interested in taking them up on their offer. At least, no one is chomping at the bit.
This would explain why Dr. Mandel so clearly hesitated when I asked him point-blank if the Phase II would still start in the first quarter. After very clearly hesitating, and hemming and hawing a bit, he then replied with "yes, absolutely." Which didn't fill me with a ton of confidence, TBH.
On the other hand. Dr. Mandel could have been merely referring to the hospitals and cancer research institutes (like Princess Margaret) that are going to "partner" with us to conduct the actual treatment part of the trial. It makes sense we would want commitments from these "partners" before starting the trial, as they will be supervising the actual treatment protocol. If this is what he meant by "seeking partners to commence the Phase II", and the financing is coming together on its own (which he obviously could not tell me, being material information), then it's very good news.
So whether good or bad news all depends on what Dr. Mandel meant by "partners", and I didn't think quick enough on my feet to ask him to qualify it. A lot can turn on how you interpret a word - just ask Bill Clinton! ("It all depends on what the definition of the word "is" is)
All the above just my personal opinion.