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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

Atrix Laboratories, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No.
33-49268, No. 33-64029 and No. 33-29325 of Atrix Laboratories, Inc. on Forms
S-8, and No. 333-43191 of Atrix Laboratories on Form S-3, of our report dated
February 6, 1998, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Atrix
Laboratories, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 24, 1998