Gallant Expands Board with Two Veterinarians to Enhance Biotechnology Innovations

Gallant's Game-Changing Move in Animal Health

Gallant, a pioneering company in the field of animal health biotechnology, has taken a significant step forward by announcing the appointment of Dr. Misti Ushio and Doug Drew to its Board of Directors. This move comes at a critical juncture when the company is on the verge of introducing potentially the first FDA-approved ready-to-use stem cell therapy for pets. The addition of these two industry veterans brings invaluable expertise in commercialization and clinical operations, which are essential as Gallant prepares to launch its first therapy.

Dr. Misti Ushio brings over 25 years of experience in biotechnology to the team. Currently a Managing Partner at Digitalis Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on innovations in both human and animal health, she has successfully translated groundbreaking scientific discoveries into marketable products. Her past accolades include founding TARA Biosystems, a company that strives to innovate by creating lab-grown human cardiac tissue for drug discovery. Under her leadership, TARA raised $21.3 million in capital and was later acquired by Valo Health. Dr. Ushio's expertise at Harris Harris Group includes managing investments in life sciences and working at Merck where she contributed to vaccine and biologics development. "Building a new therapeutic category requires talent, technology, and a great deal of passion. Gallant has it all," she stated. Her commitment to the company's objectives emphasizes the rapid progress Gallant has made in clinical trials and navigating the FDA process.

Joining Dr. Ushio is Doug Drew, a seasoned professional who has held the position of Global President at Mars Veterinary Health. With a network encompassing over 3,000 veterinary hospitals in more than 20 countries, Drew is recognized for expanding Mars' reach while focusing on career development and diversity within the veterinary field. His understanding of veterinary business and the integration of innovative practices into daily operations cements his role as a significant asset for Gallant. "Gallant's therapy checks all the boxes for practical, scalable innovation in veterinary care," Drew stated, highlighting the therapy's easy administration via a simple IV injection, making it suitable for veterinary daily practices.

The recent appointments arrive amidst Gallant's successful $18 million Series B financing round and strategic advancements in regulatory processes with the FDA. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has acknowledged the potential effectiveness of Gallant's stem cell therapy for treating refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a significant step toward conditional approval. With the final decision anticipated by Q1 2026, Gallant is imposing its mark on a new frontier of veterinary medicine.

The Importance of Innovation in Veterinary Care

Gallant’s mission extends beyond merely alleviating symptoms; it targets the core causes of diseases through regenerative medicine. As pets face various common and underaddressed conditions, the incorporation of this innovative therapy could revolutionize treatment approaches in veterinary practices.

Dr. Linda Black, CEO of Gallant, articulated the importance of Dr. Ushio and Drew’s complementary skill sets. "Misti is a veteran biotech executive who knows how to turn complex science into category-defining products, and Doug has spent his career listening to veterinarians and delivering tools they trust," Black noted. This synergy positions Gallant to excel in both scientific innovation and practical implementation.

Looking ahead, Gallant aims to set a new standard in veterinary medicine through its ready-to-use stem cell therapies. The combined experience of Ushio and Drew creates a robust foundation for the company’s next big leap, ensuring that patients and veterinary professionals alike will benefit from cutting-edge technology designed for real-world applications.

To sum up, Gallant's strategic appointments at this pivotal moment underscore a commitment to advancing pet healthcare in breakthrough ways. These developments signal a transformative period for veterinary medicine, where innovation and practicality converge to enhance the well-being of our beloved pets.

For those interested in learning more about Gallant and their innovative approaches to pet therapy, visit gallant.com.