SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 5, 2001 LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 000-20720 77-0160744 (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 10275 SCIENCE CENTER DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121-1117 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (858) 550-7500 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) ITEM 5. Other Events. Attached hereto is a press release issued by the registrant on January 8, 2001. ITEM 7. Financial and Exhibits C. EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION 99.1 Press Release, dated January 8, 2001 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned. LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED Date : January 8, 2001 By: By:/s/PAUL V. MAIER ---------------------------------------- Name: Paul V. Maier Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer