EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-80623) pertaining to the Incentive Stock Option, Non-qualified Stock
Option, and Restricted Stock Purchase Plan - 1991; 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Directors; and Employee Stock Purchase Plan of our report dated January 31,
1997, with respect to the financial statements of SONUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Seattle, Washington
March 14, 1997