Fair enough.But:Big Pharma has been totally focused on Covid in...

Fair enough.
But:
Big Pharma has been totally focused on Covid in the last three years both with lockdowns, shutting up research to a considerable degree, and the urgent need for finding cures, treatment, vaccinations.
With that being the prime focus its not surprising that other treatments and cures for other diseases may have been put on the "back burner".
IMHO

Midkine Symposiums did not take place due to Covid.
There may be a pileup of research still in those hallowed halls of European universities and research centres.
IMHO

Big Pharma is possibly wanting the preclinical trials completed before making any decisions.
IMHO