Akebia Therapeutics Inc, a United States-based biopharmaceutical company that specialises in dialysis and kidney care services, announced on Thursday that it has named LeAnne M Zumwalt as its new director effective 16 February 2021.

Zumwalt has served as group vice president, Government Affairs at DaVita Inc, where she has been employed for 20 years. She has also served on the Adeptus Health and The Advisory Board Company boards of directors.

John P Butler, Akebia Therapeutics president and chief executive officer, said, 'We're honoured to have LeAnne Zumwalt join the Akebia board of directors. Her deep knowledge of and expertise in the US dialysis market, in combination with the financial and public policy leadership roles she has held throughout her career, will be invaluable as we continue to advance our purpose and prepare for the launch of vadadustat, subject to approval.'