Novo throws weight behind budding rare disease pipeline
Novo Nordisk acquired global rights to Omeros’ late-stage rare disease asset, zaltenibart (formerly OMS906), a MASP-3 inhibitor targeting the complement system, for up to $2.1 billion135.
Omeros receives $340 million in upfront and short-term milestone payments, and is eligible for up to $2.1 billion in additional development and commercial milestone payments based on zaltenibart’s performance135.
Zaltenibart is poised for Phase III trials in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder with limited treatment options; Novo Nordisk will fund and manage these trials13.
The deal bolsters Novo Nordisk’s rare blood disease portfolio, which now includes five assets in Phases I–III13.
Zaltenibart’s novel mechanism—blocking MASP-3 to inhibit the alternative pathway of the complement system—could offer advantages over existing therapies for complement-mediated diseases3.
Omeros retains rights to preclinical MASP-3 programs and oral small molecule inhibitors, while focusing on its MASP-2 inhibitor (narsoplimab) in FDA/EMA review3.
Novo Nordisk’s commitment signals a strategic expansion into rare diseases, beyond its core focus on diabetes and obesity179.
Sources:
1. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/novo-nordisk-acquires-zaltenibart-omeros-pnh-asset/
3. https://medcitynews.com/2025/10/novo-nordisk-omeros-complement-system-masp3-inhibitor-rare-disease-pnh-omer-nvo/
5. https://www.biospace.com/deals/novo-offers-up-to-2-1b-for-omeros-complement-drug-to-expand-rare-disease-work
7. https://www.novonordisk.com/science-and-technology/r-d-pipeline.html