Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND +6.9%) gains today after reporting positive results from...

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND +6.9%) gains today after reporting positive results from preclinical studies using its HepDirect liver-targeting technology platform for the treatment of hepatitis C. According to the data, LGND's HepDirect prodrug of 2'-C methylguanosine, LG-7501, may be effective in improving the effectiveness of hep C treatment while reducing systemic side effects.