Earlier this week, San Diego-based startup Gallant announced a groundbreaking $18 million funding round aimed at revolutionizing veterinary medicine with the first FDA-approved ready-to-use stem cell therapy. If successful in passing regulatory approval, this innovative treatment could transform how we care for our beloved pets.
While stem cell research has been ongoing for human medicine for decades, its application in veterinary care is still in the early stages. Gallant’s initial focus is on a painful oral condition in cats called Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS). The company anticipates that their therapy could receive FDA approval by early 2026, opening new doors for pet health.
Early results in the field are promising. Studies involving dogs with arthritis have shown notable improvements in pain relief and mobility, with some benefits lasting up to two years. However, when researchers explored stem cell treatments for feline kidney disease—a condition Gallant also aims to address—the outcomes were more varied, highlighting the challenges and potential of this innovative approach.
What sets Gallant apart is its focus on convenience and accessibility. Traditional stem cell therapies often require harvesting cells from the patient or matching donor tissue, which can be complex and time-consuming. Gallant’s approach utilizes ready-to-use stem cells from donor animals, even across different species, simplifying the treatment process and making it more accessible for pet owners.
Investors are clearly excited about this technology’s potential. The latest funding round was led by Digitalis Ventures, with participation from NovaQuest Capital Management—another key player that previously invested in the first FDA-approved human stem cell therapy.
Gallant’s journey is also quite compelling. The company’s founder, Aaron Hirschhorn, previously sold DogVacay to its main competitor, Rover. Sadly, Hirschhorn passed away in 2021. Today, Gallant is led by Linda Black, who joined early on as president and chief scientific officer. To date, Gallant has raised over $44 million from investors eager to support this innovative leap in veterinary medicine.
