Core Viewpoint - Black Hawk Acquisition Corp. has signed a Business Combination Agreement with Vesicor Therapeutics, aiming to merge and bring Vesicor's innovative cancer therapeutics to public markets [1][6][7]. Company Overview - Vesicor Therapeutics, founded in 2008, is focused on developing p53-based cancer therapeutics using precision-engineered microvesicles [2]. - The company's first product candidate, ecm-RV/p53, is a non-viral nanoparticle RNA vesicle loaded with p53 mRNA, currently unapproved in the U.S. and Japan but has been administered to patients under specific regulations in Japan since 2018 [3]. Product Development - Vesicor's ecm-RV/p53 has been used in patients with advanced cancers, including breast, pancreatic, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, indicating its broad therapeutic potential [3]. - The company plans to initiate preclinical testing in the U.S., submit an IND application to the FDA, and begin clinical trials in 2026 [3][4]. Transaction Details - The merger will result in Vesicor becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hawk, which will continue to be listed on Nasdaq and change its name to Vesicor Therapeutics [6][7]. - The transaction values Vesicor at a pre-money equity value of $70 million, with existing shareholders rolling over 100% of their equity into the combined company [7][8]. - The transaction has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals [7][8]. Leadership Statements - Black Hawk's CEO expressed confidence in Vesicor's potential to disrupt the cancer therapeutics industry and emphasized the goal of supporting Vesicor's growth as a public company [4]. - Vesicor's CEO highlighted the mission to transform the lives of cancer patients and the importance of the merger in facilitating access to capital markets for their drug candidate [5].