ILiAD Biotechnologies, an advanced clinical stage biotechnology company focused on preventing and treating disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, announced it has closed an oversubscribed $115 million Series B financing to advance BPZE1, its next-generation pertussis vaccine candidate.
The round was led by RA Capital Management, with participation from new investors Janus Henderson Investors and BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, as well as existing investors, including a multi-national pharmaceutical company and AI Life Sciences. As part of the financing, Mario Barro, Ph.D., Head of Infectious Diseases at RA Capital Management, joined ILiAD’s board.
ILiAD said proceeds will support Phase 3 development of BPZE1. The company expects to begin a pivotal human challenge trial in 2026, with initial data expected in 2027.
BPZE1 is a live attenuated intranasal pertussis vaccine designed to induce both systemic and mucosal immunity, with the goal of providing durable and comprehensive protection against infection, disease and transmission. ILiAD said BPZE1 is being developed to block B. pertussis colonization in adult and adolescent nasal passages, protect those populations from whooping cough, and potentially prevent transmission, including to infants. The company said future development aims to immunize neonates directly.
ILiAD highlighted the ongoing global burden of pertussis, citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for estimates of approximately 24 million cases globally each year and nearly 160,000 deaths in children under 5, and said current vaccines have failed to control epidemics despite estimated global vaccination coverage of 84%.
BPZE1 was developed at the Institut Pasteur de Lille in the lab of Camille Locht and Nathalie Mielcarek, ILiAD said.
KEY QUOTES
“BPZE1 represents a compelling opportunity to address the ongoing burden of pertussis. Across six clinical studies, including a human challenge study published in The Lancet Microbe, BPZE1 has demonstrated the potential to meaningfully advance Bordetella pertussis prevention. Its needle-free administration facilitates broad access, and by inducing robust mucosal immunity, BPZE1 may provide a more natural and durable immune response capable of preventing both disease and transmission.”
Mario Barro, Ph.D., Head Of Infectious Diseases, RA Capital Management
“Today’s financing reflects the urgent need for better pertussis vaccines, the scientific rigor and operational discipline of our team, and the extraordinary potential BPZE1 holds to improve global public health. We are grateful to RA Capital for their diligent efforts to lead the round, to Janus and BNPP AM Alts for their active partnership during the financing process, and to existing investors and all those who came before in support of our mission to eradicate pertussis disease once and for all.”
Keith Rubin, MD, Founder And Chief Executive Officer, ILiAD Biotechnologies
