2008-04-21 23:41:22 -

- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) announced today that it plans to report first quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday,

May 1, 2008, following the close of market. Ligand's President and CEO, John L. Higgins and Vice President of Finance and CFO, John P. Sharp will host the conference call. -0- What: Ligand Pharmaceuticals conference call to discuss financial

results and provide general business updates. When: Thursday, May 1, 2008 Time: 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (4:30 p.m. Eastern time) Webcast: Conference call and replay accessible at www.ligand.com. Conference Call: 877-356-5578, ID # 44063643 (U.S.) 706-679-0565, ID # 44063643 (outside the U.S.) Replay: 800-642-1687, ID # 44063643 (U.S.) 706-645-9291, ID # 44063643 (outside the U.S.) Replay of conference call will be available from May 1, 2008 to June 2, 2008.

About Ligand Pharmaceuticals

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

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
John L. Higgins, President and CEO
or
Erika Luib, Investor Relations, 858-550-7896
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com