EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of Neurocrine
Biosciences, Inc. for the registration of 3,450,000 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 27,
2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Neurocrine
Biosciences, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California
October 3, 2000