Exhibit 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-102483) and
related Prospectus of Ligand Pharmaceuticals and to the incorporation by
reference therein 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
January 28, 2003