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 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 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/A, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

	/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Palo Alto, California July 9, 2003