CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Amended 1992  Incentive  Stock Plan, the Amended 1996
Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan and the  Amended  1997  Director  Option Plan of
Neurocrine  Biosciences,  Inc. 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,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                  Ernst & Young LLP
San Diego, California
August 17, 2000