Spruce Biosciences names Adrian Quartel as chief medical officer

Spruce Biosciences (NASDAQ: SPRB) has appointed Adrian Quartel, M.D., FFPM, as chief medical officer, the South San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical company announced.

Dr. Quartel joins from Zevra Therapeutics, where he served as chief medical officer. He previously held the same role at Acer Therapeutics and Adamas Pharmaceuticals. Earlier in his career, as group vice president of global medical affairs at BioMarin Pharmaceutical, he led the launch of six treatments for rare diseases, including the enzyme replacement therapies Naglazyme, Vimizim, and Brineura. He also held senior positions at Astellas, Chiltern, and ICON Clinical Research.

Dr. Quartel holds an M.D. from Erasmus University Medical School in Rotterdam and a postgraduate specialization in pharmaceutical medicine. He is board certified by the General Medical Council in pharmaceutical medicine in the United Kingdom.

Spruce CEO Javier Szwarcberg cited a planned biologics license application filing for the company's lead candidate, tralesinidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (TA-ERT), for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (MPS IIIB) in the fourth quarter of 2026 as a key priority for the new hire.

In connection with his appointment, Dr. Quartel received restricted stock units for 13,000 shares of Spruce common stock, granted on July 27, 2026. The RSUs will vest over four years, with 25% vesting annually beginning on June 15, 2026, subject to continued service. The award was approved under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as an inducement grant.

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