EXHIBIT 23.1


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, 2000 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan and 2000 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan of Rigel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of our report dated February 25, 2000, with respect to
the financial statements of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-45864), filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Palo Alto, California
December 1, 2000