The SPARK platform is a free, interactive resource available to scientists around the world. Pew launched the platform in September 2018 to help spur basic research into the scientific barriers that prevent the discovery of new types of antibiotics.

SPARK focuses on data related to gram-negative bacteria, which are known to produce some of the hardest-to-treat infections. The platform is part of Pew's larger Scientific Roadmap for Antibiotic Discovery project.

The contributions build on previously submitted data from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other pharmaceutical companies. The preclinical data provided by Merck comes from a joint research project between the company and Kyorin which investigated a potentially novel way to attack bacteria by targeting two types of enzymes: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

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