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. 333-111777) and related Prospectus of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of up to $15,000,000 of its common stock, preferred stock, warrants or debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 24, 2003, except for Note 9 as to which the date is January 31, 2003, with respect to the financial statements of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Palo
Alto, California
February 11, 2004