Genocea Biosciences announced it entered into a loan and security agreement with Hercules Technology Growth Capital for a term loan of up to $27 million.

Proceeds of the initial draw of $12 million will be used to repay Genocea’s existing term loan facility and provide additional working capital for general corporate purposes.

Genocea can draw up to an additional $5 million at its option through June 30, 2015. Two further tranches of $5 million each can be drawn down at Genocea’s option on or prior to December 15, 2015 subject to the achievement of certain clinical and corporate milestones.

“This additional access to capital enhances our financial flexibility during a period when we expect to announce data from both of our lead clinical programs,” said Jonathan Poole, CFO of Genocea. “We are pleased to be working with the leading specialty finance company to help further our growth and support the continued development of our pipeline of novel product candidates. Hercules understands our business and has a strong conviction in our corporate strategy.”

Genocea is harnessing the power of T cell immunity to develop life-changing vaccines and immunotherapies.