EXHIBIT 23.1


                  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT - ERNST & YOUNG LLP





                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) of Vyrex Corporation for the registration of 2,875,000 shares of its common
stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February
12, 1998, with respect to the financial statements of Vyrex Corporation included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 




                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California 
April 15, 1998