Based in San Diego, Gallant is pioneering a new approach to veterinary medicine. They’re at the forefront of the stem cell revolution with their first-in-class pet stem cell therapies. Having sold DogVacay to Rover, Aaron Hirschhorn started Gallant seven years ago. Since then, Gallant has gone on to raise at least $44 million from investors. The started company in due course of launching its first FDA approved ready to use stem cell therapy. This groundbreaking treatment is designed to address the roots of Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe painful inflammatory condition in cats’ mouths.
Gallant’s breakthrough treatment relies on off-the-shelf cells harvested from these donor animals—donors, mind you, that can be of entirely different species. This approach is very different from current stem cell based therapies. Rather than harvesting cells from patients or tissue-matching donors, it does something entirely different. The company expects FCGS to be approved by the FDA by early 2026, a potential landmark achievement for veterinary care.
Gallant recently announced an eye-popping $18 million in follow-on funding. This investment will supercharge its efforts to move promising stem cell therapy initiatives forward. Linda Black, the company’s president and chief scientific officer, has been instrumental in guiding Gallant’s scientific efforts since almost its inception. Thanks to her leadership, the company has made an innovative effort – producing much-needed treatments for conditions like osteosarcoma and pain in pets.
Gallant’s work has proven successful in already relieving dogs in pain from arthritis. Research found significant reductions in pain and increased mobility, with some effects lasting for more than two years. Gallant’s mission is to address the unmet needs of cats affected by kidney disease. Given the hit or miss reactions to prior treatments, the company is taking measured steps as it expands its mission.
These recent advances are an important step in a paradigm shift toward more veterinary medicine adopting a similar approach to optimizing treatment of chronic conditions in our pets. With a focus on ready-made solutions, Gallant is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of veterinary stem cell therapies.
