EXHIBIT 23.1
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               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) and the
Registration  Statement  (Form S-8 No.  333-42840)  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-3 No.  33-11457),  the
Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No.  333-36057),  the  Registration  Statement
(Form S-3 No. 333-46087),  the Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-86193),
the  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3 No.  333-49466)  and  the  Registration
Statement  (Form S-3 No.  333-4949466) of Cellegy  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc. of our
report  dated  February  9, 2001,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of Cellegy Pharmaceuticals,  Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year  ended  December  31,  2000  filed  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.




Palo Alto, California
February 26, 2001