EXHIBIT 23.1


                  CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Inhale Therapeutic
Systems for the registration of 1,800,000 shares of its Common Stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 19, 1996, with
respect to the financial statements of Inhale Therapeutic Systems included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                         /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
January 28, 1997