EXHIBIT 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated January 31, 2000, except as to the
fifth paragraph of Note 1 which is as of April 7, 2000, relating to the
financial statements, which appears in the prospectus of Exelixis, Inc. filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b) on April 11, 2000 (No. 333-96335).


/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Jose, California
April 28, 2000