On June 17, 2020, Louis St. L. O'Dea, Chief Medical Officer of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. notified the company that he plans to retire and therefore will resign his position as Chief Medical Officer of the Company. Dr. O'Dea's resignation will be effective July 7, 2020. In addition, in accordance with the Retention Agreement, following his departure from the Company, Dr. O'Dea has agreed to provide consulting services to the Company to support ongoing development and regulatory initiatives and to assist with the transition of his responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer to his successor for up to six months.