A Deal With Novo Nordisk Sent This Stock 181% Higher Overnight. Is It a Buy Now?

Core Viewpoint - Omeros' stock surged significantly following a $340 million deal with Novo Nordisk for exclusive global rights to develop zaltenibart, a complement system inhibitor, indicating potential for substantial future revenue [2][4]. Group 1: Deal Significance - The agreement with Novo Nordisk is crucial for Omeros, a company without product sales, as it provides immediate cash flow and potential future milestone payments totaling up to $2.1 billion if zaltenibart succeeds [4][3]. - Omeros' market capitalization was approximately $700 million at midday on October 15, suggesting a low valuation relative to the cash influx from the deal [4]. Group 2: Product Pipeline - Zaltenibart targets the MASP-3 protein and is not the most advanced candidate in Omeros' pipeline; the lead candidate, narsoplimab, is an experimental MASP-2 inhibitor currently under FDA review [5]. - Narsoplimab is being developed for treating HSCT-TMA, but the FDA previously issued a complete response letter in 2021, requesting additional data to assess treatment effects [6][9]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - The FDA's request for more data in 2021 likely indicates the need for a new study with a randomized control group, which Omeros did not conduct [9]. - Narsoplimab's approval is uncertain, especially after failing to show efficacy in a pivotal trial for another autoimmune disorder in 2023 [10]. Group 4: Financial Position - Omeros ended June with $28.7 million in cash and short-term investments, having burned through $58.9 million in the first half of 2025, making the Novo Nordisk deal critical for financial stability [11].