For
bioapplications
1st Latin American
Peptide Congress
Speakers
Dr. Fernando Albericio
Universitat de barcelona
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Research Professor at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
Professor at the University of Barcelona and visiting professor at King Saud University.
A pioneer in the development of innovative additives for peptide synthesis, such as Oxymapure. Internationally recognized in sustainable peptide synthesis, therapeutic peptide design, and drug-delivery systems.
Dra. Beatriz Garcia De La Torre
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Research professor at Krisp, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal (Durban, South Africa).
Works on the synthesis and application of glycopeptides, nucleopeptides, and lipopeptides; discovery of new antimicrobials; development of peptide-based vaccines; and innovative drug-delivery systems.
Dr. Marcelo Kogan
University of Chile
Full professor in the department of pharmacology and toxicology, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile. Director of the Nanomedicine Laboratory at ACCDIS and coordinator of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Program.
Works on peptide applications in biomedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of conformational diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Pioneer in pharmaceutical nanomaterials in Chile.
Dra. Fanny Guzmán
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Phd in Chemical Sciences (National University of Colombia). Senior researcher at the Curauma Biotechnology Center (NBC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Director of the Peptide Synthesis Laboratory at NBC.
Specialized in the synthesis and application of bioactive, therapeutic, and antimicrobial peptides, as well as strategies for peptide design and synthesis.
DR. ALEXIS ASPEE
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Phd in chemical sciences and assistant researcher at the institute for research in genetic engineering and molecular biology (INGEBI–CONICET, Argentina).
Specialized in protein and peptide chemistry, particularly in the design of antimicrobial peptides and in the study of biomolecule oxidation processes under oxidative stress conditions.
DR. ANDRES BARRIGA
Universidad de Chile
Professor and researcher at the University of Chile. Biochemist from the University of Chile (2001), PhD in Biochemistry from the same University (2006), and postdoctoral training in mass spectrometry for biological samples.
His research lines include the development of mass spectrometry techniques for peptide and protein analysis, purification of lipolytic enzymes, studies of post-translational modifications, and investigation of pharmaceutical compound biodegradation using enzymatic systems.
DR. ANTONIO GUGLIELMETTI
Universidad de Valparaíso
Dermatologist and faculty member at the University of Valparaíso and the University of los Andes. Medical doctor from the university of chile, specialized in internal medicine and dermatology. Medical director of medical skin center (Viña del Mar) and dermatologist at Clínica Bupa Reñaca.
Specialist in clinical dermatology, with contributions in psoriasis, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. His research focuses on modulation of the skin microbiome and the development of antimicrobial peptide-based therapies for inflammatory skin diseases.
DR. CLAUDIO DARIO BORSARELLI
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO
Full professor at the National University of Santiago del Estero (UNSE) and senior researcher at CONICET (Argentina). Director of the Bionanotechnology Institute of Noa (INBIONATEC, CONICET–UNSE). Phd in Chemical Sciences from the National University of Río Cuarto.
His work centers on photochemistry, photobiology, and bionanotechnology, with emphasis on the development of functional nanomaterials and the use of phototherapy with antimicrobial peptides as a strategy against infections. He also investigates applications in biocatalysis and renewable energies.
DR. DAVID CRAIK
UNIVERSIDAD DE QUEENSLAND
Professor at the University of Queensland (Australia). Director of the ARC Center of Excellence for Peptide and Protein Science and the Ramaciotti Facility for Producing Pharmaceuticals in Plants.
Discoverer of cyclotides—ultrastable cyclic peptides with applications in new pharmaceuticals and sustainable agrochemicals. His group developed the first ecological insecticide and explores low-cost production of medicines in transgenic plants.
DR. DANIEL MORAGA
UNIVERSIDAD DE VALPARAISO
Assistant professor at the University of Valparaíso and Associate Researcher at CINBIO. Pharmacist from the University of Valparaíso (2010) with a PhD in Molecular Pharmaceutics and drug delivery systems from the University of Texas at Austin (2018).
Develops advanced controlled-release drug-delivery systems, with emphasis on therapeutic peptides administered via pulmonary, nasal, and topical routes. Research includes microspheres and microcapsules for targeted delivery, characterization of inhalation devices, and treatment of skin infections with bioactive compounds.
DR. LEDA GUZMAN
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Full professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), and head of the Biomedicine and Biocatalysis Laboratory. Biochemist and PhD in Biological Sciences and Molecular Biology from the Complutense University of Madrid.
Her work focuses on the development of bioactive peptides and natural compounds with antimicrobial and antitumor applications, addressing problems in cancer, atopic dermatitis, and oral health. She also investigates biocatalysis and the design of innovative formulations with biomedical and cosmetic potential.
DR. LUIS PIZARRO
FUNDADOR Y CEO DE SANTEPHARMA
Founder and CEO of Santepharma, a group specialized in pharmaceutical packaging, cosmetic manufacturing, production of medical devices, and distribution of medicines. Pharmaceutical chemist and business engineer from the University of Chile and UNIACC University.
Focuses on the development of peptides with therapeutic and cosmetic activity, innovative dermatological formulations, production of medical devices, and regulatory applications for the pharmaceutical and biocosmetic industries. His work integrates applied research with technological development in the health sector.
DR. MARCELO MUÑOZ
Ottawa Heart Institute
Researcher at the Ottawa Heart Institute (Canada). Pharmacist and chemist from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and Phd in chemistry.
Focuses on clinically used therapeutic peptides, translational biomaterials, and biomedical devices. His scientific career includes specialization in photodynamic therapies against cancer and cardiovascular health applications.
DR. NATALIA WILKE
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE CODRDOBA
Full professor at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba (Argentina), and principal investigator at CONICET. Deputy director of the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry of Córdoba (CIQUIBIC).
Specialist in peptide–membrane interactions and biophysical properties of membranes under stress conditions. Her group studies the selectivity and mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides, as well as membrane adaptation to lipopeptides and agronomic compounds.
DR. SERGIO LAVANDERO
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Full professor, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile. Director and principal investigator of the Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDIS). President of the Chilean Academy of Sciences (2025–2027). National Prize in Natural Sciences (2022).
Focuses on metabolism and cardiovascular signaling, studying the role of metabolic stress, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling in chronic diseases. Combines biochemistry, cell biology, and translational medicine to develop innovative therapies, including the design of cardioprotective peptides related to the renin–angiotensin system.
DR. VED SRIVASTAVA
PERPETUAL MEDICINES
Chief scientific officer at perpetual medicines. Scientific leader with more than 30 years of experience in peptide therapeutic development. Former president of the American Peptide Society (APS) and author of numerous publications, patents, and books on peptide drug development.
Expert in the development of innovative peptide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Applies AI/ML computational tools and physics-based models for the design and optimization of clinical candidates. Key contributor to the development of first-in-class glp-1 and amylin drugs.