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 report dated January 24, 1996,
in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (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
September 20, 1996