EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-57046, 2-85628, 33-15102, 33-87662, 33-87664, and 333-17513;
Form S-3 No. 333-63777, 333-63773, 333-65125, 333-40716, 333-66350 and
333-71086) of Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated June 21, 2002
(except for Notes 1 and 14, as to which the date is August 13, 2002) with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Peregrine
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended April 30, 2002.



                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Orange County, California
August 13, 2002