EXHIBIT 23.1

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 9, 2000, pertaining to the financial
statements of Durect Corporation, and our report dated May 10, 2000,
pertaining to the financial statements of ALZET (a product line of ALZA
Corporation), both of which are included in Amendment No. 5 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-35316) and related Prospectus of
Durect Corporation for the registration of 8,050,000 shares of its common
stock.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
September 22, 2000