EXHIBIT 23.1

             CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as Amended and
Restated, of our report dated March 25, 1999 with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of SuperGen, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
September 15, 1999