EXHIBIT 23.1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Atrix Laboratories, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 12, 2003 (which
report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph
relating to a change in accounting principle), appearing in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Atrix Laboratories, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002 and
to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is
part of this Registration Statement.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Denver, Colorado
January 16, 2004