Vesicor Therapeutics Names Dr. Michael Tolentino as CEO, Signals Strategic Shift Ahead of De-SPAC Merger

Blackhawk, California – March 17, 2026 — Vesicor Therapeutics, Inc., an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing p53-based cancer therapeutics via precision-engineered microvesicles, has announced a major leadership change with the appointment of Dr. Michael Tolentino, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Dr. Tolentino succeeds Founder and outgoing CEO Dr. Luo Feng, who will now serve as Chief Scientific Officer.

Key Points for Investors

• Leadership Change: Accomplished biotech executive Dr. Michael Tolentino takes the helm as CEO, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of innovation and value creation.
• Strategic Inflection Point: The leadership transition comes as Vesicor prepares to complete its proposed de-SPAC merger with Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: BKHA, BKHAU, BKHAR).
• Pipeline Milestones: The company is aiming for IND-enabling studies and an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission to the FDA by 2027 for its lead p53-based cancer therapeutic candidate.
• Industry Track Record: Dr. Tolentino’s extensive history of biotech innovation and exits includes key roles in the development of Avastin, Bevasiranib, and the successful sale of Promedior to Roche for up to \$1 billion.
• AI-Driven Drug Discovery: Dr. Tolentino is also leading Aikium, Inc., which has developed “Yotta-ML,” a proprietary AI platform for peptide/protein drug discovery—potentially a significant driver of future pipeline expansion.

Detailed Overview

Leadership Announcement and Strategic Direction

Vesicor’s Chairman, Dr. Warren Hosseinion, highlighted Dr. Tolentino’s deep relationships across the contract research organization (CRO) and pharma ecosystems, stating, “Dr. Tolentino is an exceptional leader whose biotech industry expertise and proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Vesicor needs in its next CEO. We are honored to have Dr. Tolentino as our new CEO as we work to complete our proposed de-SPAC merger with Blackhawk Acquisition Corporation and seek to accelerate our IND-enabling studies and IND-submission to the FDA.”

CEO’s Vision and Commitment

In a statement, Dr. Tolentino emphasized his admiration for Vesicor’s scientific foundation and founders and outlined his goal to position the company for the IND submission in 2027, targeting the development of potent cancer therapeutics and long-term value creation for shareholders.

Dr. Michael Tolentino’s Track Record

• Research & Early Drug Development: At Harvard Medical School, Dr. Tolentino helped invent and pre-clinically develop Avastin (Genentech), a foundational anti-VEGF therapy for retinal diseases and cancer.
• Entrepreneurship: Founder and CEO roles at Acuity Pharmaceuticals (merged with OPKO Health, NASDAQ: OPK), and scientific founder at Promedior (sold to Roche for \$390M upfront, up to \$1B total).
• Clinical Trial Innovation: Co-founder of Panther Pharmaceuticals; co-founder and partner of Vision Integrated Partners, where he established Blue Ocean Clinical Research to run clinical trials.
• AI-Driven Therapeutics: Co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of Avdarna Therapeutics (AI-generated peptide/protein drugs); co-founder and Chief Development Officer at Aikium, Inc., developer of “Yotta-ML,” the world’s first 10²⁴-protein/peptide sequence AI drug discovery platform.
• Financing Milestones: Led Aviceda Therapeutics to a \$207.5M Series C financing round, and contributed to multiple late-stage clinical programs.

Potential Shareholder Impact and Price Sensitivity

• Leadership Shift: Appointment of a high-profile CEO with a strong M&A and clinical drug development background may increase investor confidence and attract institutional interest, particularly as the company approaches a pivotal de-SPAC transaction.
• De-SPAC Merger: Progress towards closing the merger with Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation is a significant corporate event likely to impact share price, given the potential for capital influx and NASDAQ visibility.
• Regulatory Pipeline: Clear timeline towards IND submission in 2027 is a critical milestone; investors should monitor progress and potential partnership announcements closely.
• AI-Enabled Drug Discovery: The involvement of Aikium’s Yotta-ML platform positions Vesicor at the forefront of next-generation therapeutics, which could provide a competitive advantage and attract strategic collaborations.

Risks and Forward-Looking Statements

Investors should note that Vesicor’s lead product candidate has not yet entered the FDA regulatory approval process and remains unapproved as of this announcement. The company’s future success is subject to multiple risks, including financing needs, regulatory hurdles, reliance on third-party contractors and suppliers, and the ability to achieve market acceptance in a competitive sector characterized by rapid technological innovation. There is no guarantee of regulatory approval or commercial success.

Contact Information

Investor Contact: Warren Hosseinion, Chairman of Vesicor
Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Investors should consult official SEC filings and perform their own due diligence before making investment decisions. Neither Vesicor Therapeutics, Inc., Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation, nor the author undertakes any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law.

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