Novo Nordisk to Buy Blood Disease Drug From Omeros for Up to $2.1 Billion — Update
By Dominic Chopping
Novo Nordisk said it would take over a drug under development to treat rare blood and kidney disorders from Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical firm Omeros for up to $2.1 billion.
Under the asset purchase and license agreement, Novo Nordisk will be granted exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize zaltenibart. Seattle-based Omeros is eligible for $340 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments of up to $2.1 billion, including potential development and commercial milestones on top of tiered royalties on net sales.
Omeros shares have more than doubled Wednesday after the deal was announced. Novo Nordisk shares are up 0.8%.
The agreement marks a vote of confidence from the Danish pharmaceutical giant in zaltenibart following positive trial data in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria--a rare, acquired blood disorder. The companies said the candidate drug has potential applications across therapeutic areas, including renal diseases.
"Novo Nordisk is in a strong position to build on the work done by Omeros to maximize the value of this asset and develop zaltenibart into a differentiated and potentially best-in-class treatment approach for a number of rare blood and kidney disorders," said Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of research and development at Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk said it plans to launch a late-stage phase 3 study for zaltenibart in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and look into further development for other rare blood and kidney disorders once the deal is complete.
The group has previously pledged to broaden its pipeline of rare-disease drugs and late last year announced plans to invest $1.2 billion in new production facilities in Denmark.
The deal with Omeros is subject to certain conditions such as regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 15, 2025 11:36 ET (15:36 GMT)
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