"The biggest single factor in not achieving the expected numbers seemed to be the inclussion of SGLT2's and DPP4's as SOC drugs."

I have a different view.  The biggest single factor in not achieving the primary endpoint was the complete lack of effect Apabetalone had on preventing stroke.  Further, I'd argue that we owe a large measure of our positive BETonMACE 1 results to the inclusion of patients on SGLT2i and DPP4i.  You can't, on one hand, argue that SGLTi and DPP4i did us in, and then on the other hand point out what a significant and synergistic effect Apabetalone had when acting in concert with these same drugs...After all if SGLT2i drugs held us back, then what is the point of making SGLT2i one of the focal points of BETonMACE 2?