Exhibit 23.1


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Form
S-3 (Nos. 333-108726, 333-105917 and 333-73216) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-105907,
333-101756, 333-92328, 333-65198, 333-57096, 333-44012, 333-87127 and 333-57875)
of our report dated January 23, 2004, 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, 2003, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                   /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 9, 2004