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Blackhawk Today
By the People, for the People
Vesicor Therapeutics Appoints Michael Tolentino, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer
Accomplished biotech leader with deep industry experience to lead Vesicor's next phase of growth
Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:05am
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Vesicor Therapeutics, an early-stage biotech company focused on developing p53-based cancer therapeutics, has appointed Michael Tolentino, M.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Tolentino is a seasoned biotech executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry and a proven track record of creating shareholder value. He succeeds Founder and CEO Luo Feng, Ph.D., who has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer.
Why it matters
The appointment of Dr. Tolentino as CEO comes at a critical time for Vesicor as the company works to complete a proposed de-SPAC merger with Blackhawk Acquisition Corporation and accelerate its IND-enabling studies and IND-submission to the FDA for its sole product candidate. Dr. Tolentino's deep industry expertise and relationships across the CRO and pharma ecosystems are expected to be invaluable in driving Vesicor's development efforts forward.
The details
Dr. Tolentino is a serial entrepreneur and longtime biotechnology leader who has founded and led several successful biotech companies over the past two decades. He has deep experience in drug discovery, pre-clinical development, clinical development, and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Tolentino was previously the Co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of Avdarna Therapeutics, and the Co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Aikium, Inc., a company revolutionizing therapeutics discovery and development with its proprietary AI platform.
- Dr. Tolentino's appointment as CEO of Vesicor Therapeutics is effective as of March 17, 2026.
- Vesicor is working to complete its proposed de-SPAC merger with Blackhawk Acquisition Corporation and seek to accelerate its IND-enabling studies and IND-submission to the FDA.
The players
Vesicor Therapeutics, Inc.
A San Gabriel, California-based early development stage biotechnology corporation focused on the development of p53-based cancer therapeutics delivered via precision-engineered microvesicles.
Michael Tolentino, M.D.
An accomplished biotech leader with deep industry experience who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Vesicor Therapeutics.
Luo Feng, Ph.D.
The Founder and former CEO of Vesicor Therapeutics, who has been appointed as the company's new Chief Scientific Officer.
Warren Hosseinion, M.D.
The Chairman of the Board of Vesicor Therapeutics.
Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: BKHA, BKHAU, BKHAR)
A SPAC that Vesicor Therapeutics is proposing to merge with in a de-SPAC transaction.
What they’re saying
“Dr. Tolentino is an exceptional leader whose biotech industry expertise, deep relationships across the contract research organization (CRO) and pharma ecosystems and has a proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Vesicor needs in its next CEO.”
— Warren Hosseinion, M.D., Chairman of the Board of Vesicor Therapeutics
“I am delighted to join Vesicor Therapeutics as CEO. I have tremendous respect and admiration for this company, its science and its Founders and I am eager to build upon the technology and work the team has been doing to position itself for an IND submission in 2027. I see significant opportunities to develop potent therapeutics against cancer and create value for our shareholders.”
— Michael Tolentino, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Vesicor Therapeutics
What’s next
Vesicor Therapeutics is working to complete its proposed de-SPAC merger with Blackhawk Acquisition Corporation and seek to accelerate its IND-enabling studies and IND-submission to the FDA for its sole product candidate.
The takeaway
The appointment of Dr. Michael Tolentino, an experienced biotech leader, as the new CEO of Vesicor Therapeutics is a strategic move that positions the company for growth and the potential development of innovative cancer therapeutics as it works towards an IND submission and potential FDA approval.
