<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS AND THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF ALLERGAN LIGAND
RETINOID THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                          38,953
<SECURITIES>                                    20,351
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
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<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                60,186
<PP&E>                                               0
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  60,186
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            4,190
<BONDS>                                              0
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<COMMON>                                             3
<OTHER-SE>                                      55,993
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    60,186
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 3,014
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
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<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (20,267)
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