Exhibit 23.2

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors






                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the 2002 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan and the 2002
Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated of our
report dated February 22, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                            /S/ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
June 26, 2002