EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                                
                        Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 (No. 333-07135 and No. 333-28991) pertaining to the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan
and Trust of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 16,
1999, with respect to the financial statements of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998.


  /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Denver, Colorado
March 24, 1999