In this episode of the ATiO Podcast, we explore the groundbreaking work of Peptilogics, a clinical-stage biotech company at the cutting edge of peptide therapeutics, combining computational design, deep learning, and purpose-built supercomputing to develop solutions for severe infections in orthopaedics and beyond.

We are honoured to welcome Jonathan Steckbeck, Founder & CEO of Peptilogics, alongside Nicholas Pachuda, COO of Portfolio & Development. Together, they share insights into the company's mission to harness AI-assisted peptide discovery to tackle infections and biofilm challenges that resist conventional antibiotics. Their lead candidate, PLG0206, is engineered to address periprosthetic joint infection — one of the most challenging and underserved problems in orthopaedic surgery.

In 2025, Peptilogics earned the prestigious ATiO Emerging Company Pitch Contest award with their presentation "Changing the Paradigm of Infection Treatment and Prevention," recognised for their innovation in infection treatment and prevention through peptide therapeutics. Jonathan and Nicholas discuss the journey behind this achievement, the next steps following this important recognition, and their vision for the future of musculoskeletal therapies.

Today we are honored to host two distinguished guests from dsm-firmenich, a global innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty. Joining us are Aylvin Dias, a leading expert in materials science and performance solutions, and Benjamin Kibalo, a pioneer in cutting-edge applications, medical device commercialization, and sustainability.

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With their comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, they work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, they bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

In a significant development, dsm-firmenich, has become an official Foundation Partner of the ATiO. This partnership underscores the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in the industry.

In this episode, we’ll delve into the future of materials, innovation, and sustainability, exploring how dsm-firmenich, is shaping a healthier, more sustainable world.

Aylvin Días is a Ph.D. chemist who joined the organization in 1996, back when it was still DSM. Just a few years later, in 1999, he helped establish the biomedical research program, becoming one of the founding figures of what is now the Biomedical division.

Throughout his career, Aylvin has led pioneering developments, including 3D-printable resins and the ComfortCoat® medical coatings platform. He went on to establish the drug delivery group, overseeing the technology transfer of the polyesteramide polymer platform into DSM.

Holding over 40 patents and an extensive publication record, Aylvin has also served on numerous boards and advisory panels, including the University Medical Centre Utrecht, Biointerfaces International, and the POLY Division of the American Chemical Society. In 2015, he was President of the Surfaces in Biomaterials Foundation in the United States.

Today, his research focuses on bio-interfaces of medical biomaterials, fostering strategic academic collaborations to expand the dsm-firmenich biomaterials portfolio across orthopaedic, vascular, and drug-delivery applications.

Outside the lab, Aylvin enjoys cooking, mountain biking, and traveling.

Benjamin Kibalo serves as Manager of Emerging Growth Strategic Marketing within the Biomedical division of dsm-firmenich. With nearly 25 years in biotechnology, he has dedicated his career to advancing the medical device sector and is widely recognized for his expertise in naturally derived biomaterials. His work has contributed to the success of dozens of commercialized products in wound care, general surgery, and orthopaedic reconstruction.

Over the past eight years, Benjamin has expanded his leadership across multiple fronts — from securing critical raw materials and engaging with regulatory bodies to collaborating with academia, industry consortia, and student programs that inspire the next generation of innovators.

Passionate about the intersection of technology and medicine, he focuses on translating proven biomaterials into new frontiers such as cell and gene therapy, while also exploring 3D printing and patient-customized implants.

Beyond his professional life, Benjamin enjoys additive manufacturing, electronics design, music, and maintaining a lively home for his family of six.

In this episode of the ATiO Podcast, we are honored to welcome Prof. David Hunter, a world-renowned leader in osteoarthritis research. As the Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology at the University of Sydney and Editor-in-Chief of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Professor Hunter has been instrumental in shaping our modern understanding of osteoarthritis.

Our conversation explores the complexity of OA—from disease mechanisms and current treatment strategies to the scientific and clinical challenges that have slowed therapeutic innovation. Professor Hunter shares insights into why osteoarthritis should be understood as a heterogeneous group of conditions, rather than a single disease entity.

We also discuss the role of prevention, lifestyle factors, emerging technologies, and international collaboration in advancing OA care. This episode offers a concise yet compelling look at how rigorous science and global cooperation are redefining the future of osteoarthritis management.