Exhibit 23.1






INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated on Form S-3 of our report dated February
22, 2002, (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an
explanatory paragraph referring to a change in accounting principle), appearing
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated for
the year ended December 31, 2001 and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Diego, California
April 26, 2002