Gallant, a San Diego startup has just closed on an $18 million series A to advance what may end up being a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine. The first FDA approved off the shelf stem cell therapy in pets, such a move should it pass would have a role in transforming the way we deal with severe health problems in animals. Gallant’s first topic is painful mouth disease in cats which is known as Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS). The firm aims to receive FDA authorization for this treatment by the first part of 2026. It may be quite difficult to cure this condition and stem cells may help where others fail.
The use of stem cells as a therapeutic option is not new in the world of the vet but the earlier findings are encouraging. Some of the studies indicated an increase in movement in dogs with arthritis and a reduction in pain extending to two years. It has not been as clear in cats with kidney disease but that is also in Gallant’s view. The distinguishing feature of the Gallant approach is the ease with which it could be used by the vets. The conventional usage of stem cells may require the cells to be plucked away from the patient or a matching donor. Gallant does not go through that phase. The stem cells to be used on them are donated by animals and sometimes even across species which are therefore ready to use immediately. This saves time and it simplifies the process and makes it easily accessible.
The investors appear to be eager well overall. Gallant has currently brought in a minimum of $44 million. There is also a great backstory of the company. DogVacay was the brainchild of one entrepreneur, Aaron Hirschhorn. Since he died in 2021, Linda Black has become his successor and she has already contributed to the scientific development of Gallant in the early days. Gallant is positioning itself to put foreign medicine within reach of pets. Assuming that their efforts are successful then stem cell treatment could be normalized practice in animal care in the near future and provide pet owners and their furry pets with new hope.
Earlier this week, San Diego startup Gallant announced $18 million in funding to bring the first FDA-approved ready-to-use stem cell therapy to veterinary medicine. If it passes regulatory muster, it could create a whole new way to treat our fur babies.