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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Avigen, Inc. for
the registration of $120,000,000 of common stock, preferred stock or warrants to
purchase shares of its common or preferred stock and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated July 28, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements of Avigen, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended June 30, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young
Palo Alto, California
October 6, 2000
