The design and synthesis of a series of 6-methylidene penems containing [6, 5]-fused bicycles (thiophene, imidazole, or pyrazle-fused system) as novel class A, B, and C β- lactamase inhibitors is described. These penems proved to be potent inhibitors of the TEM-1 (class A) and AmpC (class C) β-lactamases and less so against the class B metallo-β- lactamase CcrA. Their in vitro and in vivo activities in combination with piperacillin are ...