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): April 12, 2002

                       LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    DELAWARE
                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

                                    000-20720
                            (Commission File Number)

                           10275 Science Center Drive,
                              San Diego, California
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 (858) 550-7500
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                   77-0160744
                      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                                   92121-1117
                                   (Zip Code)






Item 5. Other Events

     Attached  hereto is a press release  issued by the  registrant on April 12,
2002.



Item 7. Exhibits

        Exhibit  Number       Description
        ---------------       -----------



             99.1             Press Release of the Company dated April 12, 2002





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 :  April 12, 2002     By:      /S/WARNER BROADDUS
                           Name:    Warner Broaddus
                           Title:   Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary