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 of  Neurocrine
Biosciences,  Inc. of our report dated January 26, 1999,  except for Note 13, as
to which the date 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,  filed  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.


San Diego, California
September 13, 1999