I don't know how many posters agree with this, but I think George Rho's theory of a Mannkind buyout by a big pharma doesn't hold water. His two theses that Alfred Mann has 7 children and that Al Mann sells his companies are flimsy at best.

Al has already expressed in public that 6 of his 7 children don't have much ambition, since Al gave them all money to live comfortably. Also, Al has committed his foundation to philanthropic purposes - not for his children. Even mentioning recently that perhaps Mannkind could buy out Merck shows intent. So, how would Al's legacy continue when he passes away if he sells Mannkind?

At 88 or 89 years of age, what would selling Mannkind for billions of dollars of profits do for Al anymore, anyway? He can't take the money with him.