EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

      We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March
13, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002, and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration
Statement.

/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
May 19, 2003