 Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. NASDAQ: AKCA, a majority-owned affiliate of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced that Tracy Palmer Berns has joined the company as chief compliance officer. In this role, Ms. Berns will be responsible for the companys ongoing compliance program focusing on policy development and training. She will also collaborate with other members of the executive team to provide strategic counsel related to development of business goals and compliance matters related to Akceas commercial products and investigational therapies. 