QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP,
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Accelrys, Inc. 2004 New-Hire Equity Incentive Plan of Accelrys, Inc., for the registration of 750,000 shares of its common stock, of our report dated January 30, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Accelrys, Inc. (under the former name of Pharmacopeia, Inc.) included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

San Diego, California
November 16, 2004




QuickLinks

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM