As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference in this  registration  statement of our report dated February 28, 1996
included in American  Biogenetic  Sciences,  Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended
December  31,  1995  and  to  all  references  to  our  Firm  included  in  this
registration statement.


                                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                                        Arthur Andersen LLP



August 2, 1996