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EXHIBIT 23.1


            CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement 
(Form S-8 No. 333-07069) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 
1994 Equity Incentive Stock Option Plan and the Non-Employee Directors Stock 
Option Plan of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, and in the Registration Statement 
(Form S-3 No. 333-20787) and in the related Prospectus of Inhale Therapeutic 
Systems for the registration of 1,800,000 shares of its common stock, of 
our report dated January 22, 1998, with respect to the financial statements 
of Inhale Therapeutic Systems included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for 
the year ended December 31, 1997.


                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 18, 1998


