1

                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-85366) pertaining to the 1992 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan of
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, as amended, of our report dated January 29,
1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated included in Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.




                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
March 27, 1997