EXHIBIT 23.1

                                       
                 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in 
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related 
Prospectus of Vyrex Corporation for the registration of 1,647,030 shares of 
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report 
dated March 3, 1997, with respect to the financial statements of Vyrex 
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year ended 
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    

                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                        -------------------------------
                                        Ernst & Young LLP

   
San Diego, California
January 13, 1998