425

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): September 24, 2008

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

________________

Delaware	001-33093	77-0160744
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(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)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

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 1.01     Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Merger Agreement

On September 24, 2008, Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (the “Company” or “Ligand”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), with Pharmacopeia, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pharmacopeia”), Margaux Acquisition Corp, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub 1”) and Latour Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub 2”).  Under the Merger Agreement, the Company will acquire Pharmacopeia pursuant to a two-step merger, whereby Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into Pharmacopeia, with Pharmacopeia as the surviving corporation, and Pharmacopeia will immediately thereafter merge with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 as the surviving entity (collectively, the “Merger”).

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company will issue to Pharmacopeia stockholders 17.6 million Ligand shares, subject to specified adjustments as provided therein. The Merger Agreement includes a collar provision that provides for a fixed exchange ratio within a stock price range of Ligand common stock of $3.00 and $3.75.  At Ligand stock prices greater than $3.75 but not greater than $4.50, the value of the transaction is fixed at $66 million.  At Ligand stock prices greater than $4.50, the number of Ligand’s shares to be issued to Pharmacopeia stockholders is reduced to 14.7 million.  At Ligand stock prices below $3.00, the value of the transaction is fixed at $52.8 million, including some cash consideration at varying stock price levels.  If Ligand’s stock price is below $2.38, the number of Ligand’s shares to be issued to Pharmacopeia’s stockholders would not be greater than 18.0 million, and Pharmacopeia stockholders would receive cash of $10 million in the aggregate.  The number of shares issuable is subject to potential adjustments as provided in the Merger Agreement. In addition, each share of Pharmacopeia common stock will be entitled to receive one contingent value right (“CVR”), which is subject to the terms and conditions of the Contingent Value Right Agreement described below.

The Company and Pharmacopeia each made representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement that are similar to those made by parties in similar business combinations. The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining the approval of Pharmacopeia’s stockholders and termination or expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. The Board of Directors of the Company and Pharmacopeia have approved the Merger and the Merger Agreement. Pharmacopeia has agreed, unless the Merger Agreement is terminated earlier, to cause a stockholders meeting to be held, for the purpose of considering approval of the Merger and the Merger Agreement. If the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances specified in the Merger Agreement, Pharmacopeia may be required to pay a termination fee of $3.375 million and/or reimbursement of actual documented reasonable expenses up to a maximum of $1.4 million.

The Company expects to incur substantial additional costs in connection with the Merger, including costs associated with severance payments, repayment of outstanding debt, advisors’ fees and other transaction-related expenses.

Contingent Value Rights Agreement

At the closing of the Merger, the Company, Pharmacopeia and a rights agent will enter into a Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”), a form of which is attached to the Merger Agreement. The CVR Agreement sets forth the rights that former Pharmacopeia securityholders will have with respect to each CVR to be held by them after the closing of the Merger. The CVR Agreement provides for the payment of an aggregate of $15 million in cash payable to the holders of the CVRs if, on or prior to December 31, 2011, Ligand enters into a license or sale agreement related to DARA (as defined in the CVR Agreement) or any other agreement for the development, marketing or sale of DARA, or any option to enter into such agreement, with any party other than Bristol-Myers Squibb Company or any of its affiliates.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

          Ligand intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement of Pharmacopeia and other relevant materials in connection with the proposed transaction. The proxy statement will be mailed to the stockholders of Pharmacopeia. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about Ligand, Pharmacopeia and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Ligand or Pharmacopeia with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Ligand by going to Ligand’s Investor Relations website at www.ligand.com. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Pharmacopeia by going to Pharmacopeia’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at www.pharmacopeia.com. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

          Ligand and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information concerning Ligand’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Ligand’s proxy statement for its 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008, and annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2008.

          Pharmacopeia and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Pharmacopeia’s executive officers and directors and their ownership of Pharmacopeia common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for the Pharmacopeia 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2008. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of Pharmacopeia and its respective executive officers and directors in the acquisition by reading the proxy statement regarding the merger, which will be filed with the SEC.

Item 7.01     Regulation FD Disclosure.

Ligand and Pharmacopeia will host a joint conference call on September 24, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the planned merger and a business overview. A live audio webcast of the management presentation will be available at http://www.ligand.com. Alternatively, callers may listen to the conference call on the phone by dialing (877) 356-5578 from the U.S. or (706) 679-0565 from outside the U.S. The passcode for the call is 65791831.

The presentation materials attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and incorporated by reference herein, will be made available by Ligand on its website. A copy of the joint press release issued by Ligand and Pharmacopeia announcing the merger is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference herein.

By filing the information in this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, Ligand makes no admission as to the materiality of any information in this report. The information contained in the script is summary information that is intended to be considered in the context of Ligand 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 report, 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.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)	Exhibits.
	Exhibit No.	Description
	99.1	Presentation Materials
	99.2	Press release dated September 24, 2008

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.

		LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Date:	September 24, 2008	By:	/s/ Charles S. Berkman
		Name:	Charles S. Berkman
		Title:	Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Presentation Materials
99.2	Press release dated September 24, 2008

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

1 Joseph A. Mollica, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Interim President & CEO, Pharmacopeia John L. Higgins, President & CEO

2 Safe Harbor Statement The following presentation contains forward-looking statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Pharmacopeia by Ligand, including projections regarding expectations for potential research and development payments, savings in operational costs, cash burn rates, timing of achieving positive cash flow, and potential revenue and profits of a combined company. The forward looking statements made in the presentation are subject to several risk factors, including, but not limited to the reliance on collaborative partners for milestone and royalty payments, regulatory hurdles facing product candidates, uncertain product development costs, disputes regarding ownership of intellectual property, the commercial success of approved products. The failure of Pharmacopeia’s stockholders to approve the merger, Ligand’s or Pharmacopeia’s inability to satisfy the conditions of the merger, or that the merger is otherwise delayed or ultimately not consummated, and a failure of the combined businesses to be integrated successfully.  Additional risks may apply to forward looking statements made in this presentation. The risk factors facing Ligand and Pharmacopeia are explained in greater detail in the Company’s and Pharmacopeia’s filings with the SEC, including the most recently filed annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other public filings.

3 Additional Information and Where to Find It Ligand intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement of Pharmacopeia and other relevant materials in connection with the proposed transaction. The proxy statement will be mailed to the stockholders of Pharmacopeia. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about Ligand, Pharmacopeia and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Ligand or Pharmacopeia with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Ligand by going to Ligand’s Investor Relations website at www.ligand.com. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Pharmacopeia by going to Pharmacopeia’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at www.pharmacopeia.com. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction. Ligand and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information concerning Ligand’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Ligand’s proxy statement for its 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008, and annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2008. Pharmacopeia and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Pharmacopeia’s executive officers and directors and their ownership of Pharmacopeia common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for the Pharmacopeia 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2008. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of Pharmacopeia and its respective executive officers and directors in the acquisition by reading the proxy statement regarding the merger, which will be filed with the SEC.

4 Agenda Proposed Transaction Vision for Combined Companies Opportunities and Benefits to Shareholders Milestone and Events Calendar Projected Process to Close Transaction

5 Proposed Transaction Summary Deal Stock-for-Stock Acquisition Transaction Value $55 million in Ligand Common Stock, plus potential for $15 million in cash via Contingent Value Right (CVR) Consideration 0.58x shares of LGND for each share of Pharmacopeia CVR / DARA Partnering $15 million milestone to stockholders paid by 12/31/11 if a deal is completed Board Composition 2 Pharmacopeia Directors to join Ligand Required Approvals Pharmacopeia shareholders approval, HSR clearance Anticipated Closing Date 1Q 2009 Actual timing of the transaction will depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond either company’s control.

6 Fundamentals of a Strong Biotech Company Strong balance sheet Spending discipline Strong discovery capabilities and track record Robust pipeline of partnerable assets Revenue diversity Operating structure that has the potential to generate substantial cash flows and profitability

7 Vision for the Combined Companies Consolidated operations with strong fundamentals Strong balance sheet Cost-efficient R&D business with spending discipline Robust product pipeline   Diverse royalty partnerships with promising potential revenue and profits Leverage highly successful drug discovery capabilities of both companies Focus on early stage drug discovery and development Partner pipeline assets at earliest value inflection point Leadership focused on shareholders, market credibility and solid foundation Strong Board of directors with two Pharmacopeia Directors added to Ligand Board Experienced management – scientific, restructuring and business development expertise  Commitment to driving shareholder value and to transparency on the business with goal to drive strong cash flow and earnings

8 Combined Product Pipeline Stage of Development Product Indication Partner Preclinical Phase I Phase II Phase III / NDA Marketed AVINZA ®   Chronic pain King Pharmaceuticals PROMACTA™ ITP, Hep C, CLD, CIT GlaxoSmithKline VIVIANT™ / APRELA™ Osteoporosis Wyeth FABLYN®  Osteoporosis Pfizer PS433540 DARA / Cardiovascular NA PS291822 COPD (CXCR2) Schering-Plough PS540446 Psoriasis / RA (p38) Bristol-Myers Squibb LGD-4665 Thrombocytopenia NA PS178990 Muscle Wasting (SARM) NA PS095760 Oncology Schering-Plough PS386113 Inflammation Schering-Plough PS948115 Respiratory Schering-Plough PS248288 Metabolic Diseases Schering-Plough PS873266 Inflammation Celgene LGD-4033 Muscle Wasting (SARM) NA Erythropoietin (EPO) Anemia NA AIPC Prostate Cancer NA PS031291 Arthritis/MS (CCR1) NA Latour Products PS015146 Undisclosed Schering-Plough Pharmacopeia Products SGRM Inflammation & Cancer NA

9 Opportunities and Benefits to Shareholders Pro Forma company:   ~113 million shares outstanding Ligand shareholders owning 84% of the combined company Pharmacopeia shareholders owning 16% of the company Ligand shareholders gain access to: Numerous royalty partnerships Pipeline assets Drug discovery assets Cash and NOLs Pharmacopeia shareholders will participate in: Lucrative potential near-term royalties Well capitalized company with no anticipated financing needs Expanded product pipeline Financial liquidity

10 Pro Forma Financial Forecast Projected to have more than $90 million in cash at time of closing including transaction/restructuring costs and Ligand indemnity fund Given our current outlook on the combined businesses, 2009 pro forma operating cash burn rate is expected to be $20 million Potential for additional revenue and cash infusion from new license agreements More than $350 million in potential Net Operating Loss carry-forwards before any limitations Robustly capitalized company that has sufficient cash to make it to profitability without additional financings

11 Pro Forma Revenue Sources AVINZA royalties Royalties from three pending NDA’s and future registrations in expanded indications PROMACTA (GSK) FABLYN (Pfizer) VIVIANT (Wyeth) APRELA NDA submission expected in 2009 (Wyeth) Milestone and Research Payments from existing Pharmacopeia partnerships $6.5 to $25 million potential in 2009 Potential new license payments from pipeline assets SARM, TPO, Oral EPO, SGRM, DARA, CCR1, JAK3

12 Significant Value in Royalty Partnerships Numerous deals with nine pharmaceutical companies Over 15 programs in various stages of research and development in partnership portfolio More than 20 different therapeutic indications being pursued including the largest untapped markets Muscle wasting, COPD, thrombocytopenia, asthma, diabetic nephropathy More than $400 million in potential R&D and milestone payments from existing deals Proforma company will have one of the strongest, most diverse royalty partnership rosters in the small cap biotech universe

13 Pharmaceutical Partnerships

14 Strong Research Platforms Highly complementary research technology Transaction combines two successful discovery platforms and integrates strong biology and chemistry capabilities

15 Proposed Corporate Restructuring Estimated $5 million to $7 million in annual administrative overhead cost savings and potential for further spending reduction Certain discovery research activities at Pharmacopeia to continue in near-term to meet contractual obligations from existing partners Research funding will be committed to the most promising partnerable programs in the pipeline

16 Near-Term Milestone and Events Calendar

17 Upcoming Conferences

18 Projected Timelines/Process to Close Actual timing of the transaction will depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond either company’s control.

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Ligand to Acquire Pharmacopeia for Stock and Contingent Value Rights

Acquisition Would Result in Well Capitalized Company with Robust Royalty Assets and Broad Research Pipeline

Conference Call Today at 5:30 p.m. Eastern

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Pharmacopeia (NASDAQ: PCOP), in a deal valued up to $70 million. The transaction is structured as a stock-for-stock exchange and in addition, Pharmacopeia stockholders will be entitled to a Contingent Value Right (“CVR”). The CVRs will entitle holders under certain circumstances to a cash payment of an aggregate of $15 million for all Pharmacopeia stockholders.

“We are very excited about combining Pharmacopeia with Ligand,” said John L. Higgins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. “Ligand stockholders will gain access to numerous royalty partnerships, additional pipeline assets, drug discovery resources and cash and NOLs. Pharmacopeia’s shareholders will receive a substantial amount of equity in a well capitalized company with lucrative potential royalties, an expanded pipeline and financial liquidity. We are committed to running a company that has a broad array of royalty assets and pipeline programs, backed by a strong balance sheet and staunch spending discipline. This is a unique opportunity for Ligand and Pharmacopeia shareholders. Both companies have similar growth strategies, and our respective drug discovery platforms are a great marriage of biology and chemistry resources. The acquisition of Pharmacopeia will complement and accelerate our product development programs, strengthen our research capability and increase our potential royalty streams.”

Joseph A. Mollica, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacopeia, stated, “Pharmacopeia’s portfolio of programs is an excellent complement to Ligand’s pipeline and over the next decade we believe the combined company will have important product introductions. On behalf of our Board, I would like to thank all of our employees for the dedication they have shown in pursuit of our scientific goals and the value they have created for our shareholders. We are excited about this transaction and look forward to sharing in the potential upside of the combined businesses by joining forces with a strong company like Ligand.”

Details of the Proposed Transaction

• Under the terms of the agreement, Ligand will issue approximately 17.5 million shares, subject to adjustment for Pharmacopeia options at closing, or 0.58 shares for each outstanding Pharmacopeia share such that current Ligand stockholders would own approximately 84% of the combined company and Pharmacopeia stockholders would own approximately 16%.

• This exchange ratio is based on closing prices of Ligand shares between $3.00 and $3.75 for a period prior to the closing date and based on Ligand’s closing price on September 24, 2008 of $3.12 implies a purchase price of $1.81 per common share of Pharmacopeia, or an equity value of approximately $55 million and a premium over today's closing price of Pharmacopeia of 52%. These values exclude a potential for approximately $0.50 per share or an aggregate of $15 million related to the CVR.
• The transaction includes a collar that provides for a fixed exchange ratio within a stock price range of Ligand stock of $3.00 and $3.75. At prices between $3.75 and $4.50, value is fixed at $66 million. At prices above $4.50, the exchange ratio is fixed at 0.49. At prices below $3.00, value is fixed at $52.8 million, including some cash contribution at prices below $2.93 and above $2.38. Below $2.38 the consideration is fixed at 0.60 shares and $10 million in cash in the aggregate and at prices equal or less than $1.65 Pharmacopeia has the right to terminate the agreement.
• In addition, the Pharmacopeia stockholders will receive Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) under which they could receive an aggregate $15 million cash payment if Ligand enters into a license, sale, development, marketing or option agreement with respect to its DARA program by December 31, 2011. The CVRs will not be transferable.
• The transaction is expected to close by the first quarter of 2009 and is subject to the approval of Pharmacopeia stockholders and antitrust regulatory clearance, as well as other customary closing conditions.
• The transaction is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization.

Mr. Higgins provided the following strategic and operating rationale for the proposed acquisition of Pharmacopeia:

Vision for the Combined Companies

• Consolidated business with a strong balance sheet, research spending focused on priority programs, a robust product pipeline and diverse royalty partnerships
• Leverages highly successful drug discovery capabilities of both companies focusing on early stage drug development with the objective to enter partnerships at the earliest value inflection points
• Leadership driven by experienced management and strong Board of Directors with two Pharmacopeia Directors to be added to Ligand’s Board
• Commitment to driving shareholder value and to transparency on the business with the goal of achieving strong cash flow and earnings

Significant Potential with Royalty Partnerships in Combined Company

• Numerous deals with nine pharmaceutical companies
• 15 programs in various stages of research and development in partnership portfolio
• More than 20 different therapeutic indications being pursued including some of the largest untapped medical markets such as, muscle wasting, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), thrombocytopenia, asthma, diabetic nephropathy
• Over $400 million in potential R&D and milestone payments from existing deals

Financial Outlook of Combined Companies

• Projected to have approximately $90 million in cash at time of closing, including Ligand’s indemnity fund, and after transaction and restructuring related costs
• Given our current outlook on the combined businesses, 2009 pro forma operating cash burn rate is expected to be $20 million
• More than $350 million in potential Net Operating Loss carry-forwards

“We are impressed with the quality of Pharmacopeia’s drug partnerships,” Mr. Higgins continued. “The addition of Pharmacopeia’s impressive partnership roster of leading pharmaceutical companies, including Schering Plough, Bristol Myers Squibb, Wyeth, GlaxoSmithKline, Celgene and Cephalon will provide a number of new opportunities to create value for our shareholders. We look forward to carefully evaluating our options for maximizing the value of Pharmacopeia’s DARA program. By combining the two companies, we expect to achieve considerable cost savings by consolidating certain administrative and operating functions, as well as reducing the expenses through rigorous evaluation of our spending priorities.”

Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to Ligand and Cowen and Company acted as financial advisor to Pharmacopeia. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisors to Ligand and Dechert LLP served as legal advisors to Pharmacopeia.

Conference Call

The chief executive officers of Ligand and Pharmacopeia will host a conference call to discuss the proposed acquisition on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time (2:30 p.m. Pacific time). To participate via telephone please dial (877) 356-5578 from the U.S. or (706) 679-0565 from outside the U.S. A replay of the call will be available until October 24, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time by dialing (800) 642-1687 from the U.S. or (706) 645-9291 from outside the U.S., and entering passcode 65791831. Individual investors can access the live and archived Webcast through Ligand's web site at www.ligand.com and through Pharmacopeia’s web site at www.Pharmacopeia.com.

About Pharmacopeia

Pharmacopeia is a clinical development stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing novel small molecule therapeutics to address significant medical needs. The company has a broad portfolio of clinical and preclinical candidates under development internally or by partners including nine clinical compounds in Phase 2 or Phase 1 development addressing multiple indications including diabetic nephropathy, muscle wasting and inflammation. The company is leveraging its fully integrated drug discovery platform to sustain the growth of its development pipeline. Pharmacopeia has established strategic alliances with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Cephalon, GlaxoSmithKline, Schering-Plough and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. For more information please visit the company's website at http://www.pharmacopeia.com.

About Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Ligand discovers and develops new drugs that address critical unmet medical needs of patients with thrombocytopenia, hepatitis C, hormone-related diseases, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and anemia. Ligand's proprietary drug discovery and development programs are based on its leadership position in gene transcription technology.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Ligand and Pharmacopeia caution readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the expected timing of closing the merger, statements about the benefits of the transaction between Ligand and Pharmacopeia, including future financial and operating results, expected cash balance of the combined entity as of the closing, the 2009 pro forma operating cash burn rate, the combined entity’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are the risk that the combined businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the anticipated synergies and benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with collaborators, partners, employees or suppliers; failure of Pharmacopeia’s stockholders to approve the merger; Ligand or Pharmacopeia inability to satisfy the conditions of the merger, or that the merger is otherwise delayed or ultimately not consummated; Pharmacopeia product candidates may have unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy; and positive results in clinical trials may not be sufficient to obtain FDA approval. There can be no assurance that any product in Ligand’s, Pharmacopeia’s or the projected combined company’s product pipeline will be successfully developed or manufactured, that final results of clinical studies will be supportive of regulatory approvals required to market licensed products, or that any of the forward-looking information provided herein will be proven accurate. Additional important factors that may affect future results are detailed in Ligand’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. Ligand disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this release.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Ligand intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement of Pharmacopeia and other relevant materials in connection with the proposed transaction. The proxy statement will be mailed to the stockholders of Pharmacopeia. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about Ligand, Pharmacopeia and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Ligand or Pharmacopeia with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Ligand by going to Ligand’s Investor Relations website at www.ligand.com. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Pharmacopeia by going to Pharmacopeia’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at www.pharmacopeia.com. Investors and security holders of Pharmacopeia are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

Ligand and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information concerning Ligand’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Ligand’s proxy statement for its 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008, and annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2008.

Pharmacopeia and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Pharmacopeia in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Pharmacopeia’s executive officers and directors and their ownership of Pharmacopeia common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for the Pharmacopeia 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2008. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of Pharmacopeia and its respective executive officers and directors in the acquisition by reading the proxy statement regarding the merger, which will be filed with the SEC.

CONTACT:
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
John L. Higgins, President and CEO
Erika Luib, Investor Relations
858-550-7896
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
dmarkley@lhai.com
310-691-7100
or
Pharmacopeia, Inc.
Brian M. Posner, Executive Vice President and CFO
ir_pr@pcop.com
609-452-3643
or
Burns McClellan, Inc.
Justin Jackson
jjackson@burnsmc.com
212-213-0006