EXHIBIT 23.1


                  CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment 
No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated November 3, 1997, 
pertaining to the Employees and Consultants Stock Option Agreement/Plan, the 
1993 Stock Option Plan, As Amended and Restated, and the 1996 Directors 
Option Plan of SuperGen, Inc., of our report dated January 15, 1997, except 
as to the third paragraph of note 2 as to which the date is January 24, 1997, 
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of 
SuperGen, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
November 4, 1997



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