Re: Ebola not mutating faster than before- Update
1. So odd that Tekmira didn't issue a PR today on the ebola data, especially since it PR'd the preclinical TKM-HTG data earlier this week showing it's still promoting its non-HBV RNAi programs. I can think of 3 reasons: (a) the data is about to be published in a major medical journal and they want to make the "splash" then because the journal gives it additional credibility (note Geisbert is a co-author of the data); (2) they have a deal in place with someone (like Emergent Biosolutions) and the buyer doesn't want the data publicized until the deal is finalized; or (3) IR is inept. (3) is the most likely explanation.
2. Interesting that "OutbreakJake" on twitter, who help set up the TKM-Ebola trial in Port Loko, tweeted today that he was "whizzing along the road from Port Loko and Makeni." The ebola treatment center in Makeni currently has 11 patients, meaning its tied with Port Loko Gold Clinic for the most current patients in Sierra Leone. It would be a good sign if the TKM-Ebola trial is expanded to Makeni - if the Oxford folks didn't like what they saw in Port Loko, why would they expand the TKM-Ebola trial to additional sites?