rodolfo-- As far as "Merck's existing and futur
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Posted On: 10/23/2025 11:24:38 PM
rodolfo--
As far as "Merck's existing and future portfolio" goes, I asked google AI. They replied "Merck is developing drugs for a variety of conditions, including oncology, cardiovascular, neurology (including Alzheimers) and infectious diseases (including AIDS)".
Digging into it a little deeper, I was a little surprised to see the emphasis on AIDS. They are in 3 Phase III trials right now with islatravir as the "backbone" of various once-daily or once weekly combination therapies. Oral pills. They are even studying the drug with Gilead's lenacapavir. Fewer pills, longer duration than existing ART therapies seems to be the play. And they are also studying it as a prophylactic.
Looking to the future, long-acting leronlimab would be a threat to their HIV franchise. Certainly as a prophylactic. On the other hand, weekly leronlimab would be complementary to their current oncology franchise. And, perhaps, complementary to their Alzheimer's and cardiovascular program (in atherosclerosis).
So--what's a poor CEO to do? Protect existing drugs or venture into a promising--but little-studied--new molecule? Go all in on Leronlimerck, or pass? I think they will pass... and thus become our competitor. Perhaps they even aspire to become our new Gilead? (See--Vioxx).
In one sense, Merck can't lose. They will sell a lot of Qlex in combination with leronlimab as--perhaps--the new standard-of-care in various cancers. So--maximize their milk cow... or forgo a great deal of their existing investments for a new injectable with a limited clinical history? It would take an individual with a lot of balls or chesticles to do that...
I have no opinion on NWBO. Your comment about shareholders being convinced that Merck will come to the rescue is kinda sad, though. Because hope is clearly not due diligence, whether you are in NWBO or CYDY. Since you mentioned it, I probably should look into it. But as to the question of which company would be the better fit for Merck--I'd switch it around, and ask what Big Pharma would be the best fit for CYDY?
Know what you have, negotiate accordingly, and don't ever sell something special for peanuts. Overwhelm the competition with outstanding data. I thought we might hear something by November, though it is looking like early 2026. That is OK by me. Not years into the future, but months. That is damn soon in biotech time... (with all apologies and empathy for those who have been around for 5-10 plus years).
I suspect Lalezari has had offers that he, in all good conscience, could not accept. (Not official offers... But over lunch or something). Cheap offers that might have kept the doors open for X number of years, or even funded a trial or three. Thanks... but no thanks!
Be strong Dr J. For the patients... And us!
As far as "Merck's existing and future portfolio" goes, I asked google AI. They replied "Merck is developing drugs for a variety of conditions, including oncology, cardiovascular, neurology (including Alzheimers) and infectious diseases (including AIDS)".
Digging into it a little deeper, I was a little surprised to see the emphasis on AIDS. They are in 3 Phase III trials right now with islatravir as the "backbone" of various once-daily or once weekly combination therapies. Oral pills. They are even studying the drug with Gilead's lenacapavir. Fewer pills, longer duration than existing ART therapies seems to be the play. And they are also studying it as a prophylactic.
Looking to the future, long-acting leronlimab would be a threat to their HIV franchise. Certainly as a prophylactic. On the other hand, weekly leronlimab would be complementary to their current oncology franchise. And, perhaps, complementary to their Alzheimer's and cardiovascular program (in atherosclerosis).
So--what's a poor CEO to do? Protect existing drugs or venture into a promising--but little-studied--new molecule? Go all in on Leronlimerck, or pass? I think they will pass... and thus become our competitor. Perhaps they even aspire to become our new Gilead? (See--Vioxx).
In one sense, Merck can't lose. They will sell a lot of Qlex in combination with leronlimab as--perhaps--the new standard-of-care in various cancers. So--maximize their milk cow... or forgo a great deal of their existing investments for a new injectable with a limited clinical history? It would take an individual with a lot of balls or chesticles to do that...
I have no opinion on NWBO. Your comment about shareholders being convinced that Merck will come to the rescue is kinda sad, though. Because hope is clearly not due diligence, whether you are in NWBO or CYDY. Since you mentioned it, I probably should look into it. But as to the question of which company would be the better fit for Merck--I'd switch it around, and ask what Big Pharma would be the best fit for CYDY?
Know what you have, negotiate accordingly, and don't ever sell something special for peanuts. Overwhelm the competition with outstanding data. I thought we might hear something by November, though it is looking like early 2026. That is OK by me. Not years into the future, but months. That is damn soon in biotech time... (with all apologies and empathy for those who have been around for 5-10 plus years).
I suspect Lalezari has had offers that he, in all good conscience, could not accept. (Not official offers... But over lunch or something). Cheap offers that might have kept the doors open for X number of years, or even funded a trial or three. Thanks... but no thanks!
Be strong Dr J. For the patients... And us!
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