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