Massive layoffs of Fed workers during the Shutdown. All FDA must be walking on egg shells. My feeling is Dr. JL wants to operate under the radar when he wrote:

"In the coming months, we will be engaging in critical conversations with our key opinion leaders, potential industry partners and regulators. In support of these efforts, we ask our shareholders to be mindful of the process and respectful of our counterparties. Excessive outreach to these third parties can inadvertently hinder our progress."

Deals made on the quiet are in order.