EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  33-79020)  pertaining  to the 1994 Stock  Option  Plan of Human  Genome
Sciences,  Inc. of our report  dated  February  23,  1998,  with  respect to the
financial  statements of Human Genome Sciences,  Inc.  included in the Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Vienna, Virginia
March 27, 1998