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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated for the registration of shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 30,
1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and exchange Commission.


                                                     ERNST & YOUNG


San Diego, California
July 8, 1998