1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333- ________) and related Prospectus of
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. for the registration of 1,590,824 shares (which is
adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock split expected to be effective on October 5,
2000) of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated February 9, 2000, with respect to the financial statements of Human
Genome Sciences, 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

McLean, Virginia
October 2, 2000