<ARTICLE>                                         5
<LEGEND>                                      
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the consolidated financial statements of Molecular
Biosystems, Inc. dated September 30, 1998 and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>                                     
<MULTIPLIER>                                              1,000
                                                   
                                                 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                     6-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                 MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                      SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                                      749
<SECURITIES>                                             21,242
<RECEIVABLES>                                            10,176
<ALLOWANCES>                                                  0
<INVENTORY>                                               1,628
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                         34,730
<PP&E>                                                   19,748
<DEPRECIATION>                                            7,247
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                           49,650
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                    12,999
<BONDS>                                                       0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                         0
<PREFERRED>                                                   0
<COMMON>                                                    186
<OTHER-SE>                                               31,019
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                             31,205
<SALES>                                                   2,721
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                         21,654
<CGS>                                                     3,440
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                            27,063
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                              0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                              0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                          314
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                          (4,928)
<INCOME-TAX>                                             (1,400)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                      (6,328)
<DISCONTINUED>                                                0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                               0
<CHANGES>                                                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                             (6,328)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                             (0.34)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                 0