I think the results were so good from the lower doses at 12 weeks that they think that will be long enough for the higher doses. To me (and remember, I have no more information than anyone else) that indicates a level of confidence in the higher dose that is very encouraging.

Also, since Dr. B came on board it appears that the trial design is better -- things like changing the method of judging improvement to the same one the other drugs use. I don't think he would have gone for the 12-week trial if he thought that a longer trial would make a difference.

Another thought: if you say the trial is 12 weeks, you can release data quickly thereafter, and can extend the trial. But if you say it's 16 weeks, and then release data after 12 weeks, all the bashers will scream that it's intended to manipulate stock price.