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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement (File No. 333-53108) of our report
dated April 11, 2000 included in NeoTherapeutics, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1999 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


                                                /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Orange County, California
January 23, 2001