Given the trial is 'only' 24 weeks, there is probably prudence...

Given the trial is 'only' 24 weeks, there is probably prudence for BP to wait for the results, or at least for a greater period to observe OLE. Yes, there is the risk that another pharma makes a bid, so greater emphasis on taking us out early, but I think that would start a bidding war if there was really that much interest. So unlikely they miss out, just have to pay a bit more.

I'd settle for perhaps a smaller upfront deal now, with progress payments on phase 2 / 3 results. What say USD $1B up front, with a further $1.5 - 2B on FDA approval...

Come-on big pharma get on with it.

It does make you (me) wonder why no bids have been made to date considering the number of deals that occur in pre-clinical and phase 1. To us laymen we seem very attractive, I wonder what the view of big pharma and the boffins is...

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so. “ – Mark Twain