OrbiMed's investment business was founded in 1989 with a vision to invest across the spectrum of healthcare companies: from venture capital start-ups to large multinational companies. The investment team and capabilities of the firm have expanded considerably over time. Beginning with a mutual fund in 1989, investment activities were broadened to include long/short equity and venture capital investments in 1993.

In 2007 the firm expanded to Asia, opening offices in Mumbai and Shanghai, and launching a dedicated private equity investment fund to focus on healthcare venture capital opportunities across Asia. Similarly, in 2010 the firm expanded to the Middle East, opening an office in Israel to seek innovative life sciences venture capital opportunities in that region.

Today, OrbiMed has a singular focus on seeking successful investments on a worldwide basis across the entire spectrum of private and publicly-traded life sciences companies. With total assets under management of approximately $5 billion, OrbiMed ranks as the world's largest healthcare-dedicated investment firm.