Exhibit 23

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements Form S-3 No. 333-95005 and Form S-8 Nos. 333-57875 and 333-87127 of
our report dated January 27, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form
10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended December 31, 1999.


                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California
November 29, 2000