UNITED STATES

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)

August 21, 2015

VITAL THERAPIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

15010 Avenue of Science, Suite 200

San Diego, California 92128

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 673-6840

Not Applicable

(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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

On August 21, 2015, Vital Therapies, Inc. issued a press release announcing topline results from its VTI-208 phase 3 clinical trial. In addition, Vital Therapies will conduct a conference call today, Friday, August 21, 2015, at 5:00 p.m., ET, during which the Company will discuss topline results from its VTI-208 phase 3 clinical trial. The full text of the press release announcing the topline results and the conference call information is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(d) Exhibits

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.

Date: August 21, 2015

EXHIBIT INDEX