Aragon Pharmaceuticals

Aragon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing small-molecule therapeutics for hormonally-driven cancers, with an emphasis on overcoming resistance to existing endocrine therapies. Their product strategy is built around novel androgen receptor (AR) antagonists and selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) that aim to treat prostate, breast and other hormone-dependent cancers.

Product / Technology Breakdown
Androgen receptor antagonist portfolio: Their lead candidate, ARN-509 (now known as apalutamide), is a second-generation AR signaling inhibitor developed for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This compound blocks AR nuclear translocation and DNA binding, thereby inhibiting AR-driven tumour growth. 

Selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) platform: In parallel, Aragon developed compounds designed to degrade the estrogen receptor rather than simply antagonise it. This SERD platform targets hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant breast cancer. 

Discovery and translational research engine: The company's platform is founded on nuclear-receptor biology, medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery methods. They aim to develop compounds that are mechanistically distinct from first-generation endocrine therapies and better able to circumvent resistance. 

Pipeline progression & strategic exit: Although Aragon did not itself launch large-scale commercial products, its strategic value lies in advancing early to mid-stage candidates and then partnering or being acquired by a larger pharma company to take them through late-stage development and commercialization. For example, their acquisition by Johnson & Johnson (via its oncology arm) included the AR antagonist program ARN-509.