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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Acquisition [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7feb8fdf-c574-43c9-95fc-2936861448f0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_16cce78d-07c6-4216-a3ab-e2566a0523e1_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total lease payments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_b84b6ecf-00f3-4c0f-9f6c-8be24a66505b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net (loss) income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncreaseDecrease_290723e3-29c9-4e5f-a7b4-bb7d5c11aee8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncreaseDecrease" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase in operating lease liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncreaseDecrease_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncreaseDecrease" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Liability, Increase (Decrease)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_bfbd98b0-48e1-4b73-826f-967ce11ef1f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred income taxes, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_966adeaf-1481-40f8-a3d3-520ba1d5f07d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding principal amount of debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Gross</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfShorttermInvestments_889536b3-7741-475f-94ec-febe55eeed1c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfShorttermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_81d64466-6ad6-4947-b0a2-e9711f43159e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_c2982d01-3bc2-440b-8e01-4a9b25df4df0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financing lease right-of-use assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3619d1e3-5140-4065-81be-2b87028fc3a1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finance lease assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity_104ded4f-a51e-4814-913b-c8e6b05ee42b_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to CVR Holders</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Contingent Value Right Holders, Financing Activity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHoldersFinancingActivity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Contingent Value Right Holders, Financing Activity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CommercialLicenseRightsPolicyTextBlock_c918afed-4d36-4ecd-ae40-bb7a5e19b4da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CommercialLicenseRightsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial License Rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CommercialLicenseRightsPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CommercialLicenseRightsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial License Rights [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_daa62d6e-466a-4be2-bb0f-4a45e9ce6c48_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investments, fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_a73a6c44-9501-40bc-98b6-04796d4c17d6_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_44441ff7-e7cc-438b-8c78-44bffc80cc84_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Options exercised (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_d5231f86-b81a-4df8-8b36-2b4ca4e4c228_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_1df96541-2215-42b3-8d0b-76239dfb3c51_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Fair-Value Options Awarded to Employees and Directors</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeasesTextBlock_79b74118-9da5-40d2-831f-a47a2a2371d2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeasesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Leases</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_6252c10f-a89e-473a-8452-a196ff23d887_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_683903b9-83c0-48a9-8f4a-b22be87379d7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Thereafter</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_OwnershipAxis_42823281-9a2a-4bb0-8c37-df637b5aff2a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_a0bc8b1d-0a55-4471-a3cb-502c98517ac4_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total assets</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_PaymentsForConvertibleBondHedges" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_PaymentsForConvertibleBondHedges"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_a6c173eb-e741-423a-9dff-936a2db5fb92_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Leases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_d71edb6d-99d9-4174-bb7c-633711601b6f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_e6f11359-01f5-40ff-91b4-03221e5b9363_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_baa3476f-8b2f-430a-9542-7f29cd7af847_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based compensation expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract_1ec5ab00-7c14-4d8c-bc1d-d3f4ce624504_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive potential common shares:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DilutiveSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_41b09bd6-d8ad-4d26-825b-f74f8a3fb900_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis_59be78b2-5d23-406c-a506-aeda7db5877d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Extinguishment of Debt [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Extinguishment of Debt [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod_cd08aab3-d4e2-4da8-b15a-0355137079a6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchased amount of debt instrument</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Repurchased Amount During Period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Repurchased Amount During Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedAmountDuringPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_4105ae7c-269f-4507-921d-0f42d7645673_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contingent liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f7468e5a-c777-4302-9648-81f5f5bb5068_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_b0de62dd-15df-459a-9e0c-e12a7194f6da_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Forfeited (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual_6aaf216e-0e20-4f54-914c-ae836e776a39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Return reserve</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Returns Accrual</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Returns Accrual</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ReturnsAccrual"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_ReturnsAccrual" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b9c64b4e-7750-42ed-961e-3e0f7801ab43_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Plan Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_cfd91b29-bc9d-4875-8cfb-e5cd594d56c7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining three months ending December 31, 2022</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_2f030e03-3f70-462f-bd35-5f4db5fc4360_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_46b8fb2f-3b28-44d1-8054-a410f967aa7e_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;1</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis_b692db5b-797a-43c8-93c8-eb75f952a154_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Within one year</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_48ee25f6-891a-42a4-8661-c8e8e35b79d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseeAccrualCurrent_363ddf91-b5eb-4cc6-aea5-0d9ac86df3a8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseeAccrualCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts owed to former licensees</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Product and Service [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany_85bd4355-5ff0-4951-b3e2-16f477355194_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Shell Company</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ProceedsFromUnwindingConvertibleBondHedges_2875f103-b74f-4ab1-8fcb-40a9d2b47d57_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ProceedsFromUnwindingConvertibleBondHedges" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from unwinding convertible bond hedges</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1613a054-ecfc-4359-a5c9-ac35fd971f8c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial Instrument [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedPerAcquireeShare_edeaec35-5a28-4ff8-a356-648592dea8e1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedPerAcquireeShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of CVRs issued per acquiree share</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_Phase3ClinicalTrialMember_a7b6eaba-8e49-4384-8ea2-84f7d65505b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_Phase3ClinicalTrialMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Phase 3 Clinical Trial</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_fe15adfa-5806-4f4c-8a9a-7abc2161274a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_989765fc-0744-4db3-9fa0-44679ac9ce10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_c4d45b7d-7e13-4cca-b518-fc972e4340ef_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total accrued liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeasesRightOfUseAssetsIncreaseDecrease_4ce82c09-b4ef-4f66-a69a-9012f9ffcded_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_OperatingLeasesRightOfUseAssetsIncreaseDecrease" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase in operating lease assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_f5586114-959a-4361-a6aa-376b7ffecaaf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2027</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_741c6866-8bbd-4363-b6df-d5eabb31e663_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Options exercised (in USD per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_5537cf4f-8472-47b8-898a-bde2dffedb76_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash used in financing activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent_015b175d-a415-40ac-954f-8f7ef0731f39_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Acquisition related liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Asset Acquisitions, Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedAssetAcquisitionsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Asset Acquisitions, Current</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_e78826be-db4e-4eaf-b043-07532e56eeb8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Authorized stock repurchase amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_49931402-f4cc-405a-bd73-e92e3b324e3f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total interest expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense, Debt</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_7e71273c-f60f-4daf-b91c-c469867f25a7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee-related Liabilities, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable_8047bf33-4b87-424f-977e-d90bda47c2ac_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase of carrying amount of Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Notes Payable</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_e24a1192-0ec6-4bd3-a1ab-b2bb3c0e6de8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total segment operating income</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_c6ba54b3-45da-416d-b801-0e762a9f4804_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Short-term investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_fa3555e2-9ed7-4a95-90bd-3afc3acf1133_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Contingency [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRights_58c4070b-1ba9-4369-a868-3cf7f804a9bc_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term contingent liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BasisOfPresentationTable_5293fd11-3d95-4881-af9b-3666b4588431_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basis of Presentation [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_9087b1d9-9828-4daa-85bf-c0e874c34fd3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income taxes receivable</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_1bbd6982-f990-41c0-87c6-2038e39b44ad_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Customer relationships</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_1b268fcb-56e6-4454-8d94-d1b2427d0195_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Leases [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MutualFundMember_c7287882-afc0-4453-b9f0-83e8d2cedb65_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MutualFundMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mutual fund</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MutualFundMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MutualFundMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mutual Fund [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MutualFundMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MutualFundMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MutualFundMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MutualFundMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_afd795df-ff1e-4b93-87c1-c55d5681f854_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_ea670b2b-6f11-4407-9eb9-00ed148b3d0b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MinimumMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Minimum [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:to="lab_srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_34184325-3815-4372-8d77-bd758a231427_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Initial conversion rate (shares per $1,000)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_344b4146-3f3a-421d-8058-3695b49db747_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Emerging Growth Company</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_8f7c067a-0a1c-4f53-a7bb-cab0d6dc5c20_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Royalties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_c3b9cfc6-0b29-4484-aa09-4ec63e487a7f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Royalties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Royalty [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_b5ebb7fb-ed20-470b-92f5-724a5993faed_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, par value (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount_2c9fc8c0-6a0e-4785-9dcf-23781a4d8721_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pfenex CVR adjustment amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, CVR Adjustment, Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, CVR Adjustment, Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationCVRAdjustmentAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ba4eca5b-5b52-4fb7-ab09-7ec9c3ac27d1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounting Standards Update [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_68474c2a-0ed3-4601-9d07-8c9383873746_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_663d43fd-10ee-47e8-b989-1d96e72a96b2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember_e10a6c57-79f4-47a0-a64e-32a2afc92c77_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">CyDex</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">CyDex [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">CyDex</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_CyDexMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_CyDexMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_0fcda4d1-91f4-49cf-9926-ee9e8b2eadf5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:to="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber_29abb5fc-25f8-4751-ae96-4332825c916c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity File Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity File Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember_73177be7-82cf-4efe-a3e8-8ce0c3939795_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract revenue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract Revenue [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract Revenue</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ContractRevenueMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent_df2045ed-31e1-43bb-97cf-da48567e37a2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term deferred revenue</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_600584d9-e5ba-4ccb-82ab-9e8fe4ea9a84_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_aabb1926-7c08-4527-aec8-5195b41bdf39_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Research and development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Research and Development Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_8e7a0373-5b9e-44a3-b869-56bb7e9e6fb6_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase of short-term investments</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_e5d2b2e4-60cf-4ed1-b10d-702d9222590d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Granted (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_42a9269e-f16d-4515-bb5f-c26d13784797_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective income tax rate (as a percent)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_a9f98a3e-da76-476b-8aca-d0bf2478a183_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Estimates</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_871d1f9c-e180-4bef-bc6f-7e5a35a7cad9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other income (expense):</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent_1f475dda-ac46-4b75-aaf1-252670f8b78e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current lease liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease, Liability, Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease, Liability, Current</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Subsequent Events [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_a8371d8f-fca0-493e-961a-6b8fe28cb3d8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts payable and accrued liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_818e6396-125e-410e-b635-ad95c3830e8b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent_23079a02-d470-434e-9799-85f36d22375c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Subcontractor</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Subcontractor Expenses, Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued Subcontractor Expenses, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_AccruedSubcontractorExpensesCurrent"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_7761352b-2877-45ab-b2f1-fcbfc2fb4daf_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Fair Value</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_NumberOfOptionsUnderConvertibleBondHedges" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_NumberOfOptionsUnderConvertibleBondHedges"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_24bbf721-9339-4f1a-9b4b-c7c73e8793c0_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrant exercise price (in USD per share)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_71640128-fbd5-4ae3-a884-ad84c2dd6f6c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Goodwill Balance by Segment On Relative Fair Value Basis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_ebb03901-92e7-4bd3-b440-894a5050f637_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest paid</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_5fcd8450-838a-4ec0-a0ed-2eaa3ebbc09e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total operating costs and expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Costs and Expenses</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure_59c3275a-5f2b-4377-9d04-325ffc4831c2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts owed to former licensor</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts Owed To Former Licensor, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts Owed To Former Licensor, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_AmountsOwedToFormerLicensorFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_2f45d076-e5b4-43e1-97b8-cb85ee082898_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basic net income (loss) per share (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Basic</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent_b4e32c5e-59b4-4e40-b790-6b1f4a46e3c4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2023 convertible senior notes, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Debt, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_7209c29e-bc5a-4433-b659-706dd1e5f696_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2025</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_3b45bf8d-1a71-4557-8dd4-2ebb0d401991_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Performance period for awards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_774193db-cc1f-42c3-b54f-757891683925_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate, Non-Segment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_7b0d6fda-1981-4c77-bd9d-f532b9df61c4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Inventory</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9f38f6be-f6e7-4a80-8c98-2b1850d1b58a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ca7a3425-e7cb-4d19-8bfa-a2b00f5f832e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total stockholders' equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_38f2906c-452a-44f4-af77-13e0f2389c54_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_e52822e2-be4a-4842-8e54-0de8676880bf_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1c4747b4-c69d-4ccd-9763-bde2a629a4d0_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease (increase) of stockholders' equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ce2d4962-3fe9-42bd-a56c-9a56ac7c97a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Forfeited (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember_b1e4ac46-9185-46b0-9593-cbc7e7604c5d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">License Fees, Milestones, and Product, Other, Product, Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">License Fees, Milestones, and Product, Other, Product, Other</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMilestonesAndProductOtherProductOtherMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_39248986-f6c6-4a8d-88f9-fc7ca0c76b31_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_OwnershipDomain_1f1042f0-ae99-45f0-8349-3b8b1282a68e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_OwnershipDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_a165630e-05fc-4346-9850-9ab021a121d7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Interactive Data Current</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_2c2cc3fe-27d4-4c7a-9176-665e26cb30a6_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less: accumulated amortization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_8e96767d-e14d-4262-bb32-af263c3192df_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated amortization on finite-lived intangible assets</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember_891fac37-c39e-43fd-bb90-705ef509d185_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Teriparatide injection</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Teriparatide Injection [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Teriparatide Injection</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_TeriparatideInjectionMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock_c48ad2ce-ce33-4a3e-8168-8daa715c98b5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Commercial License Rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Commercial License Rights [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Commercial License Rights</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfCommercialLicenseRightsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_b33bab69-5403-4062-a347-12df3e8f68ea_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_84352f63-5968-494f-a206-396da7cd0e3c_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in operating assets and liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember_d3683667-7919-476c-b57a-55c63484a131_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">License Fees</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">License Fees [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">License Fees</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_LicenseFeesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_LicenseFeesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_6bb71f29-c17d-42eb-be8e-01dae30d6253_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Reconciliation of Level 3 Financial Instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a5dcce4c-9713-4757-9951-1e5c8302adca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Retained earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Retained Earnings [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments_15b2169f-ef0c-460e-a67b-e9dcc36be506_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sale of short-term investments</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_1f742872-0a39-40e8-aa57-866111e5353b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries_b00c73b5-444e-452c-a4dc-4cca67a73c1e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of CVRs issued from each CVR series</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Number of Contingent Value Rights Issued from Each Contingent Value Right Series</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_15306fc2-670f-47e0-b41c-a6f75e26124a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of common stock under employee stock compensation plans, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_8eddcc65-8219-4cc5-b36a-b8f32c782f35_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of reportable segments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Reportable Segments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount_a058a52c-0bee-4d2f-858d-193cc515d8b2_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease in debt discount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Debt Discount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Debt Discount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtDiscount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_6af95723-dae5-4287-9528-87f7aa07786a_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest_e67ecb6a-ba4c-439c-91cb-409a6c3cd708_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable_4d0b2d24-663e-464b-8427-ea29a3f5575e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_fce9a23f-ad3c-47ca-9969-4924cf6c2761_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs vested (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_f3b5126f-3dc0-454f-bda2-691f167c6068_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Effective interest rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_4f4d10ee-827f-4367-b1a9-4bf104853e12_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease renewal term of operating leases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_4725c30b-3e7b-4250-97f4-31ff43bd152b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Quarterly Report</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_a6db3583-4e50-4787-8733-0d17850821bb_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_f0fa2dae-339d-490d-987a-ae7fb2d9aaaa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term operating lease liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_8b0168b1-abc3-486f-88d9-cb54feb959f8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_RangeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statistical Measurement [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants_893fd190-b747-48ec-8578-4e93323e69d9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to unwind warrants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Unwind Warrants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Unwind Warrants</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_PaymentsToUnwindWarrants"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights_03b400a2-db5f-4512-a75a-0c0cf9ec1ad1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current contingent liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRights"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_fcdd15aa-d9a0-45ae-86a6-ab2546cfaac3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Retained earnings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_0d06084f-31b1-439e-b009-254685934060_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_0fa3f4a7-eea0-4699-affe-ff25e81bb18f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts receivable, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_feb91fc3-2083-470e-889a-2d2115ace1a1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures_65eec1df-fc90-4c55-b723-a6d40214e9d4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value of the 2023 Notes outstanding (Level 2)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dd3eb2c9-ccb5-4b34-a1a6-9908cc6fc923_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Components [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders_5c88c5c0-2593-42bf-afb6-5c7018d86e67_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to CVR holders and other contingent payments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Contingent Value Right Holders</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Contingent Value Right Holders</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_PaymentsToContingentValueRightHolders" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_b8c504a9-c445-43d7-901f-0d2c507f1d9d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Recurring</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Recurring [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_6466436c-fc08-4fbf-814d-30ce144d6600_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Case [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Case [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:to="lab_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6cf5f280-8fc6-45cf-98e5-7c26b625c50d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding options that are exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability_e60b9f38-752d-46c3-8c8a-b5c9cb2e62e0_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total lease liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease, Liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lease, Liability</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_LeaseLiability"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_LeaseLiability" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_b3727bda-59c1-48dc-acb2-caa4f563c4d3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance_0f3194aa-4332-4715-a1fc-82403066601a_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less estimated tenant improvement allowance:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Tenant Improvement Allowance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Tenant Improvement Allowance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityTenantImprovementAllowance" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_84bc60ea-9614-43aa-823c-7190c1995a21_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Year Focus</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_17fe13f3-a59b-4058-bcda-e513859e6315_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash flows from operating activities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a23bdf82-a162-4a11-9ab1-168153ffbd8a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_c413c1cf-bb39-4339-8bbb-4617eab32525_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments under financing lease obligations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finance Lease, Principal Payments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_4fb802c8-0767-42af-9ffc-60310c646663_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nonvested at beginning of period (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_d2b6088e-a08b-4179-a6f0-95eb007f275a_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nonvested at end of period (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_64956eae-8006-44e8-9771-d0832bf77fc6_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total other expense, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Nonoperating Income (Expense)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember_63a94637-6ea9-4791-a4fa-dbc38bc6c420_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Kyprolis</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Kyprolis [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Kyprolis</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_KyprolisMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_KyprolisMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_ad6c7816-d68d-445a-a628-fab09b9e1e9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_72ffea8b-241a-494c-b3b5-9d43bd5b3b86_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Definite lived intangible assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_baf016a5-8d3e-4552-936d-21195868a2b7_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_NotesRepurchasedDuringCurrentPeriodTwoMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_NotesRepurchasedDuringCurrentPeriodTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Notes Repurchased During Current Period, Two</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_e9038988-d626-41d8-ab34-b6d36706b79a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss Contingencies [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_ba9428af-631c-4fc2-98f7-0ad953112f26_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross unrealized losses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_fe37d5ad-4ccc-47d8-a101-c5fee38b8442_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating lease right-of-use assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_c20d7e0b-cd03-4efe-8bab-ba575b0710ec_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock repurchased during period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased During Period, Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6ee88094-e8b2-4b26-9b2e-ff53f027a4b4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated other comprehensive loss</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_becb1816-b060-4f32-b33f-3907f87dfa67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Transition Report</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_25306a3b-89ed-4e77-b464-ec26e2b8e7fc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Local Phone Number</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PatentedTechnologyMember_0ed1baa1-06f9-45bf-bb51-b2988a07ecb4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PatentedTechnologyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Complete technology</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PatentedTechnologyMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PatentedTechnologyMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Patented Technology [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_c03cc9b1-b776-4a0b-b015-caadf3276530_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Stock Option Plan Activity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_d265a986-da41-4b72-80ed-c2c3b38212fa_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income (loss) from operations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_fe32ed3b-5b55-496f-b494-bc538392eeb8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income (loss) from operations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Income (Loss)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_3278c64e-68f8-4e12-9045-7a678aaae5f4_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Inventory</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_f3ffa5f2-2092-4401-b431-fe0ca5224250_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other corporate expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Cost and Expense, Operating</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ShareBasedCompensationAchievementOfPerformanceCriteriaPayoutRangePercent_3fa8a7e4-08e5-42c3-bdc9-3b8bdd70d190_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ShareBasedCompensationAchievementOfPerformanceCriteriaPayoutRangePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payout range (as a percent)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ShareBasedCompensationAchievementOfPerformanceCriteriaPayoutRangePercent_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ShareBasedCompensationAchievementOfPerformanceCriteriaPayoutRangePercent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation, Achievement of Performance Criteria, Payout Range, Percent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_36b91565-27d8-4279-8c73-37468acf316f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unamortized discount</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_4f3ca643-395b-4003-91b0-14e95d445274_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock outstanding (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9bc5a290-f0cd-44c3-b88b-0f8cd20f2a56_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_8df12439-08a8-4e70-8b6e-09086515e26d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_abbb7668-8c8b-4f6e-97e0-d71fc7120420_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Goodwill</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_af02a786-aa61-46d3-b96e-915256100910_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f5e2a86b-eabc-45b6-9b73-347c59d21d69_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9fd55c06-62d4-4dab-9127-4cf163d8b3dd_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income tax benefit (expense)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Tax Expense (Benefit)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_c78383ca-7d11-4edd-8ae3-0ab92309fdb9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred income taxes, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_893a3258-f51c-4d5c-90c1-24745a81cf9c_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease of deferred tax liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_30594ee2-feb9-4fab-b6d4-45e249083ed5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_e0f44e1c-f4bd-4c0b-9371-83ae4f7873d0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2026</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_3a89619b-09ea-45fc-a40e-14dd55e31be8_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Granted (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_92c8487a-0ac5-4caa-8c7e-a8cffa2bf3f1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional paid in capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_5c28d4d9-3cb8-4134-9917-e5cf8a6bf176_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial license rights</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Licensing Agreements [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_cc1befc8-97bf-44ee-966f-b31c4ca1f62a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Fiscal Period Focus</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember_84f19bf9-7b1b-40ab-b144-db30c954d243_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjusted Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod_4b6f8553-16fe-4122-9f73-5efd90b7f5c1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares available for future purchases (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Shares Expected to be Repurchased, Next Fiscal Period</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationEstimatedQuantityOfSharesToBeRepurchasedInFollowingPeriod"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_38169f19-b731-4a2a-9cbc-60ffa1fc50f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares used in diluted per share calculations (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_88c839d7-fb8a-4fe0-a6e3-7d57717468b3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock, $0.001 par value; 60,000 shares authorized; 16,894 and 16,767 shares issued and outstanding at September&#160;30, 2022 and December&#160;31, 2021, respectively</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_d78f600e-81f1-4302-807e-beebd063c3d7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Segments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Segments [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders_efba25f9-ac77-49ea-9327-6e1149e89ec2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Frequency of cash payments to CVR holders</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Frequency of Cash Payments to Contingent Value Rights Holders</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Frequency of Cash Payments to Contingent Value Rights Holders</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_5b02bd6e-c0e4-4318-885d-c08bbbf2128f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock authorized (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_e0c2366d-2b4f-4a19-b14d-48ba0997aea7_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_95388273-02a2-4b13-bc5c-30804bc1dd0f_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock_88e4ead1-9f85-4a99-9780-15d12e044b86_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Operating and Finance Lease Assets and Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets and Liabilities Leases [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Assets and Liabilities Leases</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_b36ab5c8-da30-4469-87f2-b87f575e3528_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to additional paid-in-capital from warrants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_8b10d367-ac92-452c-856a-3664df296057_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitment and Contingencies: Legal Proceedings</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_2724e96c-a460-4b0f-8410-19b198084995_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_5eab6e5d-45b0-4dcc-a198-7b0ea88acc96_netLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Current [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember_4b0907bf-88c9-469f-9e2b-7ad892fb7b6f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Captisol - Core</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Material Sales, Captisol, Core [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Material Sales, Captisol, Core</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolCoreMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_f9316ec4-6632-482a-83ac-1cb5cb6d3bbf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net proceeds from stock option exercises and ESPP</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_4583a74e-5ac1-4e41-b815-ce01db90d293_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock issued (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares, Issued</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_5e793121-3ec1-4be4-a326-d0b7327c621b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred revenue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract with Customer, Liability, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_ece8cba8-008e-430d-8996-4e5c66b1fbd0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued fixed asset purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_70bbd5e9-c3af-4e63-b259-d50b3434fa0b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transferred over Time</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Transferred over Time [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_64264a8e-2e6a-4e40-b885-d0aa221c63e7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income Statement Location [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_7b547514-dce0-4ba1-ab93-383f9eea24f4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current financing lease liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finance Lease, Liability, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionNumberOfPositions_41af5a62-54bf-4256-8647-8d5d34707926_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionNumberOfPositions" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of positions in an unrealized loss position</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag_f81152e5-2b9c-48ab-97ad-36e85bdd274a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amendment Flag</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_bb3bb51a-c62f-4091-ac45-738a8bd2292a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining lease term of operating leases</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_1a4f87c2-9b4b-4326-ab3a-0c29c66eefd6_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by investing activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_8248453a-9a85-4e86-990e-ebd652b193f3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aggregate principal amount outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_9238a1a5-26a4-4e5d-9f61-ab86b8ebcf67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Principal amount of the 2023 Notes outstanding</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolMember_854bf8e3-85e0-4a4e-85cb-088de0c5ab81_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Captisol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MaterialSalesCaptisolMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Material Sales, Captisol [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber_60f923cb-7e6f-43e3-a901-bddd56b4c7f9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of civil complaints filed against entity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_969640c9-b73f-4f50-9f18-df2b22a44de2_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive income (loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_d4902c4b-4174-42f5-ae8c-b227e0220d6c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Litigation Case [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries_93694199-a3e4-45af-8d6e-84df902f5da5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of CVR Series</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Contingent Value Rights Series</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Contingent Value Rights Series</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_979af048-bbc3-4128-9a2e-277ac5e328c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross unrealized gains</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_2c14ec43-1bee-462a-8e74-29796a02fc1b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Current Reporting Status</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_99747ebd-0bf3-4ab6-bd95-232e9f0fb041_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets, Noncurrent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_COVID19AccountsReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossPeriodIncreaseDecrease_7831387f-9c0a-44df-87ee-6d359299a106_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_COVID19AccountsReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Allowance for credit losses adjustment related to COVID-19</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_abb0b073-81a6-4955-a306-8daeb16df862_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Outstanding options that are exercisable (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_f3bfcde3-48a7-4998-b414-387b3ae918a9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_43ebddfe-e26c-4e16-9c5e-ab2973249ebd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_e01c3762-3fce-4a96-a52b-f510a37d1407_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Notes Payable</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment_4eace189-a883-4f52-851c-58d033381e99_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Mark-to-market adjustment of CVR liability</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract_f58a496b-6f1d-4833-b967-28b9d515e878_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Stock Purchase Plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_ce6f70c7-9ed4-46da-9044-5a181d4fd275_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating costs and expenses:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_801ef62e-4875-427a-b3d7-ba5529f30809_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Counterparty Name [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_070d55e4-8054-495c-b9a6-09491fd9f1b8_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_a5170a91-0d96-494c-a7e8-eebb2c726bcc_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember_c387af44-adef-4cc0-ac40-c283c6ba17e2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Royalty, Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Royalty, Other</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_RoyaltyOtherMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_4860fab6-7e18-45d0-a52a-3c0b728ad995_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_645503a1-3a49-40c8-a84e-2aacebe9e312_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_36c93553-1711-471d-bc78-29ebc2257943_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3b1056b1-e569-4408-b7a3-db6887b5669b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_54d331f9-a948-4748-b582-2508637a9356_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basis of Presentation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_bcc245e4-48c8-4e94-9a79-765152fa2301_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property and equipment, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_8101bd4d-07f0-4eea-b656-2dc931565ab8_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repurchase of 2023 Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Long-Term Debt</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_b0f455f2-de70-4d66-9782-6b39e70d2997_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair value adjustments to contingent liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_5e6e61ff-ad76-4e1f-9683-130539f995ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Options</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_84b3c69e-e824-4198-82d7-dca3773b3ba4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other income (expense), net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_35586b73-eadb-4802-9b36-26d24ec9f348_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized net gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_55558765-7c8e-4377-8d33-7ff285f2e6dd_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Common stock authorized (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_d26bdaec-225c-406e-8c6c-47112deef63f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_MaximumMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_MaximumMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_c80f97f5-6cdc-43c3-a010-09040118e3a7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accumulated other comprehensive loss</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_34a04ff3-668a-431d-9efd-cf9eb72af531_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_eba1c0fd-8ccc-41cb-8a2b-6c548bf01f96_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and cash equivalents</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_2782026c-4bab-4772-bb67-8c29b7e8feaa_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total current assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_0b7932a6-7f10-4ba6-a477-82d1776e70ba_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Income taxes payable</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_033388ce-b0c1-48e9-8c74-0f10c8b88904_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue recognized that was previously deferred</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_e68f3def-8660-4ac6-910d-d9011276ecce_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Small Business</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Small Business</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MetabasisMember_aaccae68-7bf2-4f26-9f82-91a76e914ed1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MetabasisMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Metabasis</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_188b0a67-8ae6-4404-a8c5-ec0a906b0b56_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Accounts Payable, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_d65f38b2-17b5-4f47-8cb6-338aafd7bd6c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock price trigger to classify convertible debt as current (as a percent)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_d7c50efe-a748-4bf5-9aa5-4f6aec0f8ed5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Notes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Notes Payable [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WarrantMember_e89dccf9-ad24-4dd4-86c2-eff7fbc5ad4d_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Warrants</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory_c7780c72-92fb-4d73-b677-844e75fcf12b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Filer Category</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_99e25932-bb56-4386-9b99-2a79e923f733_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shares used in basic per share calculations (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember_c926bc78-751f-4c26-b88d-68c070484e89_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rylaze</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rylaze [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_RylazeMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Rylaze</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency_7cb31e5e-7d67-4dec-b786-aa09e907464b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnout rights recognized</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Contingency</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationGainLossRecognizedOnContingency"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock_89ea79a0-0c1c-4e17-86a4-2f953bbcca85_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Short-Term Investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Short-Term investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ScheduleOfShortTermInvestmentsTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_ea16a1cc-7078-4a4b-b05c-0c00e7eacad7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Shared-based compensation</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_b37f1e2f-bcb9-45a6-ac68-df9bd7d58354_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental schedule of non-cash activity:</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_c5eb4908-d14d-4a68-9cbf-4e0803a1801a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments and contingencies</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_c0e0f6e5-9c57-40b0-9c22-0e99c479aacf_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_4859da24-b200-4b7e-9555-f0323376b6e8_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at beginning of period (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_3dcdffc9-da66-4043-8402-933d96c4b838_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Balance at end of period (in USD per share)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_6cc307cb-e5ca-4840-89f6-5058dff5bd2c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; zero issued and outstanding at September&#160;30, 2022 and December&#160;31, 2021</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_add01347-f3ee-4bf0-bc60-bd2b8acbb14b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock Awards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1f1f606e-d127-4fca-af34-5ab4763ea56b_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted stock</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Stock [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4754f765-8a20-45e7-a1a0-2bcad4970ed4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_0c13263f-5e25-4cf7-86ca-c063af1c6bbe_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Carrying Values and Coupon Rates on Financing Arrangements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_98326b74-670d-4d05-9189-c3aa8a95f1e2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">SBC - General and administrative expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">General and Administrative Expense [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_b5925772-160c-4165-a350-4fb2393430bd_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total revenues</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_d56f0ec1-3358-431a-89b4-6d53d5700c40_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total revenue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities_416ab93a-39f3-499e-8cee-4ebde3ea3476_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for contingent consideration liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_e71bd090-4a2d-4d8f-a7d0-3bc12dba7bf1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Noncurrent liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_96b71800-2884-4cd1-b3b1-0f9705606524_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_b3b2fa18-536a-4f74-bbff-52c812e5917a_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;3</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_565e662f-c7e3-4267-a0dc-cd56db8f016a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level 3</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingMember_0c91b7e7-caba-4992-ba35-c0ebf09f3a67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AtTheMarketEquityOfferingMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">At-the Market Equity Offering</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember_1fc96d36-bb5f-4a8a-a53b-d72b00542c69_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Selexis and Dianomi</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Selexis and Dianomi [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SelexisAndDianomiMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Selexis and Dianomi</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCreditLossAdjustments_695241f7-9c3d-4adf-9c49-1bd261b21341_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCreditLossAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Credit loss adjustments of finite-lived intangible assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCreditLossAdjustments_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsCreditLossAdjustments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Credit Loss Adjustments</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramPeriodInForce1_7cbca922-3230-487e-9f82-3e45e3d4903c_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramPeriodInForce1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Period in force of stock repurchase program</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramPeriodInForce1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramPeriodInForce1"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_ad002f86-a502-414b-9f82-ae556c0caeb9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember_7e304a2e-ce37-4a78-a5ab-a2433802a4fd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ligand core business</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ligand Core Business Segment [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ligand Core Business Segment</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_LigandCoreBusinessSegmentMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_8aafbdf9-9e19-4634-92ad-696a05c5bca0_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_f7713c03-5d09-49fe-a76e-10fe040ac867_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost of Captisol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost, Direct Material</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_87b20fe4-09c2-48d2-9c4f-416d4d99cc63_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total liabilities and stockholders' equity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities and Equity</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_1440bea0-0e7b-4045-a2da-850387011e93_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Term of debt instrument</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Term</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_645486ea-52ef-440d-918c-4ea0fd0a6ebd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized issuance costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1e28d13d-4632-4d12-8c70-e741f4d5f036_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_370e4758-64f6-42ac-901c-e071f44fd0b8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_923ec7c3-904e-4e1d-af4c-a04bcf1d0e89_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Remaining authorized stock repurchase amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_221b2e4d-ad70-4cd7-b663-18fa0c5aad9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_31f226b4-e141-4fc2-94e1-607080999e0f_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Level&#160;2</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_b7b66478-1eb7-4ee9-8570-72042ca30d9a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember_69a70b3a-65d5-4d34-968b-d8327adfa950_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Bank deposits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Demand Deposits [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DemandDepositsMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_526fe029-65b9-4bd5-a753-c0207ab55f26_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Current Fiscal Year End Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:to="lab_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_c08405a7-deb3-409d-ad34-b3d838d237ea_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Less imputed interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember_3f326596-a654-4a05-ba79-6559de0bca30_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Milestone</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Milestone [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Milestone</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_MilestoneMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_MilestoneMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_e5f1dd29-4953-42c6-889e-7f58fee2cff8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_b47f2051-0a40-406c-9969-084f6979620f_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Diluted net income (loss) per share (in USD per share)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Earnings Per Share, Diluted</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_059c47d4-5e14-45d7-ba1d-b5ce306c7c07_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible assets, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_a34b79ba-dc0f-4ab3-be7b-5ea6b9fed759_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_d96755ed-1cb6-483b-8958-e9182ea3cd80_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Ownership percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_82044293-2db2-468d-91f6-4bbe3825a4fd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based compensation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount_17c212ac-1965-40d9-829e-6e5a2c5f5d4a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale of stock, authorized offering amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale Of Stock, Authorized Offering Amount</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Sale Of Stock, Authorized Offering Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_SaleOfStockAuthorizedOfferingAmount" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger_76419309-d405-4c75-a84a-09e6292097c9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum threshold of debt trading price trigger (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumThresholdPercentageofDebtTradingPriceTrigger" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_fc52bfd2-8ee6-405d-b394-1d257c7eef42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation Items [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_16913850-f340-4779-b681-e98cd5e9e393_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_282d0fba-02e6-486f-a1bf-15a594c83a08_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from convertible bond hedge settlement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Hedge, Financing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3587df24-98fa-42eb-83c7-5c5dd8020767_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total current liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization_562441bb-342a-47fb-9c73-1a9428ccd675_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization of intangibles</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cost, Amortization</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAmortization" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_4ceed025-84f7-439b-ba49-cf908b0e59b3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2024</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_e9028326-5311-4ecf-8254-fbcb8d037ef1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other current assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets, Current</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_ffda4e5d-2a9b-4ed2-8201-222861dd8e7e_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Total long-term portion of notes payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Notes Payable, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_2d62de37-9b69-4af7-a2a4-6d9fb1979bcb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate equity securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_780fb6c1-7722-460c-b670-7c2efd1848bb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate bonds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Corporate Debt Securities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_45754279-3fe7-4066-9c25-7311a03ecad7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_07cd19bf-4468-430d-b35a-e6659a700596_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_a386c4cd-53aa-439a-89a7-5d26955c8cfa_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Address Line One</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross_8b9cbe34-f9f3-4bff-a479-6b724e5d38f6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gross contract asset</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract with Customer, Asset, before Allowance for Credit Loss</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2023Member_b1144fe5-6413-4be4-871c-4799617c6eca_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">2023 Convertible Senior Notes</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2023Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Convertible Senior Notes due 2023</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_47dfab64-3411-495f-9210-905928d023c6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for OmniAb transaction costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_a79c30ec-ae17-49f4-8ad6-ea5c77328b28_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Stock Purchase Plan</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_4c8ebb53-45a2-4bb7-8ba1-047c90cd20b6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized loss on AFS investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79d06eac-29a1-4b67-8a59-c661c219b27e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Product and Service [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Product and Service [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="lab_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_330c5840-040d-4d92-b0a6-c3d3a97120b6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense_b76e055e-823d-4e6b-96e8-b52e811af5cc_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Expense</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_2af6bf12-de9f-469c-b36f-293a52bd87c1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trade name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trade Names [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember_468b5ac5-b619-46ee-af6b-4edd0137ee01_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Service Revenue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract Revenue, Service [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contract Revenue, Service</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_ContractRevenueServiceMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_5b8aa306-d0dd-4f73-9a21-48dce85e3d34_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Equity [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_f719ff4d-7c59-49ed-b2e2-2222eb91e677_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Subsequent Event [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_84be4850-a231-45c3-a3c8-b502922a11d2_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">RSUs vested (in shares)</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_96fdde95-9178-4d01-a567-fcc5ea169ecc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Tax Identification Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate_66a5e5e1-2c53-43c9-a1ea-c0dbdf4e5a6d_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share purchase price as percent of market price (as a percent)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments_18c8ff0c-8d12-4755-83a1-871f1358f7b4_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Loss (gain) from short-term investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Short-term Investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Gain (Loss) on Short-term Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_GainLossOnShortTermInvestments" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember_744c4b0d-d174-47c7-8597-171f57445cd1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aziyo and CorMatrix</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aziyo and CorMatrix [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Aziyo and CorMatrix</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_AziyoAndCorMatrixMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember_dcd94862-b485-45bc-b846-6be0553e1033_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contingent Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contingent Liabilities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Contingent Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_3cccddbe-2aa3-447e-985a-d03e212c653a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassifications</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_8b8e5641-d1b4-49c2-84f9-eba983446ff1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Revenue by Source</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities_b290c9f2-ab34-40c9-bf4a-569c7f44968c_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to convertible bond holders for warrant purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2f2c05ed-0f57-4360-902f-6f6ad4d80846_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_5ac69bd3-b489-49a3-963d-ee8dabfab805_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
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    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember_0236adca-131e-4f53-b81b-d6cc8da34d0e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Icagen</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Icagen [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Icagen</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:href="lgnd-20220930.xsd#lgnd_IcagenMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:to="lab_lgnd_IcagenMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_1c0d85a3-db56-4314-b9fd-a6d95d4b986b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial paper</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_abac0ed9-df19-490c-8e98-cadc3d878950_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_b1c3dd77-6090-410c-b6a9-345f177868a4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_dd99f481-f85b-49c3-ad14-d4b7f0a8cdbe_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Interest income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Investment Income, Interest</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_12ccb1bd-980d-4e7b-bb07-44449367ec9b_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_1b2caba0-bda4-415c-b329-218d654d7d50_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Type of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
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