1
                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


AVANIR Pharmaceuticals:


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 9 to Form S-1 Registration Statement (No. 33-49082) of AVANIR
Pharmaceuticals, formerly LIDAK Pharmaceuticals (a development stage
enterprise), on Form S-3, to convert the Form S-1 Registration Statement into a
Form S-3 Registration Statement, of our report dated December 21, 1999 (which
expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to
the status of the Company as a development stage enterprise, the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern, and the Company as a defendant in
certain lawsuits), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AVANIR
Pharmaceuticals for the year ended September 30, 1999, and to the reference to
us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of such
Registration Statement.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


San Diego, California


January 28, 2000