Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Selected Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated February 25, 2000, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of Telik, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Palo Alto, California March 30, 2000