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<H5 align="left"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May&nbsp;22, 2001 Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT><BR>
Washington, D.C. 20549<BR></DIV>

<P align="center"><HR size="1" noshade width="20%" align="center">

<P align="center"><B>FORM S-8</B><BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<BR>

<P><HR size="1" noshade width="20%" align="center">

<P align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>AURORA BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION</B></FONT><BR>
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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        <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
<B>33-0669859</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">(State of Incorporation)</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P align="center"><HR size="1" noshade width="20%" align="center">

<P align="center"><B>11010 Torreyana Road<BR>
San Diego, California 92121<BR>
(858)&nbsp;452-5000</B><BR>
(Address of principal executive offices)<BR>

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<P align="center"><B>EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN</B>


<P align="center"><B>NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS&#146; STOCK OPTION PLAN</B><BR>
(Full title of the plans)


<P align="center"><B>Stuart J.M. Collinson<BR>
11010 Torreyana Road<BR>
San Diego, California 92121<BR>
(858)&nbsp;452-5000</B>


<P align="center">(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)


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<P align="center"><B>Copies to:<BR>
Thomas A. Coll, Esq.<BR>
COOLEY GODWARD LLP<BR>
4365 Executive Drive, Suite&nbsp;1100<BR>
San Diego, California 92121<BR>
(858)&nbsp;550-6000</B>

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<P align="center"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>

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        <TD width="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="29%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
        <TD colspan="15"><HR size="1"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Title of Securities</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Offering</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Aggregate</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Amount to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Price per Share</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="2"><B>Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
        <TD colspan="15"><HR size="1"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">Stock Options and
Common Stock (par
value $.001)</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left"><FONT size="3">
500,000 shares<SUP>(1)</SUP>
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">19.32<SUP>(2)</SUP>
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">9,660,000<SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">2,415.00</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD colspan="15"><HR size="1"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">Stock Options and
Common Stock (par
value $.001)</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left"><FONT size="3">
70,000 shares<SUP>(3)</SUP>
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">19.32<SUP>(2)</SUP>
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">1,352,400<SUP>(2)</SUP>
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="3">339.00</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD colspan="15"><HR size="4" noshade></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left">(1)</TD>
        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="96%">Consists of shares of Common Stock which are issuable pursuant to awards
under the Registrant&#146;s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left">(2)</TD>
        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="96%">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
registration fee pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(c) and (h)&nbsp;of the Securities Act.
The price per share and aggregate offering price are calculated based upon
the average of the high and low prices of Registrant&#146;s Common
Stock on May&nbsp;15, 2001 as reported on The Nasdaq National Market.</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left">(3)</TD>
        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="96%">Consists of shares of Common Stock which are issuable pursuant to awards
under the Registrant&#146;s Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option, as amended.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

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<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#003">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex5-1.htm">EXHIBIT 5.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex23-1.htm">EXHIBIT 23.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex23-2.htm">EXHIBIT 23.2</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex23-3.htm">EXHIBIT 23.3</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex99-1.htm">EXHIBIT 99.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a72872orex99-2.htm">EXHIBIT 99.2</A></TD></TR>
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<H5 align="left"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>






<!-- link1 "INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<DIV align="left"><A name="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><B>INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF<BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8</B>

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The contents of the (i)&nbsp;Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration
No.&nbsp;333-79133) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (&#147;SEC&#148;) on May
21, 1999 and (ii)&nbsp;Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration No.
333-30039) filed with the SEC on June&nbsp;25, 1997 are incorporated by reference
herein.

<P align="center"><B>EXHIBITS</B>

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        <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
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        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;23.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Ernst &#38; Young LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;23.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;23.3</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;23.4</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP is contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1 to this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;99.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related offering document.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;99.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option Plan, as amended.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

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<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<DIV align="left"><A name="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><B>SIGNATURES</B>

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
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 San Diego, State of California, on May&nbsp;22,
2001.

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        <TD width="49%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3"><B>AURORA BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION</B></FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  colspan="2"><FONT size="3">By: /s/ STUART J.M. COLLINSON</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD colspan="2"></TD>
        <TD><HR size="1"></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD colspan="2"></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="3">
Stuart J.M. Collinson<BR>
Chairman of the Board, Chief<BR>
Executive Officer
and President</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<!-- link1 "POWER OF ATTORNEY" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<DIV align="left"><A name="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Stuart J. M. Collinson and John R.
Pashkowsky, and both or either 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 either of them, or their or his
substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&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.

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<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>TITLE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>DATE</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ STUART J.M. COLLINSON<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">STUART J.M. COLLINSON</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer, and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ JOHN R. PASHKOWSKY<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">JOHN R. PASHKOWSKY</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Vice President of Finance and
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ JAMES C. BLAIR<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">JAMES C. BLAIR</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ JOHN D. MENDLEIN<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">JOHN D. MENDLEIN</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


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<H5 align="left"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>


<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="34%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>SIGNATURE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>TITLE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>DATE</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ HUGH Y. RIENHOFF, JR<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">HUGH Y. RIENHOFF, JR</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ ROY A. WHITFIELD<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">ROY A. WHITFIELD</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ WENDELL WIERENGA<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">WENDELL WIERENGA</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ TIMOTHY J. WOLLAEGER<BR>
        <HR size="1" noshade>
        <FONT size="3">TIMOTHY J. WOLLAEGER</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="3">May&nbsp;22, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


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<!-- link2 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
<DIV align="left"><A name="003"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>

<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
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<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;23.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Ernst &#38; Young LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;23.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;23.3</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Auditors.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;23.4</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP is contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1 to this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;24.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;99.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related offering document.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="3">&nbsp;99.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD></TD>
        <TD  align="left" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:10px;text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="3">
Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option Plan, as amended.</FONT></DIV></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


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s-8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2001 Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AURORA BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
33-0669859
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
11010 Torreyana Road
San Diego, California 92121
(858) 452-5000
(Address of principal executive offices)
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the plans)
Stuart J.M. Collinson
11010 Torreyana Road
San Diego, California 92121
(858) 452-5000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Thomas A. Coll, Esq.
COOLEY GODWARD LLP
4365 Executive Drive, Suite 1100
San Diego, California 92121
(858) 550-6000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed Maximum
Proposed Maximum
Title of Securities
Offering
Aggregate
Amount of
to be Registered
Amount to be Registered
Price per Share
Offering Price
Registration Fee
Stock Options and
Common Stock (par
value $.001)
500,000 shares
(1)
$
19.32
(2)
$
9,660,000
(2)
$
2,415.00
Stock Options and
Common Stock (par
value $.001)
70,000 shares
(3)
$
19.32
(2)
$
1,352,400
(2)
$
339.00
(1)
Consists of shares of Common Stock which are issuable pursuant to awards
under the Registrant's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (h) of the Securities Act.
The price per share and aggregate offering price are calculated based upon
the average of the high and low prices of Registrant's Common
Stock on May 15, 2001 as reported on The Nasdaq National Market.
(3)
Consists of shares of Common Stock which are issuable pursuant to awards
under the Registrant's Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option, as amended.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 5.1
EXHIBIT 23.1
EXHIBIT 23.2
EXHIBIT 23.3
EXHIBIT 99.1
EXHIBIT 99.2
Table of Contents
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
The contents of the (i) Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration
No. 333-79133) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on May
21, 1999 and (ii) Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No.
333-30039) filed with the SEC on June 25, 1997 are incorporated by reference
herein.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
5.1
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.3
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.4
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP is contained in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.
24.1
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages.
99.1
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related offering document.
99.2
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended.
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
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 San Diego, State of California, on May 22,
2001.
AURORA BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
By: /s/ STUART J.M. COLLINSON
Stuart J.M. Collinson
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer
and President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Stuart J. M. Collinson and John R.
Pashkowsky, and both or either 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 either 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/ STUART J.M. COLLINSON
STUART J.M. COLLINSON
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer, and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
May 22, 2001
/s/ JOHN R. PASHKOWSKY
JOHN R. PASHKOWSKY
Vice President of Finance and
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
May 22, 2001
/s/ JAMES C. BLAIR
JAMES C. BLAIR
Director
May 22, 2001
/s/ JOHN D. MENDLEIN
JOHN D. MENDLEIN
Director
May 22, 2001
Table of Contents
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ HUGH Y. RIENHOFF, JR
HUGH Y. RIENHOFF, JR
Director
May 22, 2001
/s/ ROY A. WHITFIELD
ROY A. WHITFIELD
Director
May 22, 2001
/s/ WENDELL WIERENGA
WENDELL WIERENGA
Director
May 22, 2001
/s/ TIMOTHY J. WOLLAEGER
TIMOTHY J. WOLLAEGER
Director
May 22, 2001
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
5.1
Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.3
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.4
Consent of Cooley Godward LLP is contained in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.
24.1
Power of Attorney is contained on the signature pages.
99.1
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related offering document.
99.2
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended.