In order to extend its prostate cancer franchise, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed to acquire Aragon Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth up to US$1 B. With the acquisition, J&J will gain access to ARN-509, an androgen receptor antagonist and potential successor to Zytiga® (abiraterone acetate) that is in Phase II development for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prior to closing, Aragon will transfer its other assets, including its selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD) platform, into a separate company to be called Seragon Pharmaceuticals. ARN-509 faces competition from Medivation’s Xtandi® (enzalutamide), which was approved by the US FDA in August 2012.