Earlier this week, the San Diego-based startup Gallant secured $18 million in new funding aimed at advancing the development of the first FDA-approved, off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for veterinary treatment. Should the startup successfully navigate regulatory hurdles, this innovation could dramatically reshape therapeutic options for pets.
Even though stem cell research has been studied in humans extensively for many years, veterinary applications remain an emerging frontier. Gallant, established seven years ago, is initially focusing its efforts on treating a condition known as Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a painful inflammatory ailment affecting cats’ mouths. The company believes its treatment for FCGS could receive FDA approval as early as 2026.
Early research into veterinary stem cell therapies has yielded promising results. For example, studies conducted on dogs suffering from arthritis demonstrated notable improvements in both pain reduction and mobility, with some benefits persisting for up to two years. However, tests involving stem cell therapies for feline kidney disease—another condition Gallant hopes eventually to target—have produced more varied outcomes.
Among current stem cell treatments, most typically rely on harvesting cells from the individual patient or genetically matched donors. Gallant’s approach, in contrast, would allow veterinarians to employ stem cells sourced from donor animals, even across different species, eliminating extensive preparation times and specialized harvesting procedures.
Investors appear convinced by Gallant’s straightforward and scalable method. The recent funding round was spearheaded by the venture firm Digitalis Ventures, which had previously invested in Gallant, alongside NovaQuest Capital Management—a firm known for backing the first FDA-approved human stem cell treatment.
Gallant also has an engaging origin story that many in the startup community find compelling. Founder Aaron Hirschhorn was formerly known for launching DogVacay—a popular dog-sitting platform that was later acquired by its main competitor, Rover. Hirschhorn passed away unexpectedly in 2021, and Gallant’s leadership then transitioned to Linda Black, who joined the company at an early stage and currently serves as its president and chief scientific officer. To date, Gallant has raised a total of approximately $44 million from investors.
