MAKATI CITY—The Board of Investments (BOI) has fast-tracked the establishment of Exin Therapeutics Inc.’s groundbreaking neurotherapeutics laboratory and AI drug discovery platform, marking a significant milestone for the country’s biotechnology sector.
The facility, which received Green Lane Certification under Executive Order No. 18 to expedite its business operations, is set to begin commercial operations in October 2025. The project positions the Philippines as the premier destination for advanced neurotherapeutics research and development in Southeast Asia.
San Francisco-based biotech startup Exin Therapeutics, founded by three Oxford-trained neuroscientists and backed by Y Combinator, specializes in developing circuit-level genetic therapies for complex brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.
The company’s approach combines neuroscience, genetics and artificial intelligence to redefine the understanding and treatment of brain disorders.
The company will adopt a dual-hub model, with its parent company in San Francisco leading computational drug discovery and global business development, while Manila will serve as the center of wet-lab operations.
In its first phase (2025-2027), Exin will invest P45 million to build the state-of-the-art research facility in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. This phase aims to create 35 high-value jobs for Filipino scientists, technicians, and support staff, who will receive training in gene therapy, neuroscience and AI-driven drug discovery.
Utilizing advanced AAV-based gene delivery and AI-driven platforms, the BGC facility will design and validate ten new drug candidates per month and generate 10,000 data points monthly from high throughput neurophysiology experiments. The facility is expected to process 180 drug candidates and generate over 180,000 data points by 2027.
The project qualifies as a strategic investment, with BOI Investments Assistance Center executive director Bobby Fondevilla emphasizing the “whole-of-government approach” and the BOI’s commitment, along with other relevant agencies, to “hand-hold investors throughout their entire journey.”
Exin Therapeutics chief scientific officer Ivan Lazarte cited the Philippines’ talented workforce, cost-efficient operations and rapidly growing economy as key factors in the decision to locate the lab in the country.
The project aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by advancing science, technology and innovation, and expanding research and development (R&D) capabilities.
In its second phase (2027-2029), Exin plans a P1-billion expansion in Clark, Pampanga, with a 2,000 to 6,000-square-meter research complex. The expansion will scale capacity to 100 drug candidates per month, generate 100,000 data points monthly and create over 300 high-value jobs, plus more than 200 indirect employment opportunities.
Environmental sustainability is also a focus, with the facility planning to incorporate energy-efficient HVAC systems and waste-reduction protocols aligned with international green lab standards, and exploring rooftop solar integration and increased reliance on renewable energy sources.
“This initiative embodies our vision for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven, and globally competitive economy,” said BOI managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.
“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,” said Rodolfo.
The BOI’s One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) said it is committed to building the Philippines as a biotech powerhouse.
