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                                   Exhibit 5.1

             Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP



                                  June 4, 1997




DepoTech Corporation
10450 Science Center Drive
San Diego, California 92121

         Re:      DepoTech Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8 for
                  1,000,000 Shares of Common Stock

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         In connection with your registration on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 1,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of DepoTech Corporation (the "Company") under the Company's 1995
Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, as amended (the "Plan"), we advise you that,
in our opinion, if and when such shares have been issued and sold (and the
consideration therefor received) pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, and in
accordance with the Registration Statement, such shares will be duly-authorized,
validly-issued, fully-paid and non-assessable shares of the Company's Common
Stock.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                       Very truly yours,



                                       BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP