NTM are ubiquitous environmental pathogens that can cause progressive lung damage and respiratory failure, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems or underlying pulmonary disorders. Although rare, the incidence of NTM pulmonary disease is increasing worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 130,000 patients suffer from NTM in the U.S. and Europe, a figure that is growing at a rate of 8% annually. The elderly and people with compromised immune or lung function are at greatest risk, as are patients with bronchiectasis for whom it is estimated that up to 50% may also have active NTM pulmonary disease.
SPR720 is an orally administered investigational antibacterial agent being developed for the treatment of NTM pulmonary disease. If approved, SPR720 will represent a novel class of antibacterial agents that target enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication.
The clinical development of SPR720 is supported by data from its first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of SPR720 in healthy volunteers and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data that suggested predicted therapeutic exposures could be attained with a 500 – 1,000 mg once daily oral dose. Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated potency for SPR720 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and a range of bacteria that cause NTM infections, including Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium abscessus. At this time, SPR720 is on clinical hold as Spero and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluate safety data from a non-human primate toxicology study.
SPR720 is a broad spectrum, oral candidate that, if approved, may be applicable to both non-refractory and refractory patients. Once daily dosing is supported by clinical and non-clinical studies.
In NTM, treatment failure is common and the current treatment for NTM is lengthy and involves combination therapy, often including three or more antibiotics, including injectables.
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