-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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): October 15, 2001 -------------------- GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MASSACHUSETTS 0-10824 04-2297484 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation) Identification Number) 100 BEAVER STREET WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02453 (Address, of principal executive offices, including zip code) (781) 398-2300 (Registrant's Telephone number including area code) -------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAGE 1 OF 4 PAGES. Item 5. OTHER EVENTS On October 15, 2001, Genome Therapeutics Corp. issued a press release announcing that researchers from Genome Therapeutics and Creighton University have identified a novel gene responsible for high bone density. A copy of this press release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1. -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. GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP. By /s/ Stephen Cohen ------------------------------ Name: Stephen Cohen Title: Chief Financial Officer Date: October 16, 2001 EXHIBIT INDEX 99.1 Press Release dated October 15, 2001