Novo Nordisk and Omeros Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement granting Novo Nordisk exclusive global rights to zaltenibart (formerly OMS906), a clinical-stage antibody therapy targeting rare blood and kidney disorders.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk will pay $340 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, with total potential deal value reaching up to $2.1 billion, including future development and commercial milestones. Omeros is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales of the drug.
Zaltenibart is a MASP-3 inhibitor, designed to block a key protein involved in activating the alternative pathway of the complement system — a part of the immune system often implicated in rare and severe diseases. The candidate has shown promising results in Phase 2 trials for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder, and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
“Zaltenibart has a novel mode of action that could offer several advantages over other treatments for complement-mediated diseases,” said Martin Holst Lange, EVP of Research & Development at Novo Nordisk. “We’re well-positioned to maximize its potential as a best-in-class treatment.”
Omeros will retain rights to its preclinical MASP-3 programs, including the development of small-molecule MASP-3 inhibitors in certain indications.
Novo Nordisk plans to initiate a global Phase 3 program for PNH and assess development opportunities in other rare indications once the deal closes. The transaction is expected to complete in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
“This agreement enables Novo Nordisk to strengthen its Rare Disease portfolio and expand its footprint in immunology-based therapies,” said Ludovic Helfgott, EVP of Product and Portfolio Strategy at Novo Nordisk.
Omeros CEO Gregory A. Demopulos, M.D., added, “With Novo Nordisk driving zaltenibart forward, Omeros will continue focusing on bringing narsoplimab to market and advancing our development pipeline.”
The agreement marks a significant move by Novo Nordisk to deepen its presence in rare diseases, building on its existing expertise and long-term growth strategy in the space.