Spruce Biosciences names medical affairs VP ahead of drug review
Spruce Biosciences (NASDAQ: SPRB) has appointed Agnieszka Jurecka, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, as Vice President of Medical Affairs, according to a company press release.
Dr. Jurecka brings more than 20 years of clinical and biopharmaceutical experience in rare genetic diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders and enzyme replacement therapies. Most recently, she served as Chief Medical Officer at a seed-stage gene therapy company focused on CNS-directed therapies for lysosomal gene defects. Prior roles include Vice President of Clinical Development at CoA Therapeutics, a BridgeBio company, and Senior Medical Director of Global Clinical Development at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical. She has also held medical affairs roles at Shire Pharmaceuticals, Synageva BioPharma, and BioMarin Europe. She has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications.
The appointment comes as Spruce anticipates a potential U.S. FDA decision on its lead candidate, tralesinidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (TA-ERT), which is in late-stage development for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (MPS IIIB), a pediatric neurodegenerative disorder with no currently approved treatments. TA-ERT holds Breakthrough Therapy, Rare Pediatric Disease, Fast Track, and Orphan Drug designations from the FDA.
In connection with her appointment, Dr. Jurecka received a restricted stock unit grant of 3,800 shares of Spruce common stock on June 22, 2026, approved as an inducement award under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The RSUs vest over four years, with 25% vesting annually beginning June 15, 2026, subject to continued service.
