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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2001  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS,&nbsp;INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>8731</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>94-3248524</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State of Incorporation)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>240 East Grand Avenue<BR>
South San Francisco, California 94080<BR>
(650)&nbsp;624-1100<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>James M. Gower<BR>
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Rigel Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc.<BR>
240 East Grand Avenue<BR>
South San Francisco, California 94080<BR>
(650)&nbsp;624-1100<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Copies
to: </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Robert L. Jones, Esq.<BR>
Suzanne Sawochka Hooper, Esq.<BR>
Cooley Godward </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>LLP</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>
Five Palo Alto Square<BR>
3000 El Camino Real<BR>
Palo Alto, CA 94306<BR>
(650)&nbsp;843-5000</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><BR><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities<BR>
to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to<BR>
be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share (1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Aggregate Offering<BR>
Price (1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2>Stock Options and Common<BR>
Stock (par value $.001)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3,500,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$5.55-$5.77</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$19,485,912.50</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$4,871.48</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). The offering price per share and aggregate offering price for the unissued stock options and common stock are based upon the average of the high and low prices of Registrant's common stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market System on October&nbsp;24, 2001. The offering price per share and aggregate offering price for the outstanding stock options are based upon the exercise prices
of such options. </FONT></DD></DL>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
chart below illustrates the calculation of the registration fee: </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Securities</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Number of Shares</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Offering Price<BR>
Per Share(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Aggregate<BR>
Offering Price</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=7 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options under the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>276,875</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$5.77</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,597,568.75</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=7 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Shares issuable pursuant to unissued stock options under the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3,223,125</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$5.55</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$17,888,343.75</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD COLSPAN=7 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Proposed Maximum Offering Price</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$19,485,912.50</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=7 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Registration Fee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$4,871.48</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=7 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:<BR>
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective. </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_part_ii"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_3._incorporation_o__de202170"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed by Rigel Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc. ("Rigel" or the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(a)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;The Company's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K, filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(b)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q, filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 of the Exchange
Act, for the quarters ended March&nbsp;31 and June&nbsp;30, 2001; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(c)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;The description of the Company's Common Stock that is contained in the Registration Statement on
Form&nbsp;8-A, filed on October&nbsp;3, 2000 pursuant to Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and to be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the common stock offered under this prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Cooley Godward </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, Palo Alto, California. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As permitted by Delaware law, Rigel's amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be personally liable to us or our
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>for
any breach of duty of loyalty to us or to our stockholders;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>for
acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions under Section&nbsp;174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that we must indemnify our directors and executive officers and may indemnify our other officers and employees
and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We believe that indemnification under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation covers negligence and gross negligence on the
part of indemnified parties. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and certain officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify each director and
officer for certain expenses including attorneys' fees, judgements, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of
Rigel, arising out to he person's services as our director or officer, any subsidiary of ours or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="88%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.3*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Specimen Common Stock Certificate.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Cooley Godward </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Cooley Godward </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages to this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Documents
incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-1, as amended (No.&nbsp;333-45864), originally filed with the
SEC on September&nbsp;15, 2000. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2502_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2502_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. UNDERTAKINGS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2><B>1.</B></FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(a)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(i)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(ii)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes
in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(iii)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Provided, however,</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> that paragraphs (a)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the issuer pursuant to section&nbsp;13 or section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference herein. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>(b)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>(c)</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2><B>2.</B></FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2><B>3.</B></FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2502_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc2502_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of South San Francisco,
State of California, on October&nbsp;30, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ James M. Gower</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James M. Gower<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2502_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc2502_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints
James M. Gower and Brian C. Cunningham, and each or any one of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him
and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ James M. Gower</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James M. Gower</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>(Principal Executive Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ James H. Welch</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James H. Welch</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vice President, Chief Financial<BR>
Officer and Secretary<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>(Principal Financial and<BR>
Accounting Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Donald G. Payan</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Donald G. Payan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Vice President, Chief<BR>
Scientific Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Jean Deleage</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Jean Deleage</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Alan D. Frazier</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Alan D. Frazier</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Walter H. Moos</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Walter H. Moos</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Stephen A. Sherwin</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Stephen A. Sherwin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Thomas S. Volpe</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Thomas S. Volpe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
October&nbsp;30, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka2502_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka2502_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="60%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="25%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Sequential<BR>
Page Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.3*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Specimen Common Stock Certificate.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Cooley Godward </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Cooley Godward </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LLP</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages to this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
99.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="60%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Documents
incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-1, as amended (No.&nbsp;333-45864), originally filed with the
SEC on September&nbsp;15, 2000. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="01PAL2502_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_1">PART II</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_2">Item 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_3">Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_4">Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_5">Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_6">Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_7">Item 8. EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2502_8">Item 9. UNDERTAKINGS</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2502_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2502_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka2502_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a2061718zs-8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 37618}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS INC", "cik": "0001034842", "assigned-sic": "2834", "irs-number": "943248524", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-72492", "film-number": "1770881"}, "business-address": {"street1": "240 E GRAND AVE", "city": "SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO", "state": "CA", "zip": "94080"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "240 EAST GRAND AVENUE", "city": "SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO", "state": "CA", "zip": "94080"}}
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
QuickLinks
-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2001
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
8731
94-3248524
(State of Incorporation)
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
240 East Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, California 94080
(650) 624-1100
(Address of principal executive offices)
2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan
(Full title of the plan)
James M. Gower
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
240 East Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, California 94080
(650) 624-1100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies
to:
Robert L. Jones, Esq.
Suzanne Sawochka Hooper, Esq.
Cooley Godward
LLP
Five Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 843-5000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities
to be Registered
Amount to
be Registered
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share (1)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price (1)
Amount of
Registration Fee
Stock Options and Common
Stock (par value $.001)
3,500,000 shares
$5.55-$5.77
$19,485,912.50
$4,871.48
(1)
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). The offering price per share and aggregate offering price for the unissued stock options and common stock are based upon the average of the high and low prices of Registrant's common stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market System on October 24, 2001. The offering price per share and aggregate offering price for the outstanding stock options are based upon the exercise prices
of such options.
The
chart below illustrates the calculation of the registration fee:
Securities
Number of Shares
Offering Price
Per Share(1)
Aggregate
Offering Price
Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options under the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan
276,875
$5.77
$1,597,568.75
Shares issuable pursuant to unissued stock options under the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan
3,223,125
$5.55
$17,888,343.75
Proposed Maximum Offering Price
$19,485,912.50
Registration Fee
$4,871.48
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
PART II
Item 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Rigel" or the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement:
(a)
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;
(b)
The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange
Act, for the quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 2001; and
(c)
The description of the Company's Common Stock that is contained in the Registration Statement on
Form 8-A, filed on October 3, 2000 pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All
reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and to be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.
Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Not applicable.
Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
The validity of the common stock offered under this prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Cooley Godward
LLP
, Palo Alto, California.
Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
As permitted by Delaware law, Rigel's amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be personally liable to us or our
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
•
for
any breach of duty of loyalty to us or to our stockholders;
•
for
acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
•
for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or
•
for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that we must indemnify our directors and executive officers and may indemnify our other officers and employees
and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We believe that indemnification under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation covers negligence and gross negligence on the
part of indemnified parties.
We
have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and certain officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify each director and
officer for certain expenses including attorneys' fees, judgements, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of
Rigel, arising out to he person's services as our director or officer, any subsidiary of ours or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
Not applicable.
Item 8. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
4.1*
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
4.2*
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
4.3*
Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
5.1
Opinion of Cooley Godward
LLP
.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.3
Consent of Cooley Godward
LLP
. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.
24.1
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages to this Registration Statement.
99.1
2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
99.2
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
*
Documents
incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-45864), originally filed with the
SEC on September 15, 2000.
Item 9. UNDERTAKINGS
1.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(a)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement:
(i)
To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes
in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
Provided, however,
that paragraphs (a)(i) and (a)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the issuer pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference herein.
(b)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
(c)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
2.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of South San Francisco,
State of California, on October 30, 2001.
RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By
/s/ James M. Gower
James M. Gower
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS
, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints
James M. Gower and Brian C. Cunningham, and each or any one of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him
and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ James M. Gower
James M. Gower
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
October 30, 2001
/s/ James H. Welch
James H. Welch
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
October 30, 2001
/s/ Donald G. Payan
Donald G. Payan
Executive Vice President, Chief
Scientific Officer and Director
October 30, 2001
/s/ Jean Deleage
Jean Deleage
Director
October 30, 2001
/s/ Alan D. Frazier
Alan D. Frazier
Director
October 30, 2001
/s/ Walter H. Moos
Walter H. Moos
Director
October 30, 2001
/s/ Stephen A. Sherwin
Stephen A. Sherwin
Director
October 30, 2001
/s/ Thomas S. Volpe
Thomas S. Volpe
Director
October 30, 2001
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
Sequential
Page Number
4.1*
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
4.2*
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
4.3*
Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
5.1
Opinion of Cooley Godward
LLP
.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.3
Consent of Cooley Godward
LLP
. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.
24.1
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages to this Registration Statement.
99.1
2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
99.2
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2001 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
*
Documents
incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-45864), originally filed with the
SEC on September 15, 2000.
QuickLinks
PART II
Item 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
Item 8. EXHIBITS
Item 9. UNDERTAKINGS
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX