91.7% for a sample of 1,061 people with a non trivial subset removed because of pre-existing health issues isn't that noteworthy. Given only the mean age, it's

91.7% for a sample of 1,061 people with a non trivial subset removed because of pre-existing health issues isn't that noteworthy. Given only the mean age, it's very difficult to know what the baseline levels should be. Averages are not realistic. They depend on the age and health of individuals. The concern about placebos is a thing, yes, but the real problem is that the rates of poor clinical outcomes are not standard. You could get a decent estimate by looking at other results coming out of this hospital from a similar age and health cohort, but that's not here in this paper. The baseline mortality rate for an average individual below age 60 is nowhere close to 15%, but of course, it all depends. It's probably fine if you want to take the drug, but accurate statistical reasoning is not the driver of that decision.