In a groundbreaking move, San Diego startup Gallant has just secured $18 million to bring ready-made stem cell therapy for pets to our pet community. This innovation might soon revolutionize how we care for our fur babies.
Gallant is targeting Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis— a painful mouth condition in cats. They aim for FDA approval by early 2026. Meanwhile, early studies on dogs with arthritis have shown promising improvements in pain and mobility. Researchers also tested treatments for kidney disease in cats; however, the results were mixed.
What sets Gallant apart is convenience. Most current treatments require harvesting cells from the patient or matching donors. Gallant’s therapy uses ready-to-use cells from donor animals, even if the species differ. This streamlined stem cell therapy for pets process can save time, cost, and stress on both pets and owners. Investors are vibing with this fresh approach. Leading backers like Digitalis Ventures and NovaQuest Capital Management have jumped in. NovaQuest Capital previously backed the first FDA-approved human stem cell therapy.
Gallant has an intriguing backstory. The late Aaron Hirschhorn, the founder, once sold DogVacay to Rover. Now, Linda Black carries the torch as president and chief scientific officer. With over $44 million in total funding raised, Gallant is poised to merge cutting-edge science with real-life impact. This development reminds us that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand—even in the world of pet care.
SOURCE:
TechCrunch
Stem Cell Therapy, Pet Care, Veterinary Innovation, Gallant Funding, FDA Approval, Donor Cells, Feline Gingivostomatitis, Arthritis, Digitalis Ventures, NovaQuest Capital