Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Nile Therapeutics, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 2, 2010, on the financial statements of Nile Therapeutics, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and for the year then ended, and for the period from August 1, 2005 (inception) through December 31, 2009 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes and explanatory paragraph relating to Nile Therapeutics, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern) appearing in the 2009 Form 10-K of Nile Therapeutics, Inc. and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP
   
New York, New York
 
March 2, 2010