Exhibit 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated for the registration of 2,000,000 shares of its
common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
February 22, 2000, with respect to consolidated financial statements of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
January 18, 2001