"Nevertheless, based on your clear expertise in this whole field, would you be willing to share other reasons (if any) as to why you think this trial just might be successful?"
Here are a few posts for you. The understanding of apabetalone has advanced tremendously over the past several years. Apabetalone used to be considered a simple apo-AI/HDL-cholesterol raising drug, but is now understood to have so many additional potential cardiovascular benefits, as well as potential renal and cognition benefits too. The engagement by apabetalone of all of these pathways converges on dramatic cardiovascular and other health benefits, in my opinion. Tick tock. We'll know the answer soon.
How best to promote apabetalone?
The Evolution of Apabetalone, Redux
Framework for Addressing Residual CVD Risk