SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spruce Biosciences, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for rare endocrine disorders with significant unmet need, today announced the appointments of Dr. Rosh Dias as Chief Medical Officer and Dan Spiegelman to the board of directors. The appointments coincide with progress into Phase 2b clinical trials of tildacerfont in adult classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

“We are thrilled that Rosh is bringing to Spruce his strong industry and operational leadership experience as we advance our Phase 2b clinical trials of tildacerfont in CAH, and prepare to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials of tildacerfont in pediatric classic CAH and polycystic ovary syndrome in 2021,” said Richard King, Chief Executive Officer of Spruce Biosciences. “Rosh has deep experience in successful clinical development and commercialization of important treatments for patients with rare diseases, which will prove critical for our clinical development and registration strategies. Throughout his career, Rosh has shaped the understanding of novel treatments and their application, which will complement the capabilities of our existing team.”

Dr. Dias will oversee global clinical strategy and development for the company. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries across multiple geographies, working to commercialize medicines for patients across multiple therapeutic areas, including the achievement of blockbuster status for several medicines. Dr. Dias joins Spruce most recently from Indivior, where he was the Chief Medical Officer for the past year. Prior to Indivior, Dr. Dias has had long tenures at both Amgen and Novartis. At Amgen, he was Vice President of Global Scientific Affairs, leading global scientific affairs spanning Amgen’s entire product portfolio and Vice President, Head of Global Medical and Scientific affairs at Onyx. Prior to Onyx, Dr. Dias spent a decade in various roles for Novartis, including senior Clinical Development and Medical Affairs roles in both the United States and Australia, where he led a variety of clinical development and medical affairs efforts with a focus on oncology, hematology, and rare diseases. Dr. Dias holds a Medical Doctor degree from Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School in the UK, and is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians through postgraduate qualification in Internal Medicine.

“I’m excited to join Spruce at this time of important growth and evolution for the company,” said Dr. Dias. “Spruce is a leader in the investigation of medicines in the field of rare endocrine disorders and has rapidly advanced tildacerfont into late-stage clinical development. I am pleased to work together with our experienced management team on the development of tildacerfont in adult classic CAH and other indications in our pipeline.”

Dan Spiegelman is an accomplished executive with extensive commercial, financial and strategic leadership experience during an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry, with a specific focus on rare diseases. Mr. Spiegelman previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BioMarin. Prior to BioMarin, he served as a consultant to provide strategic financial management support to a portfolio of public and private life science companies. Prior to his consultancy, Mr. Spiegelman served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CV Therapeutics. Prior to CV Therapeutics, he served in various roles at Genentech, most recently as Treasurer. Mr. Spiegelman currently serves on the boards of directors for Myriad Genetics, Recardia Therapeutics and Tizona Therapeutics. He received a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“I am excited by the appointment of Dan to our board of directors, where his broad experience in financial and commercial strategy will prove to be invaluable as Spruce continues to advance its portfolio of indications in rare endocrine disorders,” said Mike Grey, Executive Chairman of Spruce Biosciences. “On behalf of the board and the entire management team, I am very pleased to welcome Dan and look forward to drawing upon his operational and strategic expertise during this exciting period of growth for Spruce.”

“Spruce represents a unique opportunity with multiple potential indications, a talented management team, and the resources to execute on its development and commercialization strategy,” said Mr. Spiegelman. “I am delighted to join the members of Spruce’s board and management team to help bring important new treatment options to patients in need.”

About Spruce Biosciences

Spruce Biosciences is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for rare endocrine disorders with significant unmet need. The company is initially developing its wholly-owned product candidate, tildacerfont, as the potential first non-steroidal therapy to offer markedly improved disease control and reduce steroid burden for patients suffering from classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Classic CAH is a serious and life-threatening disease with no known novel therapies approved in approximately 50 years. The company has initiated a placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 2b clinical trial in adult patients with classic CAH with poor disease control and anticipates topline results in the fourth quarter of 2021. The company also initiated a second placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 2b clinical trial in adult patients with classic CAH with good disease control focused on glucocorticoid reduction and anticipates topline results in the first half of 2022. The company also plans to evaluate tildacerfont in pediatric classic CAH and polycystic ovary syndrome. For more information, please visit www.sprucebiosciences.com.

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