1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




The Board of Directors
IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation:


        We consent to the use of our report incorporated herein by reference in
the registration statement on form S-8 of IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation.



                                       /s/ KPMG LLP
                                       KPMG LLP



San Diego, California
June 24, 1999