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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                           [Ernst & Young Letterhead]

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-XXXXX) pertaining to the 2000 Stock Option Plan of
Genetronics Biomedical Ltd. of our report dated May 3, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Genetronics Biomedical Ltd. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                             -----------------------------------
Vancouver, Canada                            Chartered Accountants
March 30, 2001