Ligand Receives Equity Milestone Payment from Retrophin

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND) announced today that it has received a milestone payment of 620,000 shares of common stock in newly public partner Retrophin, Inc. (RTRX). The milestone arose under the previously executed license agreement for the development and commercialization of Retrophins lead clinical candidate RE-021, formerly known as DARA (a Dual Acting Receptor Antagonist of Angiotensin and Endothelin receptors) and was triggered by the completion of Retrophins merger with Desert Gateway, Inc. and its transition to a publicly traded company. Ligand will record milestone revenue equal to the estimated fair value of the shares received, which will be determined by an independent valuation firm. The shares issued to Ligand represent approximately 7% of Retrophins outstanding capital stock and may be subject to certain trading restrictions.

RE-021 is in development for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare disease that attacks the kidneys filtering system (glomeruli), causing serious scarring, progressive kidney function degeneration and rapid loss of the kidneys. FSGS is one cause of a serious condition known as Nephrotic Syndrome. An estimated 50,000 patients in the United States suffer from FSGS, with most patients diagnosed as children or young adults. Ligand believes that Retrophin expects to begin enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial known as FONT-3 during the first half of 2013.

We are pleased to see our partner Retrophin meet this corporate milestone, commented John Higgins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The leadership at Retrophin has shown tremendous passion and commitment to advance this important program, working with the FDA and raising additional capital. RE-021 has the potential to be a very significant therapy for serious diseases, and we are encouraged to see Retrophin position itself to advance this potential medicine to patients in need.

About RE-021 (DARA)

Ligand acquired DARA (currently known as RE-021) in its acquisition of Pharmacopeia in December 2008. The compound possesses two clinically validated mechanisms of action that selectively block two potent vasoconstrictor and mitogenic agents, angiotensin II and endothelin 1, at their respective receptors. In Phase 2b studies for hypertension completed in 2009, DARA was found to be safe and well tolerated, and demonstrated statistically significant greater reduction in blood pressure compared with placebo and with irbesartan.

The 261-patient, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study evaluated safety and efficacy at three different doses in subjects with Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension over 12 weeks of treatment. The high dose of DARA produced a statistically significantly greater reduction in blood pressure than the active comparator, irbesartan, which was tested at its highest approved dose.

About Retrophin

Retrophin is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases. Retrophin is currently developing treatments for FSGS, Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and other catastrophic diseases. The companys lead compound, RE-021, formerly known as DARA, is scheduled to begin enrollment in a potentially pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial for FSGS in the first half of 2013.

About Ligand Pharmaceuticals

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Ligand Receives Equity Milestone Payment from Retrophin