EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-53992 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-43252, 333-79447,
333-69919, 333-32297, 333-12913, 033-92436, 033-92470, 033-85366, 033-66186 and
033-54674 on Form S-8 of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, of our report
dated February 23, 2001, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated for the year ended December 31, 2000.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Diego, California
March 26, 2001