CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference of our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 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 January 6, 2004 |