EXHIBIT 23.1




                              CONSENT OF KPMG LLP



The Board of Directors
Texas Biotechnology Corporation:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos.
33-79656, 33-79658, 33-79670, 33-93282, 33-93368, 333-27423, 333-27425,
333-79477, 333-72468 and 333-41864) on Forms S-8 and (Nos. 333-03433, and
333-25043) on Forms S-3 of Texas Biotechnology Corporation of our report dated
February 25, 2002, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Texas
Biotechnology Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and
the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2001, which report appears in the December 31, 2001,
annual report on Form 10-K of Texas Biotechnology Corporation.

                                             /s/ KPMG LLP
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             KPMG LLP


Houston, Texas
March 28, 2002