The 20k units are required for registration in each of the countries where Artimist will be available.
EMS/Therapex need to demonstrate that it can manufacture according to the standards set in the registration documentation, and it can be done in a consistent format.
Thats what these batches are for.
As for whether EMS is going it alone....
I dont think this is the case.
It would be inprudent for EMS to not do anything and just wait for one of the pharmas to knock on their door and do a deal.
The more down the path EMS get to (ie trial completion, lodgement of registration documents, QA/QC on the registration batches), the better the price that EMS will ultimately get when they sell the product.
EMS Price at posting:
3.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held