EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 8,
1999 included in Vical Incorporated's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

                                       Arthur Andersen LLP
San Diego, California
June 10, 1999