<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000886163-16-000199.txt : 20160729
<SEC-HEADER>0000886163-16-000199.hdr.sgml : 20160729
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20160729084848
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000886163-16-000199
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20160729
ITEM INFORMATION:		Other Events
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20160729
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20160729

FILER:

	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:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		161792097

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3911 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 110
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92121
		BUSINESS PHONE:		858-550-7500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3911 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 110
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92121
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>lgnd_8kq216pressreleasenuc.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
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<div><a name="s6B122B48E99A71147B0B3380C7CC7323"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:center;padding-left:288px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:center;padding-left:288px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  July 29, 2016</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:35%;"></td><td style="width:36%;"></td><td style="width:29%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:5px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">001-33093</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">77-0160744</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:5px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(IRS Employer</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">3911 Sorrento Valley Boulevard, Suite 110, San Diego, California 92121</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">(858) 550-7500</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 200, La Jolla, California 92037 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;padding-left:288px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:38px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:11pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:38px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:11pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:38px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:11pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:38px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:11pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div></td></tr></table><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">DOCSOC/1770553v1/101501-0020</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01 Other Events.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On July 29, 2016, Ligand issued a press release entitled &#8220;Ligand Announces Multi-program LTP Technology Licensing Agreement with Nucorion Pharmaceuticals.&#8221; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(d)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Exhibits.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Exhibit No.</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Description</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Press release dated July 29, 2016.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:262px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;July 29, 2016</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:264px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By: </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;/s/ Charles S. Berkman</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:264px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Name: Charles S. Berkman </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:264px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Title:   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">DOCSOC/1770553v1/101501-0020</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT INDEX</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit No.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Description</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Press release dated July 29, 2016.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">DOCSOC/1770553v1/101501-0020</font></div></div>	</body>
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</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>exhibit991.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.1
<TEXT>
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<div><a name="s7A8267F912805994265033865FDD37FC"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;"><img src="nucorionv12image1.gif" style="height:38px;width:109px;"></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:160px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Contacts:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:50%;"></td><td style="width:50%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Todd Pettingill&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><a style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;" href="#"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">investors@ligand.com</font></a><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(858) 550-7500&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">LHA</font></div><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Bruce Voss&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><a style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;" href="#"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">bvoss@lhai.com</font></a></div><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(310) 691-7100&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Ligand Announces Multi-program LTP Technology Licensing Agreement</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">with Nucorion Pharmaceuticals</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Newly-formed Nucorion, co-founded by Ligand, to pursue a pipeline of</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">LTP-based programs for China and other markets</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2016) &#8211; Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">announces the signing of a license agreement for three programs utilizing Ligand&#8217;s LTP (Liver Targeting Prodrug) technology with Nucorion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a venture-funded biotechnology company focused on developing anti-cancer and anti-viral agents initially directed to China. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand&#8217;s LTP technology is a novel prodrug technology platform designed to selectively deliver a range of active pharmaceutical agents to the liver. By directly targeting the liver, the goal is to maximize efficacy and minimize off-target drug toxicities.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">The preclinical programs under this license include: NUC-202, a targeted anti-cancer analog for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma; NUC-404, a targeted nucleotide analog for the treatment of hepatitis B; and NUC-101, a targeted nucleotide analog for the treatment of hepatitis C.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand is eligible to receive milestone payments as well as royalties ranging from 5% to 9% on net sales of products developed by Nucorion under this agreement.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand was a co-founder of Nucorion along with Dr. Zucai Suo, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The Ohio State University and a recognized academic leader in the fields of nucleic acid enzymology, viral replication and rational drug design.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Nucorion was funded with $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Silver River International Investment Ltd. Ligand invested $1 million in the venture financing. </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#8220;LTP is a promising technology platform developed by Ligand with applicability in a range of hepatic and hepatic-mediated indications. Given the increased focus on liver-related health by drug companies and the substantial medical need in China for liver-related medicines, we are pleased to participate in this new venture and be partners with highly respected Chinese venture investors affiliated with multi-billion dollar funds,&#8221; said John Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Ligand. &#8220;Along with Captisol</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">&#174;</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;and OmniAb</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">&#174;</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">, LTP has the potential to contribute to the growth of Ligand&#8217;s portfolio and technology offerings.&#8221; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">James Gu, Partner at Silver River, stated, &#8220;The LTP technology is especially well-suited for pursuing these diseases in China. Liver disease is a growing and major cause of death in China. The LTP technology targets the liver and creates a key differentiating factor for Nucorion and provides us with a promising product pipeline.&#8221;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:right;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">1</font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About Liver Disease in China</font></div><div style="line-height:113%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:113%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;">Liver disease is a growing and major cause of death in China, and has a substantial impact on the global burden of diseases. There are more than 90 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in China, accounting for about one-third of all HBV chronic carriers in the world</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;background-color:#ffffff; font-size:7pt">1</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;">. It is estimated that 40 million people in China are infected with the hepatitis C virus</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;background-color:#ffffff; font-size:7pt">2</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;">, and that 85% of the carriers may be unaware of their infection status</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;background-color:#ffffff; font-size:7pt">3</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;">. Nearly 400,000 people die from liver cancer every year in China, which accounts for more than half of the deaths from liver cancer worldwide</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;background-color:#ffffff; font-size:7pt">4</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;background-color:#ffffff;">.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About the LTP Technology Platform</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand&#8217;s LTP technology is a novel prodrug technology platform designed to selectively deliver a range of active pharmaceutical agents to the liver. It works by chemically modifying a biologically active molecule into an inactive prodrug form that will be administered and later activated in the liver by certain enzymes mainly expressed in the liver. The technology can be used to improve activity and/or safety of an existing drug or to develop new agents to treat liver diseases or diseases caused by homeostasis imbalance of circulating biomolecules controlled by the liver such as lipids and glucose, and is especially applicable to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Ligand&#8217;s LTP technology has expanded chemical class applicability and also removes certain by-products as compared to other targeting technologies.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About Nucorion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Nucorion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a venture-funded biotechnology company focused on developing anti-cancer and anti-viral agents targeted at diseases of the liver, initially directed to the Chinese market. Nucorion was co-founded by Ligand and Professor Zucai Suo of The Ohio State University (OSU), who also chairs Nucorion&#8217;s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). In addition to Dr. Suo, Nucorion&#8217;s SAB includes: Jack W. Szostak Ph.D. - 2009 Nobel Laureate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School; Stephen J. Benkovic, Ph.D. - 2010 National Medal of Science recipient and Eberly Chair of Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University; John Kozarich, Ph.D. - Ligand Pharmaceuticals Chairman and ActivX Biosciences Chairman and President; and Lin Zhi, Ph.D. - Ligand Pharmaceuticals Vice President of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Nucorion has rights to certain programs leveraging the LTP technology as well as rights to certain novel analog compounds licensed from OSU. Nucorion is majority owned and funded by Silver River International Investment Ltd. Ligand is a minority shareholder of Nucorion, currently owning less than 20%. For additional information, visit www.nucorionpharma.com.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About Silver River International Investment Ltd.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Silver River International Investment Ltd. is a venture investment fund with offices in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China and a focus on the Chinese market. The firm was formed by venture and private equity investors who have extensive experience in the real estate, healthcare, hotel, mining, port, manufacturing, education, security and service industries. Silver River focuses on investments in start-up companies that are pursuing or already own intellectual property to support bringing innovative, differentiated products to market.  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About Ligand Pharmaceuticals</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Ligand is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing or acquiring technologies that help pharmaceutical companies discover and develop medicines. Our business model creates value for stockholders by providing a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical product revenue streams that are supported by an efficient and low corporate cost structure. Our goal is to offer investors an opportunity to participate in the promise of the biotech industry in a profitable, diversified and lower-risk business than a typical biotech company. Our business model is based on doing what we do best: drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation and partnering. We partner with other pharmaceutical companies to leverage what they do best (late-stage development, regulatory management and </font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:right;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">2</font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">commercialization) to ultimately generate our revenue. Ligand&#8217;s Captisol</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">&#174;</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;platform technology is a patent-protected, chemically modified cyclodextrin with a structure designed to optimize the solubility and stability of drugs. OmniAb</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">&#174;</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;is a patent-protected transgenic animal platform used in the discovery of fully human mono- and bispecific therapeutic antibodies. Ligand has established multiple alliances, licenses and other business relationships with the world's leading pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Baxter International and Eli Lilly.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Follow Ligand on Twitter @Ligand_LGND.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Forward-Looking Statements </font></div><div style="line-height:100%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">This news release contains forward-looking statements by Ligand that involve risks and uncertainties and reflect Ligand's judgment as of the date of this release. These include statements regarding Ligand's strategic alliance with Nucorion under which Ligand may receive milestone payments, royalties and/or equity appreciation. Actual events or results may differ from our expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that Nucorion will successfully develop or commercialize any products. Nucorion is a start-up company with an incomplete management team, and Ligand cannot control Nucorion&#8217;s activities or decisions. Nucorion&#8217;s intended Chinese activities carry additional risk. The failure to meet expectations with respect to any of the foregoing matters may reduce Ligand's stock price. Additional information concerning these and other important risk factors affecting Ligand can be found in Ligand's prior press releases available at </font><a style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;" href="#"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">www.ligand.com</font></a><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;as well as in Ligand's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at </font><a style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;" href="#"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">www.sec.gov</font></a><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. Ligand disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this press release, except as required by law. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">References</font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Hepatitis Key Facts. World Health Organization Western Pacific Region website. http://www.wpro.who.int/china/mediacentre/factsheets/hepatitis/en/. Accessed July 18, 2016.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">2.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Li D, </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;">et al</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. PLoS ONE 8(1): e54815. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054815 </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">3.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">HCV Epidemiology in the United States. University of Washington. http://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/pdf/screening-diagnosis/epidemiology-us/core-concept/all. Accessed July 18, 2016. </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">4.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Wang, </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;">et al</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;">Hepatology</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. 2014 Dec; 60(6): 2099&#8211;2108.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"># # #</font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:right;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">3</font></div><div style="line-height:180%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div></div>	</body>
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