Gallant, a San Diego firm, reported earlier this week that it had raised $18 million to provide the first FDA-approved, usable stem cell therapy into veterinary care. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for our animal kids if it passes regulatory approval.
Despite decades of human stem cell research, the science is still in its experimental stage. Gallant, who is seven years old, predicts the FDA may approve a treatment for feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe mouth ailment in cats, by early 2026.
There have been some positive initial findings in the field. Research on dogs with arthritis revealed pain and movement improvements, some of which persisted for up to two years. However, the outcomes were more inconsistent when researchers attempted comparable therapies for kidney illness in cats, another ailment Gallant wishes to address.
Gallant’s method is unique since it is convenient. Gallant’s therapy uses ready-to-use cells from donor animals, even if they are of a different species, while the majority of stem cell treatments now in use involve extracting cells from the patient or donors with matching tissue.
Investors clearly see potential here. The financing round was led by an existing investor, Digitalis Ventures. Participating was NovaQuest Capital Management, which had previously made an investment in the first human stem cell therapy to receive FDA approval.
The history of the company is fascinating. In the past, Gallant’s founder, Aaron Hirschhorn, sold DogVacay to Rover, its main competitor in the dog-sitting industry. Linda Black, who joined Gallant as its president and chief scientific officer almost immediately, is currently in charge of the organization after Hirschhorn passed away in 2021. As of right now, Gallant has raised a minimum of $44 million from investors.
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