<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a65369ex23-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated February 11, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company included in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                --------------------------------
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
August 29, 2000

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>