Exhibit 23.1



                        [Arthur Andersen LLP Letterhead]

                  As independent public accountants, we hereby expressly consent
to the incorporation by reference of the financial statements and related report
prepared by us and  contained in this Annual  Report on Form 10-K in to BioMarin
Pharmaceutical  Inc.'s  Registration  Statement  on Form S-3,  Registration  No.
333-48800.

San Francisco, California

March 16, 2001

                                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP