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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To Cell Pathways, Inc. and subsidiaries:

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Form S-3
Registration Statement File No. 333-55158, Form S-8 Registration Statement File
No. 333-51762, Form S-3 Registration Statement File No. 333-50514, Form S-8
Registration Statement File No. 333-66701 and Form S-3 Registration Statement
File No. 333-93811.

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 23, 2001