EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of Atrix Laboratories, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated February
28, 2001, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Atrix Laboratories,
Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 6, 2002