<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARONEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S
FORM 10-K FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                       4,179,000
<SECURITIES>                                37,209,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                   78,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            35,334,000
<PP&E>                                       5,021,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               2,869,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              44,281,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        3,658,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        15,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  40,462,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                44,281,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             4,362,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             173,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (8,030,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (8,030,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (8,030,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.62)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.62)