<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-15-177730.txt : 20150508
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-15-177730.hdr.sgml : 20150508
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20150507201400
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-15-177730
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	SC 13D
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20150508
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20150507

SUBJECT COMPANY:	

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			Viking Therapeutics, Inc.
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001607678
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				461073877
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		SC 13D
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	005-88828
		FILM NUMBER:		15843698

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		11119 NORTH TORREY PINES ROAD, SUITE 50
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92037
		BUSINESS PHONE:		858-550-7810

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		11119 NORTH TORREY PINES ROAD, SUITE 50
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92037

FILED BY:		

	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

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		SC 13D

	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
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>SC 13D
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d923086dsc13d.htm
<DESCRIPTION>SC 13D
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>SC 13D</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SCHEDULE 13D
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Amendment No. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;)* </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:22pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>VIKING
THERAPEUTICS, INC. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Name of Issuer) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Title of Class of Securities) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>92686J106 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(CUSIP Number)
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>11119 North Torrey Pines Rd., Suite 200 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>La Jolla, CA 92037 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(858)
550-7500 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Copy to: </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Scott N. Wolfe, Esq. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Latham &amp; Watkins LLP </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>12670 High Bluff Drive </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>San Diego, CA 92130 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Telephone: (858) 523-5400 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>May 4, 2015 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Date of
Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If the filing
person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition which is subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this statement because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following box.&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT
STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT> </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Note:</I> Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule
13d-7(b) for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">*</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person&#146;s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information
which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The information required on the remainder of this cover page
shall not be deemed to be &#147;filed&#148; for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the &#147;Act&#148;) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of
the Act (however, see the Notes). </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

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<TD VALIGN="top">CUSIP No.: 92686J106</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Name of
Reporting Person:</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;2.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Check the Appropriate Box if a
Member of Group (See Instructions):</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;</B><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT><B></B><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;</B><FONT
STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT><B></B><B></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;3.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>SEC Use Only:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:1pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;4.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Source of Funds:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">WC and OO</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;5.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Check if Disclosure of Legal
Proceedings is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e):</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:1pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;6.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Citizenship or Place of
Organization:</B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Delaware</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="middle" COLSPAN="3" ROWSPAN="4" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Number&nbsp;of</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Shares</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Beneficially</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Owned&nbsp;By</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Each</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Reporting</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Person</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">With:</P> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:1pt" align="left">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Sole Voting Power:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">0</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;8.</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Shared Voting Power:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4,552,859</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;9.</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Sole Dispositive Power:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">0</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt"><B>10.</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Shared Dispositive Power:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4,552,859</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">11.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person:</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4,552,859</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">12.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row
(11) Excludes Certain Shares:&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:1pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">13.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Percent of Class Represented By Amount
In Row (11):</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">49.8%</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-left:8pt"><FONT STYLE="font-size:10pt">14.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="5" STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Type of Reporting Person:</P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman">CO</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">2 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (this &#147;Schedule
13D&#148;) </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;1.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Security and Issuer </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Schedule 13D relates to the shares of common stock, par value
$0.00001 per share (the &#147;Common Stock&#148;), of Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the &#147;Issuer&#148;). The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 50, La Jolla,
California 92037. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;2.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Identity and Background </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a) This Schedule 13D is being filed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Incorporated (&#147;Ligand&#148; or the &#147;Reporting Person&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b) The principal business address of the Reporting Person is
11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037. The principal business addresses of the directors and executive officers of the Reporting Person are set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(c) The principal business of the Reporting Person is developing or acquiring royalty generating assets in the pharmaceutical industry. The
principal occupations of the directors and executive officers of the Reporting Person are set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(d) Neither the Reporting Person nor any person listed in Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D has, during the last five years, been convicted in
a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(e) Neither the Reporting Person nor any person listed in
Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D has, during the last five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of which was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order
enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or a finding of any violation with respect to such laws. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(f) The Reporting Person is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Information called for by Items 2 &#150; 6 of
this Schedule 13D concerning the directors and executive officers of the Reporting Person is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;3.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The 4,552,859 shares of Common Stock
owned by Ligand were acquired on May&nbsp;4, 2015, in connection with the closing of the Issuer&#146;s initial public offering (the &#147;IPO&#148;) and consists of 3,427,859 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the terms of a Master License
Agreement, dated May&nbsp;21, 2014, among Ligand, Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. (&#147;Metabasis&#148;), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ligand, and the Issuer (as amended by the First Amendment to Master License Agreement, dated September&nbsp;6, 2014
and the Second Amendment to Master License Agreement, dated April&nbsp;8, 2015, the &#147;Master License Agreement&#148;) and 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock purchased by Ligand at the initial public offering price of $8.00 per share in the IPO, or
$9,000,000 in the aggregate. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The source of the funds for the purchases by Ligand in the IPO was from working capital. The source of funds
for the shares of Common Stock acquired by Ligand pursuant to the Master License Agreement are classified as other due to the fact that those shares of Common Stock were issued to Ligand as partial consideration for licenses granted to the Issuer by
Ligand. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No part of the purchase price was borrowed by the Reporting Person for the purpose of acquiring any securities discussed in this
Item&nbsp;3. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;4.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Purpose of Transaction </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The acquisitions made by the Reporting Person in connection with
the IPO, including shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Master License Agreement, were for investment purposes only. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">3 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand and the Issuer are parties to a Loan and Security Agreement, dated May&nbsp;21, 2014 (as
amended by the First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated April&nbsp;8, 2015, the &#147;Loan and Security Agreement&#148;), pursuant to which Ligand loaned $2,500,000 to the Issuer. Such debt is evidenced by a Senior Convertible
Promissory Note (the &#147;Convertible Note&#148;). Pursuant to the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement, upon the earlier of: (1)&nbsp;a bona fide capital financing transaction or series of financing transactions with one or more financial
non-strategic investors with aggregate net proceeds to the Issuer of at least $20,000,000 and pursuant to which the Issuer issues shares of its equity securities; (2)&nbsp;the consummation of a firmly underwritten public offering pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933 (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), on Form S-1 or Form S-3 or any successor forms subsequent to the IPO with an aggregate offering size of at least $20,000,000; or (3)&nbsp;one year after the closing of the IPO, Ligand may
elect to (a)&nbsp;receive such number of shares of the type of equity which the Issuer issues in such private financing or public offering equal to 200% of the amount obtained by dividing the entire then-outstanding principal amount of the loans,
plus all accrued and previously unpaid interest thereon, by the lowest per share price paid by investors in the IPO, (b)&nbsp;require the Issuer to prepay in cash an amount equal to 200% of the principal amount of the loans then-outstanding plus all
accrued and previously unpaid interest thereon, or (c)&nbsp;receive a combination of shares under clause (a)&nbsp;and cash under clause (b)&nbsp;up to the aggregate value of 200% of the principal amount of the loans then-outstanding plus all accrued
and previously unpaid interest thereon. The Convertible Note is exercisable on May&nbsp;4, 2016 (one year after the closing of the IPO) or upon the earlier occurrence of an event described above in (1)&nbsp;or (2)&nbsp;of this paragraph. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Other than the Convertible Note, Ligand does not currently have any other plans or proposals which relate to or would result in any matters
set forth in Items 4(a) through 4(j). </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;5.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Interest in Securities of the Issuer </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a) The aggregate percentage of Common Stock
reported owned by the Reporting Person is based upon 9,149,018 shares of Common Stock outstanding, which is based on information provided by the Issuer in a schedule provided to the Reporting Person in connection with the calculation of shares
issuable under the Master License Agreement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 4,552,859 shares of Common Stock, constituting
approximately 49.8% of the Common Stock outstanding consisting of (a)&nbsp;3,725,445 shares of Common Stock, which Ligand owns directly and (b)&nbsp;827,414 shares of Common Stock, which Metabasis owns directly. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The directors and executive officers of Ligand, comprised of the members as set forth on Exhibit 99.1 to this Schedule 13D, may be deemed to
beneficially own the shares held by Ligand as they control voting and investment decisions over the Issuer&#146;s shares held by Ligand. Each of the directors and executive officers of Ligand disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares of Common
Stock held by Ligand except to the extent of any respective pecuniary interest therein. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b) Ligand has shared voting and shared
dispositive power with respect to all of the shares of Common Stock that it beneficially owns. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As described in Item&nbsp;5(a), each of
the respective directors and executive officers disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock held by the Reporting Person except to the extent of any respective pecuniary interest therein. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(c) Except as otherwise described in this Schedule 13D, the Reporting Person has not effected any transactions in the Common Stock or other
equity security of the Issuer during the last 60 days. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(d) No person other than the Reporting Person is known to have the right to
receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the beneficially owned Common Stock. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(e) Not
applicable. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">4 </P>


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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;6.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer. </B></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with the IPO, Ligand and certain other persons have agreed to enter into lock-up agreements (the &#147;Lock-Up Agreements&#148;),
pursuant to which such persons agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to directly or indirectly sell, transfer or dispose of any shares of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired by such persons or with respect to which such persons have or hereafter acquire the power of disposition (collectively, the &#147;Lock-Up Securities&#148;) in the case of Ligand, 270 days after the date of the
IPO, or in the case of certain other persons, 180 days after the date of the IPO, without the prior written consent of Laidlaw&nbsp;&amp; Company (UK) Ltd. as representative of underwriters in the IPO. Notwithstanding the terms of the Lock-Up
Agreements, Ligand may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Convertible Note prior to conversion, provided that the transferee of the Convertible Note remains subject to the terms of the Lock-Up Agreement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand, Metabasis and the Issuer are parties to the Master License Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Master License Agreement, upon the
closing of the IPO, the Issuer issued an aggregate of 3,427,859 shares of Common Stock to Ligand and Metabasis. The Master License Agreement limited the Reporting Person&#146;s aggregate ownership of the Issuer&#146;s Common Stock (including any
shares of Common Stock acquired by the Reporting Persons in the IPO) to 49.9% of the Issuer&#146;s Common Stock outstanding following the closing of the IPO (the &#147;Ownership Cap&#148;) (including, if applicable, an adjustment in the event the
underwriters in the IPO exercise their option to purchase additional share in the IPO). In the event the underwriters in the IPO exercise their option in full, Viking will issue an additional 228,105 shares of Common Stock. The Ownership Cap does
not apply to any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand loaned the Issuer $2,500,000 pursuant to
the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement and evidenced by the Convertible Note. The descriptions of the Loan and Security Agreement and the Convertible Note are incorporated herein by reference to Item&nbsp;4. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with the execution of the Master License Agreement, the Loan and Security Agreement and the Convertible Note, Ligand and the
Issuer executed a Management Rights Letter, dated as of May&nbsp;21, 2014 (the &#147;Management Rights Letter&#148;). Pursuant to the Management Rights Letter, the Issuer agreed to: (1)&nbsp;expand the size of its board of directors to create the
addition of one new directorship, and (2)&nbsp;appoint an individual named by Ligand (the &#147;Ligand Director&#148;) to fill such newly created directorship. As of the date of this Schedule 13D, Mr.&nbsp;Matthew&nbsp;W. Foehr, Ligand&#146;s
President and Chief Operating Officer, serves as the Ligand Director. The Ligand Director is entitled to receive the same compensation as is provided to the Issuer&#146;s other directors except that the Ligand Director is not entitled to receive any
compensation for serving on a committee of the Issuer&#146;s board of directors. The Issuer is obligated to provide Ligand with advance written notice of the date of the Issuer&#146;s annual meeting of its stockholders for each year in which the
Ligand Director is up for election so as to permit Ligand to designate the Ligand Director for election at such annual meeting, and to nominate the Ligand Director to the Issuer&#146;s board of directors at each such annual meeting of its
stockholders. In the event that Ligand is not represented on the Issuer&#146;s board of directors, Ligand has contractual rights to consult with the Issuer and offer advice to its management on significant business issues and the right to receive
copies of all notices, minutes, consents and other material that the Issuer provides to its directors, subject to certain exceptions. The Issuer also agreed to appoint a chairperson to its board of directors who is &#147;independent&#148; under
applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;) rules and the rules and listings standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC. The Management Rights Letter will terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (a)&nbsp;the liquidation,
dissolution or indefinite cessation of the Issuer&#146;s business operations; (b)&nbsp;the execution by the Issuer of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take possession of the
Issuer&#146;s property and assets; (c)&nbsp;and acquisition of the Issuer by means of any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, any reorganization, merger or consolidation) if the Issuer&#146;s stockholders of
record as constituted immediate prior to such transaction hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity; (d)&nbsp;following the Issuer&#146;s issuance of securities pursuant to the Master License Agreement, the date
that Ligand and its affiliates collectively cease to beneficially own at least 7.5% of the Issuer&#146;s outstanding voting stock; or (e)&nbsp;May&nbsp;21, 2024. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with the terms of the Management Rights Letter, the Issuer, Ligand, Metabasis, the Issuer&#146;s President and Chief Executive
Officer, Mr.&nbsp;Brian Lian, Ph.D., and the Issuer&#146;s Chief Operating Officer, Mr.&nbsp;Michael Dinerman, M.D., entered into a Voting Agreement, dated as of May&nbsp;21, 2014 (the &#147;Voting Agreement&#148;). Pursuant to the Voting Agreement,
each of Ligand, Dr.&nbsp;Lian and Dr.&nbsp;Dinerman agreed to vote all of his or its shares of the </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">5 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
Issuer&#146;s voting securities so as to elect the Ligand Director as a member of the Issuer&#146;s board of directors, and, if requested by Ligand, to vote in favor of any removal of the Ligand
Director or selection of a new Ligand Director. The Voting Agreement will terminate under the same circumstances in which the Management Rights Letter will terminate. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Ligand, Metabasis and the Issuer are party to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated May&nbsp;21, 2014 (the &#147;Registration Rights
Agreement&#148;). Subject to certain limitations, the Issuer has agreed to file with the SEC, by no later the first date on which the Lock-Up Agreement described above expires or lapses with respect to persons other than Ligand (that is, 180 days
after the IPO), a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act that covers the resale of the full amount of shares of Common Stock issued to Ligand and Metabasis pursuant to the Master License Agreement, shares of Common Stock
purchased by Ligand in the IPO, and shares of Common Stock issuable to Ligand pursuant to the Convertible Note. The Issuer has also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to qualify for the use of Form S-3 and, once it has done so, to convert
the registration statement on Form S-1 described in this paragraph into a registration statement on Form S-3. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer will pay all expenses relating to such registration on Form S-1, including the
reasonable fees of one special counsel, up to $20,000 for Ligand. The Issuer will not pay any selling expenses of Ligand. Ligand&#146;s registration rights pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1)&nbsp;the
date on which all of the shares covered by the Registration Rights Agreement may be sold under Rule 144 during any 90-day period, or (2)&nbsp;the date on which all of the shares covered by the Registration Rights Agreement that are held by Ligand
are sold. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The descriptions contained in this Statement on Schedule 13D of the Lock-Up Agreements, the Master License Agreement, the First
Amendment to Master License Agreement, the Second Amendment to Master License Agreement, the Loan and Security Agreement, the First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, the Convertible Note, the Management Rights Letter, the Voting Agreement
and the Registration Rights Agreement are summaries only and are qualified in their entirety by the actual terms of each such agreements, which are being filed as Exhibit 99.2, Exhibit 99.3, Exhibit 99.4, Exhibit 99.5, Exhibit 99.6, Exhibit 99.7,
Exhibit 99.8, Exhibit 99.9, Exhibit 99.10 and Exhibit 99.11, respectively, to this Schedule 13D and are incorporated herein by reference. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Except as set forth herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships between the Reporting Person and any other
person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;7.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Material to be Filed as Exhibits. </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">See Exhibit Index attached to this Schedule 13D. </P>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">6 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SIGNATURE </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true,
complete and correct. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Dated: May&nbsp;8, 2015</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="3">Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom">By:</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Charles Berkman</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Name:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Charles Berkman</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Title:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Vice President and Secretary</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Signature Page to Schedule 13D </P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Exhibit Index </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:23.50pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Exhibit<BR>No.</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Description</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Method of Filing</P></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Information concerning the directors and executive officers of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Filed herewith</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.2</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Form of Lock-Up Agreement among the Company, the Underwriters and Certain Stockholders of the Company</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 1.1 to the Issuer&#146;s Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2015 (SEC Reg. No.
333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.3</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Master License Agreement, dated May 21, 2014, by and among Viking Therapeutics, Inc., Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.4</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">First Amendment to Master License Agreement, dated September 6, 2014, by and among Viking Therapeutics, Inc., Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Issuer&#146;s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2015 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.5</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Second Amendment to Master License Agreement, dated April 8, 2015, by and among Viking Therapeutics, Inc., Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Issuer&#146;s Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.6</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 21, 2014, by and between Viking Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.7</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated April 8, 2015, by and between Viking Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Issuer&#146;s Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2015 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.8</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Secured Convertible Note Promissory Note, dated May 27, 2014, from Viking Therapeutics, Inc. to Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on July 1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.9<BR></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Letter Agreement regarding board composition and management rights, dated May&nbsp;21, 2014, by and between Viking Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July&nbsp;1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No.
333-197182)</TD></TR></TABLE>

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<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>

<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.10</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Voting Agreement, dated May 21, 2014, by and among Viking Therapeutics, Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc., Brian Lian, Ph.D. and Michael Dinerman, M.D.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.11</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 21, 2014, by and among Viking Therapeutics, Inc., Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Issuer&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2014 (SEC Reg. No. 333-197182)</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</BODY></HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>d923086dex991.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-99.1
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>EX-99.1</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>EXHIBIT 99.1 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>INFORMATION REGARDING THE DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LIGAND </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED AND METABASIS THERAPEUTICS, INC. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The names and the principal occupations of the current directors and executive officers of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
(&#147;Ligand&#148;) are set forth below. The business address of each of the individuals named below is c/o 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">During the last five years, none of the individuals has been convicted in any criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and similar
misdemeanors) or has been a party to any civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body as a result of which such person was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating
activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding violations with respect to such laws. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="17%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"><B>LIGAND</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Position with</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Ligand</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Principal</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>occupation</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Shares of Viking<BR>Therapeutics,</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Inc. beneficially</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>owned</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Description of any<BR>contract, arrangement,<BR>understanding
or<BR>relationship with respect<BR>to any securities of<BR>Viking Therapeutics,<BR>Inc.</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Citizenship</B></P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">John L. Higgins</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Chief Executive Officer and Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Chief Executive Officer and Director at Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">6,250<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">&nbsp;(1)</SUP></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Matthew W. Foehr</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">President and Chief Operating Officer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">President and Chief Operating Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">6,250<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">(1)</SUP></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Nishan de Silva</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Vice President of Finance &amp; Strategy and Chief Financial Officer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Vice President of Finance &amp; Strategy and Chief Financial Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Charles S. Berkman</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Melanie J. Herman</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR></TABLE>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">


<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="17%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD></TR>

<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">John W. Kozarich</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Chairman and Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Chairman and President of ActivX Biosciences</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Jason M. Aryeh</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Managing General Partner of JALAA Equities, LP</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Todd C. Davis</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Founding Managing Director of HealthCare Royalty Partners</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">David M. Knott</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Chief Investment Manager, Managing Partner, and Director of Knott Partners</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">John L. LaMattina</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Senior Partner at PureTech</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Sunil Patel</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer at OncoMed Pharmaceuticals</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Stephen L. Sabba</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Director</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Bio/Pharma Analyst and Fund Manager at Knott Partners</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">-0-</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Not applicable</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">USA</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Includes shares underlying an option which has vested or will vest within 60 days of the date hereof. </TD></TR></TABLE>
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