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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated February 8, 1999,
included in the 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders of Millennium
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-15355) pertaining to the 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
(Forms S-8 Nos. 333-15353 and 333-29321), pertaining to the 1996 Equity
Incentive Plan, (Form S-8 No. 333-15349), pertaining to the 1996 Director Option
Plan, (Form S-8 No. 333-15357), pertaining to the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, (Form S-8 No. 333-29319), pertaining to the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan,
and (Form S-3 No. 333-28239) of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report
dated February 8, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. incorporated herein by reference in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 18, 1999