Exhibit 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Ligand
Pharmaceuticals and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 22, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedules of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                     /S/ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
January 10, 2003