1


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-36597 of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form S-8 and Registration Statement
No. 33-76414 of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated
January 30, 1998, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of ARIAD
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 30, 1998