Vesicor Therapeutics Appoints Michael Tolentino, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer

Accomplished biotech leader to lead Vesicor as it pursues IND submission for its cancer therapeutic

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:50am

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Vesicor Therapeutics, a California-based biotech focused on developing p53-based cancer treatments, has appointed Michael Tolentino, M.D., an experienced biotech executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Tolentino succeeds Founder and CEO Luo Feng, Ph.D., who has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer. Tolentino is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the biotech industry and deep relationships across the drug discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical development ecosystems.

Why it matters

Vesicor is working to develop a novel cancer therapeutic and is pursuing a proposed de-SPAC merger with Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation. Tolentino's appointment as CEO is seen as crucial to help the company accelerate its IND-enabling studies and IND submission to the FDA as it works to bring its cancer treatment to market.

The details

Tolentino is a respected biotech executive who has founded and led several successful companies, including Acuity Pharmaceuticals, Promedior, and Avdarna Therapeutics. He has deep expertise in drug discovery, pre-clinical development, and clinical trials, and has been involved in the development of several blockbuster drugs, including Avastin and Bevasiranib. In his new role as Vesicor's CEO, Tolentino will be responsible for leading the company's efforts to advance its cancer therapeutic through the regulatory approval process.

  • Tolentino was appointed as Vesicor's CEO on March 17, 2026.
  • Vesicor is targeting an IND submission to the FDA in 2027.

The players

Vesicor Therapeutics, Inc.

A San Gabriel, California-based early development stage biotechnology company 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 Vesicor's new Chief Executive Officer.

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.

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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.

What’s next

Vesicor Therapeutics is targeting an IND submission to the FDA for its cancer therapeutic in 2027.

The takeaway

Vesicor Therapeutics has brought on an experienced biotech leader in Michael Tolentino, M.D. to help guide the company through the regulatory approval process for its novel cancer treatment as it works towards a proposed de-SPAC merger with Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation.