Why did Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) license SP001?

Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) licensed SP001 to expand into immune-mediated diseases, beginning with IgG4-related disease. The company received worldwide research, development, manufacturing and commercial rights outside Greater China.

What are the financial terms of the Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) agreement?

Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) entered an agreement with a total potential value of approximately US$1.1 billion. Innovent will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments and tiered royalties on net sales outside Greater China.

How will Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) develop SP001?

Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) expects to begin a Phase 2 trial of SP001 in IgG4-related disease during Q2 2027. Innovent plans a separate Phase 2 Sjögren’s disease trial in China by early 2027.

What does SP001 do for Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO)?

SP001 is a third-generation Fc-silent anti-CD40L antibody being developed by Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO). It is designed to block CD40L signalling, which is involved in inflammation and B-cell activity, without broadly eliminating immune cells.

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Spero signs $1.1 billion SP001 licensing deal

Written by Liezl GambePublished Jul 14, 2026, 10:39 AM

Spero licensed worldwide rights outside Greater China to SP001, Innovent’s third-generation Fc-silent anti-CD40L antibody.
Spero shares were up about 3.6% at $2.18 in premarket trading following the announcement.
Spero plans to begin a Phase 2 IgG4-related disease trial in Q2 2027.

Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SPRO) licensed SP001 from Innovent Biologics in an agreement valued at approximately US$1.1 billion.

Spero receives exclusive research, development, manufacturing and commercial rights worldwide outside Greater China, where Innovent will retain control of the program.

Innovent will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, potential development, regulatory and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties on net sales in Spero’s territories.

Spero expects to start a Phase 2 IgG4-related disease trial in Q2 2027, while Innovent plans a Chinese Phase 2 Sjögren’s disease study by early 2027.

Spero said SP001 could support its expansion into immune-mediated diseases.

Innovent previously evaluated IBI355 in two Phase 1 healthy-volunteer studies and a Phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose study involving patients with Sjögren’s disease.

EULAR 2026 data indicated a favourable safety profile and improvements in disease activity and B-cell-related biomarkers, while Spero now identifies SP001 as its lead immune-mediated disease program.