ACPA-negative RA patients achieving SDFR had a stronger decline in levels of MMP-3, SAA, and CRP in the first 12 months after treatment initiation, compared to ACPA-negative RA patients who did not achieve SDFR (Fig. 2, Table 2), supporting hypothesis 1 (Fig. 1). Here, PRTN3 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.