Steven C. Gilman, Ph.D., a Class I director, resigned from Akebia Therapeutics' Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2026. His resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company. Philip J. Vickers, Ph.D., was elected as a Class I director to the Board, effective April 1, 2026, with his initial term expiring at the Company's 2027 annual meeting of stockholders. Dr. Vickers has also been appointed to the Compensation Committee and the Research & Development Committee of the Board. Dr. Vickers brings over three decades of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience, including CEO roles at Solu Therapeutics, Faze Medicines, and Northern Biologics, and senior R&D positions at Shire, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, and Merck. His expertise spans research and development, translational science, and corporate strategy across various therapeutic areas, including inflammation, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and immuno-oncology. Dr. Vickers will receive annual cash retainers totaling $62,500 for his board and committee service, and an initial grant of 214,400 Options at an exercise price of $1.41 per share, effective April 1, 2026. Commencing upon the 2027 annual meeting, Dr. Vickers will also be eligible for an annual equity grant of 53,600 Options and 35,700 restricted stock units.