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. 333-06065),  the Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-32301),
and the Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-60343)  pertaining to the 1992
Stock Option Plan, the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan, and the 1995 Directors' Stock
Option Plan, and in the  Registration  Statement (Form S-1 No.  333-38179),  the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-11457), the Registration Statement (Form
S-3 No. 333-36057),  the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-46087) and the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-86193) of Cellegy Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
of our report dated February 4, 2000,  with respect to the financial  statements
of Cellegy  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year  ended  December  31,  1999  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
March 14, 2000