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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 No. 33-32233, Form S-8 No. 333-05741, Form S-8 No.
333-05741, Form S-8 No. 33-82794 and Form S-8 No. 33-82790) pertaining to
certain stock option plans of the Company and the Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (No.333-34828) pertaining to the registration of 1,100,000 shares of common
stock, of our report dated February 11, 2000, except for Note 9, as to which the
date is March 17, 2000, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of
CIMA LABS, INC. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended
December 31, 1999.

                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 10, 2000