About us

After working in drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry, Ana Mingorance founded Dracaena Consulting in early 2014 to focus on the emerging field of orphan indications within the epilepsy space.

More than a decade later, Ana still acts as the Managing Director and Lead Consultant for Dracaena, having worked for over 20 clients including biopharma companies, VCs, and patient Foundations.

We focus on epilepsy and rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Within this space, our main expertise is identifying where a program can have the biggest impact (pipeline and portfolio strategy), supporting program development (preclinical, clinical and regulatory), and helping connect science with stakeholders, both inside and outside companies (communication and engagement). For specific projects, we might bring onboard other professionals from our network of patient experts and drug development consultants.

Ana is a neuroscientist by training. She received her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Barcelona in Spain (January 2006), and completed an EMBO postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada (2006-2009).

Experience highlights:

• Over 20 years of experience in research and drug development in the areas of neurodevelopment and epilepsy. Since 2014 offering consulting services with a focus on epilepsy and DEEs.

• Supported programs that have gone from preclinical to Phase 3 trials (preclinical, clinical, regulatory and communications support), and others through approval (competitor scenario analysis, value communications, regulatory support).

• The EMA adopted our recommendations for disease-modifying claims for DEEs in the updated epilepsy clinical investigation guideline (CHMP/EWP/566/98 Rev.3, coming into effect Sept 2025), which will establish the regulatory standards for the foreseeable future (Rev.2 was adopted in 2010).

• We combine the perspectives of neuroscientist, pharma project leader, patient foundation insider, and independent consultant, giving clients a 360° view of what it takes to move a program forward in this space.

• Global network of experts and advocates in particular within the epilepsy and DEE space. If we don’t have the answer, we will know who to ask.

• Track record and proven impact: from shaping early development strategy to informing licensing and investment decisions.