US-based biotech startup lines up P1.45-B investment in PH
American biotech startup Exin Therapeutics Inc. is investing some P1.45 billion in the development of the country’s first neurotherapeutics laboratory, thus boosting the fledgling local biotechnology sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Board of Investments (BOI) said it had granted green lane certification to Exin Therapeutics, which will develop the two phases of the planned project in Taguig City and Clark, Pampanga, respectively.
“Set to begin commercial operations in October 2025, the facility marks a milestone in the country’s biotechnology sector as it positions the Philippines as the premier destination for advanced neurotherapeutics research and development in Southeast Asia,” the BOI said.
As investments in this sector are deemed a priority, the government granted the company the green lane certification that hastens the approval process.
Exin Therapeutics is a San Francisco-based biotech startup that specializes in developing circuit-level genetic therapies for complex brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.
It combines neuroscience, genetics and artificial intelligence to redefine how brain disorders are understood and treated.
Dual-hub model
The neurotherapeutics laboratory, integrated with an artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery platform, adopts a dual-hub model.
Its Manila office will handle wet-lab operations where experiments are performed while its parent company in San Francisco will lead computational drug discovery and global business development.
The first phase of the project, covering 2025 to 2027, involves an investment of P45 million ($800,000) to construct the country’s first state-of-the-art neurotherapeutics research facility in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
The BGC facility will harness advanced gene delivery and AI-driven drug discovery platforms to design and validate 10 new drug candidates per month.
It will generate 10,000 data points monthly from experiments.
According to the BOI, the BGC lab is expected to process 180 drug candidates, producing more than 180,000 data points by 2027, on the way to producing new drugs for the commercial market.
“The initiative aims to create 35 high-value jobs for Filipino scientists, technicians, and support staff, all of whom will receive training in gene therapy, neuroscience and AI-driven drug discovery,” it added.
Exin Therapeutics will invest an additional P1 billion ($30 million) for the second phase (2027 to 2029) of this undertaking, which will entail an expansion in Clark, Pampanga.
A research complex situated in a 2,000- to 6,000-square-meter site will increase the capacity to 100 drug candidates per month.
It is expected to create over 300 high-value jobs, along with more than 200 indirect employment opportunities.
The facility will integrate energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems along with waste-reduction protocols for sustainable business operations.
The company is also exploring rooftop solar integration and increased dependence on renewable energy sources.
Exin Therapeutics chief scientific officer Ivan Lazarte said the Philippines’ talented workforce, cost-efficient operations and rapidly growing economy were among the key factors in the firm’s decision to develop the laboratory in the country.
“It’s not just about attracting foreign investment, it’s about transferring cutting-edge expertise to Filipino scientists, building local capacity, and positioning the Philippines as a leader in advanced biotechnology research,” BOI managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.
