Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are caused by bacteria found in the environment. In healthy individuals, these bacteria normally cause no harm. However, for those who have a compromised immune system or who have previously dealt with a pulmonary disease, these bacteria can have debilitating effects.
Typically, NTM infections are treated with 12-24 months of a combined treatment regime. However, many patients deal with tolerability and toxicity complications. None of the current approved treatment options are an oral therapy.
Spero Therapeutics has just announced that they are beginning a Phase 1 trial for a new potential treatment for NTM which is orally administered. The drug is called SPR720.
The Phase 1 Trial
In preclinical studies, SPR720 has shown safety and efficacy when evaluated against two of the bacteria which commonly cause NTM. One of these was Mycobacterium abscessus which is a highly resistant species. This particular bacteria is responsible for high mortality in NTM infections. But, for both bacteria evaluated, SPR720 showed potency in vitro and in vivo.
The Phase 1 trial will be double-blind and placebo-controlled. It will evaluate SPR720 using both a single ascending dose cohort and a multiple ascending dose cohort. The trial will be composed of healthy volunteers.
Spero expects to have results from this trial by the second half of this year.
You can read more about this trial and SPR720’s potential as an oral therapeutic option for non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections here.
