---

---

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 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): November 5, 2009

LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

________________

10275 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California, 92121-1117
              (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

---

---

Item 2.02     Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 5, 2009, Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (“Ligand” or the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. A copy of this press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1. The Company has scheduled a conference call for 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on November 5, 2009 to discuss its financial results and provide a business update.  A copy of the presentation materials for the conference call is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2.

By filing this Current Report on Form 8-K and furnishing this information, Ligand makes no admission as to the materiality of any information in this Current Report on Form 8-K. The information contained in the presentation materials is summary information that is intended to be considered in the context of Ligand’s filings with the SEC and other public announcements that Ligand makes, by press release or otherwise, from time to time. Ligand undertakes no duty or obligation to publicly update or revise the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, although it may do so from time to time as its management believes is appropriate. Any such updating may be made through the filing of other reports or documents with the SEC, through press releases or through other public disclosure.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2. of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned.

EXHIBIT INDEX