<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000921895-14-000653.txt : 20140326
<SEC-HEADER>0000921895-14-000653.hdr.sgml : 20140326
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20140326192851
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000921895-14-000653
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20140324
FILED AS OF DATE:		20140326
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20140326

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000886163
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				770160744
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		11119 NORTH TORREY PINES ROAD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 200
		CITY:			LA JOLLA
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92037
		BUSINESS PHONE:		858-550-7500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		11119 NORTH TORREY PINES ROAD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 200
		CITY:			LA JOLLA
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92037

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LAMPERT MARK N
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233840

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719862

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME STREET
		STREET 2:		31ST FLOOR
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INC/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001056807
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719863

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		30TH FLOOR
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INVESTMENTS LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001132245
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719864

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST. 39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000918923
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	INVESTMENT ADVICE [6282]
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719866

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF PARTNERS L P/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001055947

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719867

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001102444
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		14719865

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL.
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>form407422010_03262014.xml
<DESCRIPTION>OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0306</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2014-03-24</periodOfReport>

    <notSubjectToSection16>1</notSubjectToSection16>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000886163</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>LGND</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001055947</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF PARTNERS L P/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0000918923</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001102444</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001132245</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INVESTMENTS LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001056807</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INC/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233840</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>LAMPERT MARK N</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>ONE SANSOME STREET</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>30TH FLOOR</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>SAN FRANCISCO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94104</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle></officerTitle>
            <otherText>See Explanation of Responses</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2014-03-24</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <deemedExecutionDate></deemedExecutionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionTimeliness></transactionTimeliness>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>31698</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>70.1673</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>248144</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2014-03-24</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <deemedExecutionDate></deemedExecutionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionTimeliness></transactionTimeliness>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>18306</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>70.1673</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>140378</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2014-03-25</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <deemedExecutionDate></deemedExecutionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionTimeliness></transactionTimeliness>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>18019</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>69.9533</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>230125</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock, $0.001 par value</value>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2014-03-25</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <deemedExecutionDate></deemedExecutionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionTimeliness></transactionTimeliness>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>10203</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>69.9533</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>130175</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">This Form 4 is filed jointly by Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. (&quot;BVF&quot;), Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P. (&quot;BVF2&quot;), BVF Investments, L.L.C., BVF Partners L.P. (&quot;Partners&quot;), BVF Inc. and Mark N. Lampert. (collectively, the &quot;Reporting Persons&quot;). Each of the Reporting Persons is a member of a Section 13(d) group that no longer owns more than 10% of the Issuer's outstanding shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(1). Each of the Reporting Persons disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock reported herein except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">Shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF. As the general partner of BVF, Partners may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF. As the investment adviser and general partner of Partners, BVF Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF. As a director and officer of BVF Inc., Mr. Lampert may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">Shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF2. As the general partner of BVF2, Partners may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF2. As the investment adviser and general partner of Partners, BVF Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF2. As a director and officer of BVF Inc., Mr. Lampert may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by BVF2.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF Partners L.P., By: BVF Inc., its general partner, By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P., By: BVF Partners L.P., its general partner, By: BVF Inc., its general partner, By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P., By: BVF Partners L.P., its general partner, By: BVF Inc., its general partner, By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF Investments, L.L.C., By: BVF Partners L.P., its manager, By: BVF Inc., its general partner, By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF Inc., By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert, President</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2014-03-26</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
