The model based on our signature had 100% sensitivity and specificity, which outperformed previously published models that predicted IPF progression based on single factors (serum fibulin-1, 70% sensitivity and 71% specificity30; plasma MMP-7, 45.3% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity31; and plasma SP-A, 60.9% sensitivity and 53.9% specificity31), as well as a previously published model based on an additive combination of blood factors, where a score of ≥ 7 on the created index had a 66% sensitivity and 100% specificity for progression20 (Fig. 3e, f). Here, FBLN1 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.