Novo Nordisk Buys Omeros' MASP-3 Drug Zaltenibart for $2.4B

Novo Nordisk has made a significant advance in the rare disease sector by signing a definitive asset purchase and license agreement with Omeros Corporation to acquire its clinical-stage MASP-3 inhibitor zaltenibart.

Novo Nordisk will obtain exclusive global rights to develop zaltenibart for all potential indications. The agreement includes total payments to Omeros of up to US$2.4 billion — which includes an upfront payment of US$340 million and near-term milestones, plus additional development and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties on future sales.

Zaltenibart is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits MASP-3, an important initiator of the complement system's alternative pathway and critical in a rare complement-mediated disease. Omeros has already announced promising Phase 2 data in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare disease characterized by an immune-driven destruction of red blood cells.

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Martin Holst Lange, Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, said zaltenibart’s novel mode of action positions it as a potential best-in-class therapy for rare blood and kidney disorders. Following the transaction, Novo Nordisk plans a global Phase 3 program in PNH and will explore additional indications.

Omeros CEO Gregory A. Demopulos highlighted that Novo Nordisk’s expertise will accelerate zaltenibart’s global potential, while Omeros remains focused on advancing its narsoplimab program and preclinical MASP-3 pipeline.

Ludovic Helfgott, Executive Vice President of Product and Portfolio Strategy at Novo Nordisk, said “This agreement builds on our heritage and enhances our portfolio with a promising growth driver in this important therapeutic area.”

With this acquisition, Novo Nordisk strengthens its Rare Disease portfolio, reinforcing its strategic commitment to innovative therapies for underserved patient populations.