EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated January 28, 2000 (except for the last paragraph of
Note 1, as to which the date is July 7, 2000), with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Abgenix, Inc. in the Registration Statement (Form S-1)
and related Prospectus of Abgenix, Inc. for the registration of shares of its
common stock issuable upon the exchange of special shares of ImmGenics
Pharmaceuticals Inc.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
November 9, 2000