1


                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-14285) pertaining to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, and the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-94830) pertaining to the 1995 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company of our report dated
February 11, 2000, with respect to the financial statements of La Jolla
Pharmaceutical Company included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the
year ended December 31, 1999.


                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
July 17, 2000