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                                                               EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Current Report on
Form 8-K of Ascent Pediatrics, Inc. of our report dated February 21, 1997 with
respect to the financial statements of A Product Line of Upsher-Smith
Laboratories, Inc. included in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-23319) of Ascent Pediatrics, Inc.

         Our report dated February 21, 1997, contains an explanatory paragraph
that states that the financial statements were prepared to present the assets
related to the product line to be sold by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. and
the net sales and the identified costs and expenses and that they are not
intended to be a complete presentation of the product line's financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.

                                             KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 24, 1997



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