OrbiMed’s Silverstein discloses Parkinson’s diagnosis, plans to stay in role

  • Silverstein to stay in role as global co-head of PE
  • Been with firm since 1998
  • Has launched foundation with his wife to research disease

Jonathan Silverstein, partner at healthcare investor OrbiMed Advisors, has been diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson’s disease, but will continue full-time in his role as global co-head of private equity at the firm, he said in a letter to limited partners on April 12.

Silverstein, who declined to comment, also disclosed his illness on a website for a Parkinson’s research foundation he started with his wife. In his letter to LPs, Silverstein wrote that he spoke to Forbes for an article about his condition expected to be published next week. (Forbes has named Silverstein to its “Midas List” of top venture capitalists from 2012 to 2016.)

Silverstein said in the note he is healthy, exercises daily and has “the best medical care available.”

“I probably had my best year last year,” Silverstein wrote. “Aside from my family, the thing I am most proud of in my life is the work that our team has done over the last two decades, bringing 60+ life-altering FDA-approved products to the market to help patients live longer, healthier lives.”

Silverstein joined OrbiMed in 1998. Previously, he was director of life sciences in investment banking at Sumitomo Bank.

Along with his work with OrbiMed, Silverstein runs the foundation with his wife, Natalie. “Founded in 2017, The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA actively pursues and invests in cutting edge research with the goal of discovering new therapies for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutation carriers,” the foundation states on its website.

In his letter to LPs, Silverstein wrote: “Natalie and I are uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge, and are inspired, optimistic and hopeful.”

OrbiMed closed its most recent flagship vehicle, OrbiMed Private Investment VI, on $950 million in late 2015.

Action Item: Visit the Silverstein Foundation website here: https://silversteinfoundation.org/

Photo of Jonathan Silverstein courtesy of Silverstein Foundation