Exhibit 23

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Form
S-3 No. 333-95005 and Form S-8 Nos.  333-57875 and 333-87127 of our report dated
January 27,  2000,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements  of
Neurocrine Biosciences,  Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999.



                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                              ---------------------
                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 27, 2000