Characterization of SPR994, an Orally Available Carbapenem, with Activity Comparable to Intravenously Administered...

Carbapenems are potent antibacterials with broad-spectrum activity. However, poor oral absorption generally confines this important drug class to in-hospital use by intravenous (IV) administration. The continued rise in drug resistant pathogens creates a need for alternative oral therapies with broad-spectrum activity. SPR994 is a novel formulation of the orally bioavailable pivoxil prodrug of SPR859 (tebipenem) and is being developed as the first oral carbapenem for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) in adults. Herein, we describe characteristics beneficial to oral administration and compare the in vitro and in vivo activity of SPR859 or SPR994 with IV carbapenems.