EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated August   , 1997 in the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 and related Prospectus of Crescendo Pharmaceuticals Corporation for
the registration of          shares of its Class A Common Stock.
 
 
Palo Alto, California
August   , 1997
 
 
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  The foregoing consent is in the form that will be signed upon the final
determination of the distribution of the Company's shares by ALZA Corporation
described in Note 2 to the financial statements.
 
                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
July 14, 1997