Ann: Positive Top-Line Results in DKD Phase 2 Clinical Study, page-334

I think there is an error in your calculation. 40 total patients with an average reduction of 14%, not 2 %.
I won't read too much into the supposedly 'failure' of this trial due to a number of factors
- small sample size, possibility of chance effect
- the trial is of very short duration- 6 months, the landmark trial for irbersartan had a follow up period of 2 years (N Engl J Med. 2001 Sep 20;345(12):870-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa011489)
- any other underlying comfounders. e.g blood pressure control etc
When I look at the graph, the positive signal is there, with 2/3rd of patients showing a reduction in proteinuria and importantly, this drug is safe. The authors of the study obviously felt that the result is worth pursuing further study.