Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

EX-23.1 6 dex231.htm CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated February 10, 2006, in Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-131050) and related Prospectus of Targacept, Inc. dated April 6, 2006.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

April 6, 2006