EXHIBIT 23.1




               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-3 No. 333-12603 and Form S-8 No. 333-32297 pertaining to the 1992 Stock
Option/Stock Issuance Plan and the 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, as amended, of our report dated January 30, 1998,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Incorporated included in Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.



                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
March 27, 1998