Yes, but they could also find a way forward for us without a partner.  We only have 50 million or so shares out.  IMO, it may be better to sell shares now at higher prices to advance more work.  That may enable the company to sell a partnership at multiples of the price they could get immediately following discovery.

But it's not up to us. 

By the way, if anyone cares, I'm looking for PMs to blow a gasket in just days.  On top of "discovery," that will be the best possible thing for us.