Is it possible that Fab don't want an NCI deal ?12 Jan 2026 13:51
I'm just thinking out loud here and coming from a different angle. Here's my thoughts :-
- With NCI having the clout they have, Fusion needed them onboard using OptiMAL - They got it 2 years ago when NCI starting using OptiMAL (November 2023).
- They then needed NCI's seal of approval that OptiMAL does what it says on the tin - They got it when Optimal said they wanted to continue using it in late 2025 and negotiations started with Fab for it's continued use.
This approval from NCI now gives Fab and their OptiMAL product greater kudos, when having commercial conversations with other potential buyers of the product and licences (or maybe even the company).
As i see it, Fab have 2 potential buyers of the product / company / licences, these being NCI and big pharmas.
Questions
If Fab are selling to NCI, will they feel 'we need to look after these guys. They've gave us our product validation, we need to have gratitude for this, and to get a contract with them is additional kudos in the marketplace with other buyers' . . . and therefore do a financial deal that isn't as high as it could be ?
Alternatively
If Fab are selling to a big pharma (with the deep pockets they have), would it be better financially for us shareholders to sell to them, and let them negotiate with NCI on what NCI pay for it, if indeed they even let NCI have the product. Big pharma won't have the same what could be regarded as moral obligation to give NCI favourable terms and could see this as an earner for them if they had full product control.
You might say, and you could be right, that we need an NCI deal for validation of the product before selling to a big pharma. The other argument is that we already have their validation with there desire for it's continued use.
Could this discussion and waiting period that we 'see' with NCI negotiations be a board tactic in dangling the OptiMAL bait in front of a big pharma angler to take this before NCI take it ?
To summarize my thoughts. Does Fusion Antibodies want a deal with NCI ? . . . . My answer is, I've absolutely no idea whatsoever if they do or not.
Is it best to do a deal first with NCI before a deal with a big pharma ? . . . . Same answer, I've absolutely no idea if it is or not.
Is this an exciting place to be as an investor at the minute with where this might go in the coming weeks / months ?
YES, YES, YES is my answer to that.
Good luck all.