Akebia Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules to treat anemia and other diseases, has appointed John P. Butler as its president and CEO. Butler was most recently CEO of Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals and prior to that, held several positions at Genzyme, including president of the Cardiometabolic and Renal Division. As CEO, Butler succeeds Joseph Gardner, PhD, who will remain as an advisor for Akebia and will continue in his role as CEO of the biopharmaceutical company Aerpio Therapeutics. The change will take effect Sept. 16, 2013. With Butler’s appointment, Akebia will establish a corporate office in the Boston area. Akebia's research and development office and activities will remain in Cincinnati.
