<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-----------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): September 15, 2000
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
-----------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Delaware 000-22788 22-2969941
----------------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
180 Kimball Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(650) 829-1000
--------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
In a press release issued on September 15, 2000, Axys
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") announced that it had engaged Korn/Ferry
International to search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer after
John Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, informed the
Board that he intended to step down from his position as chief executive officer
as soon as a successor is named. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit
20.1.
ITEM 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report.
20.1 Press Release, dated September 15, 2000, of Axys Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
<PAGE> 3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: September 15, 2000
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By: /s/ William J. Newell
----------------------------
William J. Newell
Senior Vice President
<PAGE> 4
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibits Description
-------- -----------
<S> <C>
20.1 Press Release, dated September 15, 2000, of Axys
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
</TABLE>
