Exhibit 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in this  Registration  Statement
(Form S-8)  pertaining to the 2001 Stock 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  (Form  10-K)  for the year  ended  December  31,  1999,  filed  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 15, 2001