<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>b36683abex23-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                  ------------


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                    -----------------------------------------

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated March 10, 2000,
included in American Biogenetic Sciences, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and to all references to our firm included in this
Registration Statement.

                                                 /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

  Melville, New York
  September 7, 2000

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>