Florida-based biotechnology firm ILiAD Biotechnologies Inc. announced Tuesday that it has closed a major financing round, securing $115 million to propel development of a next-generation vaccine aimed at curbing whooping cough — a disease that continues to exact a deadly toll on young children worldwide.

The ILiAD $115M Fundraise marks a pivotal moment for the advanced clinical-stage company as it accelerates work on a vaccine candidate designed to halt not only illness but transmission of the bacteria behind pertussis.

A Persistent Global Threat

ILiAD is focused on preventing and treating whooping cough, an infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite longstanding vaccination programs, the disease remains stubbornly persistent.

Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company noted that pertussis is linked to nearly 160,000 deaths each year among children under the age of five — a stark reminder that the pathogen still finds ways to slip through public health defenses.

Against that backdrop, ILiAD is betting that science can outpace the bacteria.

Funding to Advance “Next Generation” Vaccine

Proceeds from the Series B round will support further development of ILiAD’s lead vaccine candidate, BPZE1. The company describes BPZE1 as a “next generation” approach designed to deliver broad and durable immunity, aiming to prevent infection, disease and transmission of Bordetella pertussis.

Unlike traditional shots, BPZE1 is administered without a needle, a feature the company says could widen access and acceptance. By stimulating mucosal immunity — the body’s frontline defense in the respiratory tract — the vaccine is intended to mirror a more natural immune response.

ILiAD said it plans to begin a human challenge trial of BPZE1 later this year, with data anticipated in 2027. The upcoming trial will test whether the candidate can withstand direct exposure to the pathogen — a high-stakes proving ground in vaccine development.

Investors Rally Behind the Science

The ILiAD $115M Fundraise was led by RA Capital Management, with participation from new investors Janus Henderson Investors and BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts. Existing backers, including AI Life Sciences, also joined the round.

ILiAD founder and CEO Keith Rubin said the financing underscores both the urgency of the public health need and confidence in the company’s approach.

“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,” Rubin said. He thanked RA Capital for leading the round and acknowledged Janus, BNPP AM Alts and earlier investors for their support in advancing the company’s mission to eradicate pertussis.

Board Appointment Signals Strategic Backing

As part of the investment, Mario Barro, head of infectious diseases at RA Capital Management, will join ILiAD’s board of directors.

Barro described BPZE1 as a promising opportunity to confront the enduring burden of pertussis. Across six clinical studies, he said, the candidate has shown potential to significantly advance prevention efforts.

He highlighted the vaccine’s needle-free delivery and its ability to generate strong mucosal immunity, which he said may provide a more durable immune response capable of blocking both disease and transmission.

Looking Ahead

With fresh capital in hand, ILiAD now moves into its next phase — navigating the complexities of human challenge trials and the long regulatory road beyond. For a disease that has lingered like a shadow despite decades of vaccines, the company’s progress could signal a turning point.

Information regarding legal counsel advising ILiAD on the financing was not immediately available Tuesday.