Zen LifeSciences Inc., a Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company, is investing P1.2 billion (€17.2 million) to establish operations at the Luisita Industrial Park Special Economic Zone in Tarlac, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) announced.

The registration as an export-oriented enterprise grants Zen LifeSciences incentives, including a four- to seven-year income tax holiday and the option of a 5% special corporate income tax or enhanced deductions for up to ten years. The facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in January 2027, creating at least 90 new jobs.

“By locating in a PEZA ecozone, this project will not only help ensure a stable supply of quality, locally made health products here and abroad, but also create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for communities in Tarlac and nearby areas,” said Peza Director General Tereso Panga.

The investment follows Peza’s groundwork on the Zen Industrial Pharma Ecozone, a manufacturing plant for sterile injectables and biopharmaceuticals that became the country’s first FDA-certified production facility. Zen LifeSciences’ expansion aligns with government initiatives to reduce dependence on imported medicines.

According to the Board of Investments, the Philippines currently has only 46 local pharmaceutical manufacturers compared with about 650 importers, highlighting the strategic importance of this investment. The Philippine pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow 4.1% annually through 2029 from its current valuation of $4.5 billion (€4.0 billion).

Zen LifeSciences’ new operations complement the government’s vision to position the Philippines as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

The project will focus on medical, wellness, and general healthcare products, reinforcing both the local industry and the availability of biopharmaceuticals for export.

Explore how Zen LifeSciences is shaping the Philippines’ pharmaceutical landscape in the full report.