CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
of Scios  Inc.  on Forms S-8  (File  No.  2-90477,  File No.  2-97606,  File No.
33-39878 and File No.  33-51590) and Form S-3 (File No.  33-18958) of our report
dated January 29, 1997 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of
Scios Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the
three years in the period  ended  December  31, 1996 which report is included in
this Annual Report of Form 10-K.



Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
San Jose, California
March 28, 1997














                                  EXHIBIT 23.1