(Reuters) -Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk and Omeros have signed a licensing deal worth up to $2.1 billion for the U.S.-based company’s experimental drug, which is being developed for rare blood and kidney disorders, they said on Wednesday.

Omeros shares more than doubled to $9.90 in morning trading.

As part of the agreement, Novo gains exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize Omeros’ drug zaltenibart, designed to inhibit MASP-3 — a protein that acts as a key activator of the alternative pathway of complement.

The complement pathway is a system of proteins in the blood that enhances the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Omeros is eligible to receive up to a total of $2.1 billion, including $340 million upfront and near-term milestone payments.

The company had sai

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