
<PAGE>
                                                                  Exhibit 23.1

                 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
     Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1998 Non-Officer Equity
     Incentive Plan of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. of our report dated
     January 22, 1998, with respect to the financial statements of Inhale
     Therapeutic Systems, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
     for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission.



                                            /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP         
                                            ------------------------------ 
                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Palo Alto, California
October 19, 1998



