Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that Adrian Adams will serve as the Chairperson of the Akebia Board of Directors, effective upon completion of the proposed merger of Akebia and Keryx. Mr. Adams currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. Upon completion of the merger, the Board of Directors will consist of ten members with Mr. Adams as Chairperson. As previously announced, the Board will include current Keryx Board members Mark J. Enyedy, Steven C. Gilman, Michael T. Heffernan, Jodie Morrison and Michael W. Rogers and current Akebia Board members John P. Butler, Scott A. Canute, and Cynthia Smith.

Additionally, current Akebia board member Maxine Gowen will continue to serve as a member of the Board. The merger of Akebia and Keryx is subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions, including approval by shareholders of both companies. The special meetings of Akebia and Keryx shareholders to vote on matters relating to the proposed merger have been scheduled for December 11, 2018.

Holders of record of Akebia and Keryx common stock as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 22, 2018, will be entitled to vote at their respective special meetings.