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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan of GelTex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 9, 1998, with respect to the
financial statements of GelTex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
July 31, 1998