JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ----------------------

                                                                     Exhibit 7.1
                                                                     -----------

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------

     In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k) promulgated under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the persons names below agree to the joint filing on
behalf of each of them a Statement on Schedule 13D (including amendments
thereto) with regard to the common stock of Scios Inc., and further agree that
this Joint Filing Agreement be included as an Exhibit to such joint filings. In
evidence thereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized, hereby execute this
agreement as of the 29th day of August, 2000.


Date:  August 29, 2000                  /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                        -------------------------------
                                        Xxxxxx X. Xxxx


Date:  August 29, 2000                  RJK, L.L.C.


                                        By:   /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              -------------------------
                                              Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Manager


Date:  August 29, 2000                  KIRKFIELD, L.L.C.


                                        By:   /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              -------------------------
                                              Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Manager


Date:  August 29, 2000                  THE XXXX FAMILY INVESTMENT PLAN


                                        By:   /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              -------------------------
                                              Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, individually and
                                              as attorney-in-fact for each of
                                              Xxxxx X. Xxxx, Xxxxxx X.Xxxx,
                                              Xxxxxx X. Xxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxx
                                              Xxxxx


                              Page 12 of 13 Pages


Date:  August 29, 2000                  X.X. XXXX TRUST UNDER DECLARATION OF
                                        TRUST DATED MARCH 29, 2000


                                        By:   /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              -------------------------
                                              Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Trustee


                              Page 13 of 13 Pages