<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE METRA
BIOSYSTEMS, INC QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                           5,338
<SECURITIES>                                    21,565
<RECEIVABLES>                                      689
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,157
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                29,629
<PP&E>                                           4,437
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  34,328
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,893
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            10
<OTHER-SE>                                      29,964
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    34,328
<SALES>                                          2,836
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 4,690
<CGS>                                            2,152
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   22,983
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (17,091)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (17,091)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (17,091)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.73)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.73)