Vesicor Therapeutics Appoints Michael Tolentino as CEO Ahead of Planned Merger and Clinical Milestones

Vesicor Therapeutics Inc., the proposed acquisition target of Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: BKHA, BKHAU, BKHAR), has appointed Michael Tolentino, M.D., as chief executive officer effective March 17, 2026. Tolentino succeeds founder Luo Feng, Ph.D., who will transition to the role of chief scientific officer. The leadership change comes as the company advances its p53-based cancer therapeutic platform and prepares for Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and a planned submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Tolentino brings more than two decades of biotechnology leadership experience to Vesicor, with a background spanning drug discovery, clinical development, and company building. His experience includes roles in the development of the cancer drug Avastin and leadership positions at multiple biotechnology firms. The appointment is expected to support the execution of Vesicor’s growth strategy and its progression toward the proposed merger with Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

The transition in leadership is strategically timed as Vesicor moves its therapeutic platform closer to clinical trials. The p53 protein is a well-known tumor suppressor, and therapies targeting its pathway represent a significant area of oncology research. The company’s progress toward IND-enabling studies is a critical step in demonstrating the potential viability of its approach to regulators and the investment community.

For more information on Black Hawk Acquisition Corporation, please visit https://www.bhspac.com/. The original press release announcing this appointment can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/IccCX. The leadership appointment underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its scientific platform through experienced management as it navigates key regulatory and corporate development milestones.

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