EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 (No. 333-04839) pertaining to the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
the 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 28, 1997, except
as to Note 10 as to which the date is March 21, 1997, with respect to the
financial statements of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
March 28, 1997