EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8  No.   333-34953)   pertaining   to  the   Miravant   Medical   Technologies
401(k)-Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan of our report dated June 20, 2000,  with
respect to the  financial  statements  and  schedules  of the  Miravant  Medical
Technologies 401(k)-Employee Stock Ownership Plan included in this Annual Report
(Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.

                                               /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                               ----------------------
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Woodland Hills, California
June 23, 2000