EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement 
(Form S-8 No. 333-07069) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 
1994 Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan and the Non-employee Directors Stock 
Option Plan of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, and in the Registration Statement 
(Form S-3 No. 333-20787) and related Prospectus of Inhale Therapeutic Systems 
for the registration of 1,800,000 shares of its common stock, of our report 
dated February 10, 1997, with respect to the financial statements of Inhale 
Therapeutic Systems included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year 
ended December 31, 1996.




                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
March 27, 1997