EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-15187) of Triangle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 1997 appearing on page 44 of the Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K. PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Raleigh, North Carolina March 25, 1997