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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) pertaining to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1989 Incentive Stock
Option, Nonqualified Stock Option and Stock Purchase Plan, the 1989 Special
Nonqualified Stock Option and Stock Purchase Plan and the Executive Stock Plan
of our report dated July 21, 2000 (except Note 12, as to which the date is
October 13, 2000), with respect to the financial statements of Cortex
Pharmaceutical, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year
ended June 30, 2000.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
October 13, 2000