Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-38880) pertaining to the 1987 Stock Option
Plan, the 1992 Non-employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Stock Option
Plan, the 2000 Non-employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and the Advisory
Agreements of our report dated February 3, 2003, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Tanox, Inc. included in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas
March 25, 2003