In this subanalysis of a phase IIIb study in ACPA-positive patients with early RA, a higher number of individual patients who received SC abatacept QW + MTX achieved clinically stringent (SDAI and Boolean remission) endpoints early at IP week 24 and sustained these responses through IP week 52 than patients who initially received abatacept placebo + MTX. This evidence concerns the gene PRTN3 and rheumatoid arthritis.