1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                   -----------------------------------------


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 registration statement on Form
S-3 (No. 333-05342-LA) to Form SB-2 registration statement of our report dated
February 14, 1997 included in NeoTherapeutics, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the year
ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Orange County, California
October 3, 1997