Akebia Therapeutics and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals have inked a merger agreement that will create a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on chronic kidney disease (CKD). The combined company, with a value of about $1.3 billion, will be named Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. John P. Butler, president and chief executive officer, Akebia, is expected to lead the combined company, and Keryx will appoint the chairperson of the board of directors of the combined company. Additionally, Jason A....