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): July 28, 2003

                       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 7. Exhibits



EXHIBIT NUMBER         DESCRIPTION
--------------         -----------
                     
99.1                    Press Release of the Company dated July 28, 2003



Item 12. Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

     On July 28, 2003, the registrant reported its financial results for its
first quarter ended June 30, 2003. A copy of the press release issued by the
registrant on July 28, 2003 concerning the foregoing results is furnished
herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.



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 :  July 28, 2003                By:      /S/WARNER BROADDUS
                                     Name:    Warner Broaddus
                                     Title:   Vice President,
                                              General Counsel & Secretary