1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-74720, 33-80852, 333-09095, 333-44667, 333-44669,
333-36639, 33-92900, 333-00500 and 333-36645) pertaining to the 1989 Stock Plan,
1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 1993 Employee Stock Bonus Plan, 1994
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and 1997 Equity Incentive Plan of Axys
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 5, 1999 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.


ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 30, 1999




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