EXHIBIT 23.4


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Vertex
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, related to the merger with Aurora Biosciences
Corporation, and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
April 27, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Aurora
Biosciences Corporation included in Aurora Biosciences Current Report (Form
8-K), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2001.

                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
May 21, 2001