EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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 25, 2004,  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, 2003.

                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Woodland Hills, California
June 25, 2004