EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected Financial
Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated February 25, 2000, in
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-45864) and
related Prospectus of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of
5,750,000 shares of its common stock.


                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
November 17, 2000