I see it as good sign that they are talking about options and...

I see it as good sign that they are talking about options and performance rights. It suggests to me that the deal with big pharma may not be that far off. From management perspective it is best to get their share in place before an offer is on the table. The amount of the money they are looking to make is not insignificant, but that only suggests to me that the numbers they are thinking of in a takeover deal will comfortably reward both themselves and the shareholders. Time will tell, of course, but in my opinion the ethical approach they have adopted so far gives comfort.