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 22, 2002