CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 11, 2019-- Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for patients with kidney disease, today announced that John P. Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akebia, has been elected Chair of Kidney Care Partners (KCP), the nation’s largest kidney care coalition comprised of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers, researchers and manufacturers. Mr. Butler will succeed current Chair, Dr. Allen R. Nissenson, Chief Medical Officer of DaVita Kidney Care, on January 1, 2020 for a two-year term.

“It is a great privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to serve in this role,” stated Mr. Butler. “KCP provides trusted leadership in working with policymakers and is a tremendous advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that enhance awareness, ensure high quality care and empower patient-centered decision making. As a strong and growing community of kidney care leaders, I am confident that KCP can continue to advance care to improve the lives of people with kidney disease and deliver better health outcomes.”

“I am honored and pleased to be passing the KCP Chair baton to such a dynamic and innovative leader in our community,” remarked Dr. Nissenson. “I have made my tenure about expanding our membership by focusing on the entire kidney care continuum while developing a comprehensive roadmap for the future. I am confident that John and his proven leadership will continue to drive this important agenda to measurably improve the lives of people with kidney disease, kidney failure and transplants.”

About Akebia Therapeutics

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for patients with kidney disease. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190711005043/en/

Source: Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

Kristen K. Sheppard, Esq.
ir@akebia.com