1

                                                                   Exhibit 23.1


The Board of Directors
Epoch Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:


We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No.
33-66742) on Form S-3 of Epoch Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated March
14, 1997, relating to the balance sheet of Epoch Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations, shareholders'
equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period
ended December 31, 1996, which report appears in the December 31, 1996, annual
report on Form 10-KSB of Epoch Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Seattle, Washington
March 27, 1997