Akebia Therapeutics®, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with a commitment to improving the lives of those touched by kidney disease, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ellen Snow as the new Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective July 17, 2023. With her extensive experience in finance, Ms. Snow will be a valuable asset to the Akebia team, contributing to the furthering of our mission to provide innovative treatments to those with kidney disease. We look forward to her contributions in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Akebia is pleased to welcome Ms. Snow to the team as Chief Accounting Officer, having joined from Pear Therapeutics, Inc. where she served since 2021. With her wealth of accounting and financial management skills, Ms. Snow will be an invaluable asset to Akebia as they prepare to unveil Vafseo® (vadadustat) in Europe through partner Medice, and ready to resubmit a New Drug Application (NDA) for vadadustat in the U.S. This marks a key step in Akebia’s commitment to helping patients on a global scale.
We are ecstatic to welcome Ellen, who brings with her vast expertise in financial discipline, effective strategic financial management, and strong leadership. She is sure to be a great asset to Akebia as we progress towards a potential launch of vadadustat in the U.S. if approved. John P. Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia, expressed his enthusiasm about her contributions to the organization.
Ms. Snow is thrilled to be joining Akebia on the brink of a groundbreaking milestone in its evolution, with an imminent NDA resubmission for the potential approval of vadadustat on the horizon. Passionate about patient care, she is inspired by the purpose-driven company culture that surrounds Akebia and is looking forward to working alongside the talented team to accomplish their goals.
Ms. Snow will succeed David A. Spellman, who served as Akebia’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2020.
As Board members and Akebia team members, we want to express our sincere gratitude for Dave’s effort in meeting our objectives. His contributions have enabled Akebia to get financially ready to reach our future milestones and invest in our future.
A certified CPA, Ms. Snow brings extensive financial and accounting expertise to Pear Therapeutics, Inc. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Merrimack College, and has completed a High Potentials Leadership Program at Harvard Business School. She formerly held various positions at Benchmark Senior Living, Bain Willard Companies, L.P., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Ernst & Young LLP and as a financial consultant. Most recently, she served as the Chief Accounting Officer of AlerisLife Inc. from 2019 to 2021, and prior to that she was Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. from 2016 to 2018.
About Akebia Therapeutics
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission to improve the lives of those affected by kidney disease. Founded in 2007 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Akebia is committed to developing innovative solutions that are aimed at improving outcomes for patients. We strive to bring hope for a healthier future, guided by our unwavering company ethos that everyone deserves better health care.
About Vadadustat
Vadadustat is an innovative oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, designed to mimic the natural body response to lower oxygen availability at higher altitudes. By stabilizing the hypoxia-inducible factor, Vadadustat can increase red blood cell production and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. Although not yet approved by the FDA in the U.S., Vafseo® (vadadustat) has been approved in Europe for the treatment of symptomatic anemia due to CKD in dialysis-dependent adult patients, and in Japan for both dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis dependent adult patients.
Forward-Looking Statements
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc (Akebia) is looking into the future with enthusiasm and ambition. Its strategy, plans, prospects, expectations, beliefs, intentions and goals are of great significance and promise. The aim is to potentially achieve the approval and launch of vadadustat in the U.S., as well as enhance Auryxia’s demand and revenue from sales.
With the potential therapeutic benefits, safety profile and effectiveness of vadadustat, Akebia is confident in its financial position and ability to reach important milestones. Although unpredictability comes with the territory, Akebia is equipped to face potential risks and uncertainties, such as decisions made by health authorities and manufacturing, supply chain and quality matters. With all of this in mind, Akebia ventures forward into a bright, promising future.