<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated January 28, 2000 (except for the last paragraph of
Note 1, as to which the date is July 7, 2000), with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Abgenix, Inc. in the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-49858) and related Prospectus of Abgenix, Inc. for
the registration of 4,050,000 shares of its common stock.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto, California
December 6, 2000
