Innovent deal seeds Spero’s future beyond GSK’s antibiotic, opening an oncology pipeline in 2026

Innovent Biologics has signed a multi-target oncology partnership deal with Spero Therapeutics to tap into its lead oncology assets, including SPR720 and SPR9644, which are small‑molecule oral therapies targeting DNA replication and repair pathways in cancer. The upfront payment of $40 million to Spero and the potential for over $3.5 billion in milestone payments give Spero a substantial cash runway and the ability to diversify beyond its GSK‑partnered antibiotic, tebipenem HBr. The partnership encompasses multiple oncology targets, with Spero retaining global rights while Innovent will co‑develop and commercialize the programs in Greater China.

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