- Omeros receives up to $2.1 billion, including $340 million upfront, plus royalties.
- Novo Nordisk gains exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize zaltenibart.
- Zaltenibart targets MASP-3, crucial in rare blood and kidney disorders.
- Phase 3 trials for zaltenibart in PNH planned post-transaction closing in Q4 2025.
Agreement Overview
Novo Nordisk and Omeros have entered into an asset purchase and license agreement for zaltenibart, a clinical-stage MASP-3 inhibitor. Omeros will receive up to $2.1 billion, including $340 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales.
Zaltenibart's Potential
Zaltenibart is designed to inhibit MASP-3, a key activator of the complement system's alternative pathway. This pathway's dysregulation is linked to several rare diseases. The drug has shown promise in treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and other rare blood and kidney disorders.
Development Plans
Novo Nordisk will have exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize zaltenibart. The company plans to initiate a global phase 3 program for zaltenibart in PNH and explore further development in other rare disorders following the transaction's expected closure in Q4 2025.
Omeros' Focus
Omeros retains rights to its preclinical MASP-3 programs unrelated to zaltenibart, including small-molecule MASP-3 inhibitors. The company will continue to focus on securing approval and commercialization of its lead MASP-2 inhibitor, narsoplimab, and advancing its development pipeline.
