- John Edwards, PhD, promoted to general partner; Regina Salvet, PhD, promoted to partner
- John MacDonald, MBA, joins Novo Nordisk as Operating Partner, Business Development and M&A
- Extended leadership supports continued investment in leading biotechnology companies in venture and growth-stage investments
Naarden, Netherlands and Boston, June 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forbiana leading global life sciences venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe, announces the promotion of John Edwards, PhD, to General Partner, Regina Salvet, PhD, to Partner, as well as the appointment of John McDonald, MBA, to Operating Partner, Business Development and M&A. Based in the firm’s Boston office, John, Regina and John each bring deep expertise and leadership that further strengthens Forbion’s global investment platform and supports the firm’s mission to identify, build and advance innovative biotechnology companies developing transformative treatments for patients with critical medical needs.
“Both Regina and John have demonstrated exceptional leadership, investment decisions and commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology companies.” Martian van Osch, Managing Partner of Forbion said. “We are pleased to welcome John to the team. His extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships and M&A in the biopharma industry will be invaluable as we continue to support our portfolio companies and expand our global platform.”
John Edwards, PhD, Promoted to General Partner
Based in Boston, John focuses on sourcing, evaluating and structuring investments from company formation through early clinical development across a wide range of therapeutic areas. His track record includes Accelergy (acquired by Novartis), Bicara Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines (acquired by Celgene), Synthorx (acquired by Sanofi), Fathom Pharmaceuticals, and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Regeneron). Since joining Forbion in 2025, John has played a key role in driving the firm’s investment strategy and currently serves on the boards of Altesa, AIRNA and Spoila.
“Forbion’s combination of scientific excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and global reach makes it a uniquely exciting place to invest and build companies.” John Edwards, PhD said. “I am thrilled to take on this new role and to continue partnering with the extraordinary founders and management teams to bring impactful new medicines to patients.”
Regina Salvat, PhD, promoted to partner
Regina focuses on Forbion’s growth strategy, leveraging her experience in biotech investment, operations and strategy, as well as her extensive network across the entire life sciences ecosystem. He currently serves on the boards of Maria Therapeutics, Expedition Therapeutics and Sling Therapeutics and is a board observer at Verdiva Bio. She was also a member of the diligence teams of Maplight Therapeutics and BraveHeart Bio.
Before joining Forbion, Regina held roles in large pharma, a biotechnology startup, and a boutique strategy consulting firm. He received his PhD in protein engineering from Dartmouth College, where his research focused on de-immunization of protein therapeutics and was commercialized at Stealth Biologics, which was later acquired by Insmed. He also holds BS and MEng degrees in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University.
“I am honored to join the partnership at Forbion and am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team.” Regina Salvat, PhD said. “The pace of innovation in biotechnology continues to accelerate, and I look forward to helping identify and support companies developing transformative treatments that can make a meaningful difference for patients.”
John McDonald joins as Operating Partner, Business Development and M&A
John McDonald joins Forbion as Operating Partner, Business Development and M&A. While based in Boston, he will work closely with Forbion’s Ventures and Growth teams supporting investment activities and portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Forbion, John held senior business development and M&A leadership positions at 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. During his career, he has led and supported numerous strategic transactions, partnerships and acquisitions that have contributed to the development and advancement of innovative biotechnology companies and therapies.
“I am excited to join Forbion and be part of such a respected team.” John McDonald said. “I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Ventures and Growth teams and partnering with our portfolio companies to help them accelerate innovation and find strategic partners to bring new treatments to patients.
About Forbian
Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe with offices in Norden, Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies and manages approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies covering all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. In addition to its human health focus, Forbion also invests in planetary health solutions through its bioeconomy strategy. The firm’s team of over 30 investment professionals has a strong track record with over 130 investments across 10 funds, resulting in multiple approved treatments and successful exits. Forbion is a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and operates a joint venture with BGV for seed and early-stage investments in the Benelux and Germany regions.
Contact: Contact:
Laura Asbjornsen
(email protected)
