Biapenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is useful for pathogens causing intra-abdominal, lower respiratory, and urinary tract infections. It is highly resistant to most types of β-lactamases from both aerobes and anaerobes. It is a 1-β-methylcarbapenem and has similar antibacterial activity to Imipenem, with less neurotoxicity and increased stability against human renal dehydropeptidase-I. The compound can be used in pharmacokinetic studies.
Biapenem is sparingly soluble in water.