Akcea Therapeutics was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing drugs to treat patients with serious and rare diseases. Established as a spin-off from Ionis Pharmaceuticals in 2015, Akcea centered its efforts on advancing a robust pipeline of RNA-targeted therapeutics, with a significant focus on cardiometabolic lipid disorders. Its key commercialized products included Tegsedi® (inotersen) for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN) and Waylivra® (volanesorsen) for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). In October 2020, Ionis Pharmaceuticals completed the acquisition of the remaining stake in Akcea, fully integrating its operations, pipeline, and commercial products. Akcea's pioneering work and legacy in RNA-targeted therapies continue within Ionis's broader mission.
Served as the central corporate office, directing global operations, research and development strategy, commercial activities, and administrative functions prior to its acquisition by Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
Located in Boston's dynamic Seaport District, known for its modern infrastructure and concentration of life science companies. The office likely featured contemporary design facilitating collaboration and innovation.
As a company dedicated to rare diseases, Akcea likely cultivated a mission-driven, scientifically rigorous, and patient-focused work environment. The culture would have emphasized innovation, collaboration, and agility in addressing unmet medical needs. Post-acquisition, employees were integrated into Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
The Boston headquarters provided Akcea with strategic access to a rich ecosystem of talent, leading academic and medical institutions, research collaborators, and venture capital, crucial for a developing biotech.
Prior to its full acquisition by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Akcea Therapeutics had established a significant global presence. This encompassed clinical trial operations across North America, Europe, and other regions, as well as commercial infrastructure in key markets where its therapies (Tegsedi® and Waylivra®) received regulatory approval. Functions supported globally included clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory submissions and compliance, drug safety, and commercial sales and marketing operations, particularly focused on North America and Europe.
22 Boston Wharf Road, 9th Floor
Boston
MA
USA
Address: Davidson House, Forbury Square, Reading, RG1 3EU, UK (Representative address for European operations)
To support the launch, commercialization, and lifecycle management of Akcea's therapies across European countries and ensure compliance with regional healthcare regulations.
Address: Business district in Mississauga, ON (General location for Canadian operations)
To facilitate access to Akcea's innovative medicines for Canadian patients and navigate the Canadian pharmaceutical landscape.
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As of April 2025, Akcea Therapeutics' leadership includes:
Akcea Therapeutics has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
During the period leading up to its full acquisition by Ionis Pharmaceuticals in late 2020, Akcea Therapeutics saw key leadership transitions, notably in the Chief Executive Officer role. These changes were part of the company's evolution and strategic alignment before its integration into Ionis.
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Prior to its acquisition by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Akcea Therapeutics likely utilized standard corporate email formats. Common patterns included the first initial followed by the last name, or first name separated from the last name by a period, at their company domain.
[first_initial][last]@akceatx.com (e.g., jsmith@akceatx.com) or [first].[last]@akceatx.com (e.g., jane.smith@akceatx.com)
Format
dsmith@akceatx.com
Example
80 (Predicted historical success rate when the company was operational; current success rate is 0% as the domain is inactive for mail.)%
Success rate
Ionis Pharmaceuticals News Releases • October 12, 2020
Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced it had successfully completed its acquisition of Akcea Therapeutics. The transaction consolidated Ionis's leadership in RNA-targeted therapeutics and enabled full integration of Akcea's commercial-stage medicines TEGSEDI® (inotersen) and WAYLIVRA® (volanesorsen) and its pipeline....more
PR Newswire / Akcea Therapeutics • March 2, 2020
Akcea Therapeutics announced the appointment of Damien McDevitt, Ph.D., as its chief executive officer. Dr. McDevitt transitioned from his role as chief business officer at Ionis Pharmaceuticals to lead Akcea....more
Business Wire / Akcea Therapeutics • May 3, 2019
Akcea Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced that the European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization for WAYLIVRA® (volanesorsen) as an adjunct to diet in adult patients with genetically confirmed Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) and at high risk for pancreatitis....more
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