I think it was really typical of Nader to say there have been deaths and then back track by saying the data is blinded. I worry that this sloppiness is going to be very mis-understood by many. The problem with the severe trial is that many of these patients are in really bad shape, likely before they even got Covid. These patient likely were going to die and Leronlimab, even if working can't save them. The trial is really important for seeing how Leronlimab work, not just if the patient lives. The emergency use patients were also in very bad shape and some did not live. unfourtunatly many will just read the headline of how many lived/died and if this is favorable to the expected outcome. NAder did not need to comment on the trial like this.

If we compare to Gilead with their Remdesevir trial where the cherry picked patients until they could show some improvement, they were trying to control the headline knowing many will not analyze the data. It did work for some, many do look at the data and know Rem. is not all that it is cracked up to be. But still, Gilead is thinking about the narrative.

Nader is very blunt and honest, which is great. Unfortunately with the world hanging on every word this is difficult to not see that comment as a "don't get your hopes up" about the severe trial. I don't doubt for one second that Leronlimab is helping and likely pulling patients away from death, but i have to rely in my years of knowing this drug to feel that confident.

One last thought, Nader did say that a BP is very interested in a distribution deal for Covid but they just need to see the data. The fact that the deal is being signed now would suggest that that BP saw the data and signed the deal. They could have walked away.