1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1992 Equity Incentive Plan of GelTex Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. of our report dated February 22, 2000, with respect to the financial
statements of GelTex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
June 29, 2000