Big Pharma is just that..Big Pharma....deep pockets... R&D sophistry...Lobbyists ..and acceptable (not 100% reliable)...drugs on the market..It stands to reason, that they will get the nod from the machinery in Washington.
Maybe NP..didn't expect them to respond with any cash without proof of efficacy.
How many others applied and got Zero. Maybe in his view..a rejection was highly probable....why bother now. wait until you have the goods.