Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy for Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (rFCGS)

by Rebecca Windsor DVM, DACVIM

What pet parents should know about this therapy for Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis

Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (rFCGS) is a painful and frustrating condition in cats . If your cat has been diagnosed, you’ve probably tried it all: tooth extractions, pain medications, steroids. And yet, the symptoms persist.

At Gallant, we’re working to change that.

We’re studying a new class of care—stem cell therapy—with the goal of helping veterinarians and pet parents explore new ways to support cats living with FCGS. This blog explores what we’re learning and why there’s reason to be hopeful.

Note: Gallant’s investigational therapies are not approved for commercial use. All studies are conducted under FDA oversight.

What Is FCGS?

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a severe oral inflammatory condition that causes significant pain and inflammation in a cat’s mouth. It often leads to difficulty eating, grooming, and engaging in daily activities.

Oral anatomy diagram showing inflammation patterns in feline chronic gingivostomatitis affecting gingiva and caudal oral mucosa.

Common symptoms include:

  • Red, inflamed, or ulcerated gums
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Drooling or bad breath
  • Weight loss and lethargy
  • Vocalization due to oral pain

For most cats, treatment is a long journey through tooth extractions and medical management. Unfortunately about 1/3 of cats have persistent signs despite these therapies and are considered “refractory.”

A New Approach: Investigating Stem Cell Therapy

Gallant is developing an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy from a type of stem cell called a mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) for cats with FCGS. This therapy is currently being evaluated under an FDA-authorized clinical trial.

Here’s what makes our investigational therapy different:

  • High cell quality: MSCs cells are sourced from the uterine tissue of healthy FDA-qualified donors during routine spay procedures
  • Ready to use: Our stem cell products are shipped on-demand, limiting long wait times
  • Regulated and standardized: Developed with quality controls in a Good Manufacturing Practices-compliant facility, in alignment with the FDA’s structured review and approval process.

This therapy is being explored as a potential option for cases that don’t respond to traditional care.

How to Get Involved

Gallant is currently enrolling cats into clinical trials at veterinary practices across the country. If your cat has been diagnosed with FCGS and you’re seeking new options, talk to your veterinarian about whether a clinical study may be appropriate.

Visit our Clinical Trials page

Learn more about Gallant clinical trials.

All participation is voluntary and conducted under veterinary supervision in accordance with FDA regulations.

Disclaimer

Gallant’s investigational stem cell therapies are not commercially available. These veterinary products may be available through participation in a study at a qualified clinic under FDA-authorized protocols. This blog is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Rebecca Windsor DVM, DACVIM
Rebecca Windsor DVM, DACVIM

Vice President of Veterinary Affairs at Gallant

Dr. Rebecca Windsor, DVM, DACVIM, is a board-certified veterinary neurologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and a strong record of scientific publication. She joined Gallant in 2025 and serves as Vice President of Veterinary Affairs.

Dr. Windsor specializes in veterinary regenerative medicine, with a focus on advancing FDA-approved, off-the-shelf mesenchymal stem cell therapies for pets. She develops educational platforms that translate the science, safety, and clinical efficacy of stem cell therapy for veterinary professionals. Since 2019, she has served as a Clinician Scientist at Ethos Discovery, where she leads the neurology research portfolio.