EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Forms S-8 (Nos. 333-04839 and 333-34681) pertaining to the 1996 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan, the 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and the
1996 Equity Incentive Plan of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated
February 20, 1998, with respect to the financial statements of Onyx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

                                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 30, 1998






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