I’m not sure I understand your question, but « placebo » and « Top SoC «  are NOT the same thing. Did DM actually say that?

The trial compared (Top SoC plus 208) with (Top SoC plus placebo).

Giving a placebo is not the same as giving nothing, because there is something called a « placebo effect ». The mere act of taking tablets, even if they have no active ingredient, can alter a disease state (through psychological effects, consequent changes in lifestyle, etc). 

Does this help or have I missed the point?