EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts" and
"Selected Financial Data" and to the use of our reports dated January 24, 1996,
included and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement (Amendment
No. 1 to Form S-3 No. 333-07183) and related Prospectus of BioCryst
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of 2,300,000 shares of its common
stock.
    
 
                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
   
Birmingham, Alabama
August 20, 1996