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Meanwhile,while they are attacking the stock waiting on Pru data,a "Deal" PR would put them in their graves.

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I'm pretty sure no one is shorting at this point without protection - far too risky with the potential for P results or a deal at any time. Since there are no call options available, anyone with a short position also likely has a long position.

For example, one might have a 100K long core position, and then a 30K long trading position + a 30K short trading position. When the stock predictably moves down, cover the short for a profit. When the stock moves up, sell the long position for a profit. Reload as desired. This lets one maintain a core position for the big news while still milking the ATM in both directions with impunity. This only works if you assume/believe the stock won't go to 0 but, for most of us here, IPIX fits that bill

Go IPIX!