I can remember way back in the early days when we were...

I can remember way back in the early days when we were constantly told in presentations that the FDA "really wants us to succeed!" We were also told that the MSB cells were "a thousand times more potent than the Osiris cells". If there are any greybeards left on here, they'll recall those presentations!

Tune has now changed somewhat (except the bit about the Osiris cells may prove to be prophetic!)!

But you are spot on - in my experience the FDA can actually be quite helpful even to small Aussie companies - but they are never "collegial" nor do they collaborate - they are the regulator, with onerous responsibilities to ensure safe and effective drugs.