Global venture capital player Forbion has reshaped its senior leadership structure with two internal promotions and a new external hire, a move aimed at reinforcing its investment and portfolio development capabilities across the biotech sector.
The changes see experienced investors stepping into expanded leadership roles, alongside the arrival of a seasoned dealmaker from major pharmaceutical companies.
Jon Edwards Promoted After Expanding Early-Stage Investment Footprint
Boston-based Jon Edwards has been elevated to General Partner, recognising his growing influence in identifying and structuring early-stage biotech investments across multiple therapeutic areas.
Since joining Forbion in 2025, Edwards has been deeply involved in sourcing and building companies from inception through early clinical development.
His investment record includes involvement with firms such as Excellergy, Bicara Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines, Synthorx, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, many of which went on to achieve major exits or acquisitions by global pharmaceutical groups including Novartis, Celgene, Sanofi, and Regeneron.
Beyond deal origination, Edwards has also taken on governance responsibilities, serving on the boards of Altesa, AiRNA, and Spoila, where he continues to shape strategic direction as the companies progress through development stages.
Regina Salvat Steps Up to Partner Role Amid Growth Strategy Focus
Regina Salvat has been promoted to Partner, reflecting her expanding responsibilities within Forbion’s Growth investment strategy and her broader influence across the life sciences ecosystem.
Salvat works across biotech investing, operational strategy, and sector engagement, drawing on experience that spans pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and consulting.
She currently serves on the boards of Marea Therapeutics, Expedition Therapeutics, and Sling Therapeutics, and also acts as a board observer at Verdiva Bio.
Her academic background includes a PhD in Protein Engineering from Dartmouth College, where her research contributed to de-immunization techniques for protein therapeutics that were later commercialised into Stealth Biologics before being acquired by Insmed.
She also holds engineering degrees from Cornell University, further grounding her technical and commercial expertise in biomedical innovation.
John McDonald Joins as Operating Partner to Drive Deals and Partnerships
Joining the firm from Boston, John McDonald has been appointed Operating Partner for Business Development and M&A, where he will support both the Ventures and Growth teams as well as portfolio companies.
McDonald brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles across some of the most influential names in the biopharma industry, including Novo Nordisk, Biogen, MPM Capital, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, and Genzyme.
His most recent position was Global Head of Business Development and M&A at Novo Nordisk, where he led major strategic transactions.
Across his career, he has been involved in numerous partnerships, acquisitions, and corporate development initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of innovative biotech firms and advance new therapies through the development pipeline.
Forbion Reinforces Strategy Across Global Life Sciences Market
The leadership changes come as Forbion continues to expand its presence across key biotech hubs in Europe and the United States, including offices in Naarden, Munich, and Boston.
Managing approximately €5 billion in assets across multiple fund strategies, the firm invests across the full lifecycle of drug development, from early discovery through late-stage growth.
Its portfolio spans more than 130 investments across 10 funds, contributing to a track record that includes approved therapies and multiple successful exits.
Alongside its human health investment strategy, Forbion has also expanded into planetary health through its BioEconomy focus, signalling a broader push into sustainability-linked innovation within the life sciences sector.
