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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant t</font>o Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):<b> September&nbsp;18, 2013</b></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">OPTIMER PHARMACEUTICALS,&nbsp;INC.</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">001-33291</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">33-0830300</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">101 Hudson Street, Suite&nbsp;3501, Jersey City, NJ 07302</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(201) 333-8819</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">N/A</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">x</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01&#160; </font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Other Events</font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">.</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On September&nbsp;18, 2013, Optimer Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc., a Delaware corporation, distributed a communication to its employees, which is attached hereto as Exhibit&nbsp;99.1 and hereby incorporated herein by reference.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .1in;text-indent:.2in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">99.1</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Message   To Optimer Employees.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Statements included in this communication that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to the proposed merger with Cubist Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc. Words such as &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;could,&#148; &#147;would,&#148; &#147;project,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;believe,&#148; &#147;predict,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;should,&#148; &#147;may,&#148; &#147;potential,&#148; &#147;continue,&#148; &#147;ongoing&#148; or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Optimer that any of its plans will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on management&#146;s expectations on the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Optimer&#146;s business including, without limitation, risks relating to: uncertainties associated with the proposed merger and related transactions, including uncertainties relating to the anticipated timing of the proposed merger and the satisfaction of the conditions to the consummation of the proposed merger, the ability to complete the proposed merger and the impact of the merger on Optimer&#146;s business, employees, customers, suppliers and commercial partners and other risks detailed in Optimer&#146;s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and Optimer undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Additional Information and Where To Find It</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This communication shall not constitute an offer of any securities for sale. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In connection with the proposed merger, Optimer has filed a proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC, which Optimer will be mailing to Optimer&#146;s stockholders.</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, OPTIMER&#146;S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS), WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Optimer&#146;s stockholders and other investors may obtain, without charge, a copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC, when they become available, from the SEC&#146;s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by directing a request to Optimer, 101 Hudson Street, Suite&nbsp;3501, Jersey City, NJ 07302, telephone: (201) 333-8819, or from Optimer&#146;s website, http://www.optimerpharma.com.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Participants in Solicitation</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Optimer and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Optimer&#146;s stockholders with respect to the proposed merger. </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Information about Optimer&#146;s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Optimer&#146;s common stock is set forth in the proxy/statement prospectus, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on September&nbsp;18, 2013.&#160; Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed merger, which may be different than those of Optimer&#146;s stockholders generally, may also be obtained by reading other relevant documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed merger, when they become available.</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;"> You may obtain free copies of the foregoing documents as described in the preceding paragraph.</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2<a name="PB_2_081115_7056"></a></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">OPTIMER   PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/   Stephen W. Webster </font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:   September&nbsp;18, 2013 </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Stephen   W. Webster</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chief   Financial Officer</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(<i>Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting   Officer</i>)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3<a name="PB_3_081823_7056"></a></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT&nbsp;INDEX</font></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit&nbsp;No.</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">99.1</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Message   To Optimer Employees.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4<a name="PB_4_081849_5335"></a></font></p>
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant t
o Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 18, 2013
OPTIMER PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-33291
33-0830300
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
101 Hudson Street, Suite 3501, Jersey City, NJ 07302
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(201) 333-8819
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
x
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01
Other Events
.
On September 18, 2013, Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, distributed a communication to its employees, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)  Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
99.1
Message   To Optimer Employees.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements
Statements included in this communication that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to the proposed merger with Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "will," "could," "would," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "predict," "estimate," "should," "may," "potential," "continue," "ongoing" or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Optimer that any of its plans will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations on the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Optimer's business including, without limitation, risks relating to: uncertainties associated with the proposed merger and related transactions, including uncertainties relating to the anticipated timing of the proposed merger and the satisfaction of the conditions to the consummation of the proposed merger, the ability to complete the proposed merger and the impact of the merger on Optimer's business, employees, customers, suppliers and commercial partners and other risks detailed in Optimer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and Optimer undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.
Additional Information and Where To Find It
This communication shall not constitute an offer of any securities for sale.
In connection with the proposed merger, Optimer has filed a proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC, which Optimer will be mailing to Optimer's stockholders.
BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, OPTIMER'S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS), WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Optimer's stockholders and other investors may obtain, without charge, a copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC, when they become available, from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by directing a request to Optimer, 101 Hudson Street, Suite 3501, Jersey City, NJ 07302, telephone: (201) 333-8819, or from Optimer's website, http://www.optimerpharma.com.
Participants in Solicitation
Optimer and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Optimer's stockholders with respect to the proposed merger.
Information about Optimer's directors and executive officers and their ownership of Optimer's common stock is set forth in the proxy/statement prospectus, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on September 18, 2013.  Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed merger, which may be different than those of Optimer's stockholders generally, may also be obtained by reading other relevant documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed merger, when they become available.
You may obtain free copies of the foregoing documents as described in the preceding paragraph.
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
OPTIMER   PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/   Stephen W. Webster
Date:   September 18, 2013
Stephen   W. Webster
Chief   Financial Officer
(
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting   Officer
)
3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
99.1
Message   To Optimer Employees.
4