CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-5787) pertaining to the Neurocrine  Biosciences,  Inc. Amended
1992  Incentive  Stock Plan,  the  Neurocrine  Biosciences,  Inc.  Amended  1996
Director Option Plan and the Northwest NeuroLogic,  Inc. Restated 1997 Incentive
Stock Plan of our report dated  January 26,  1999,  except for Note 13 for which
the date is March 2, 1999, 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, 1998.


                                                 ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
January 26, 1999,
except for Note 13, as to which the date is
March 2, 1999