UNITED STATES

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 23, 2009

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	0-24006	94-3134940
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

201 Industrial Road

San Carlos, California 94070

(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 631-3100

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 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b)  On January 23, 2009, Irwin Lerner, a member of our Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board of Directors due to personal reasons.  His resignation was effective as of January 23, 2009.  Please refer to Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release issued on January 29, 2009 by Nektar Therapeutics announcing the retirement of Irwin Lerner from the Board of Directors.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

By:	/s/ Gil M. Labrucherie
	Gil M. Labrucherie
	General Counsel and Secretary
Date:	January 29, 2009

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release issued on January 29, 2009 by Nektar Therapeutics announcing the retirement of Irwin Lerner from the Board of Directors.