<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 DECEMBER 31,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          18,518
<SECURITIES>                                    19,220
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,232
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                        682
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                40,293
<PP&E>                                           4,575
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  51,028
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            3,624
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            13
<OTHER-SE>                                      45,502
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    51,028
<SALES>                                          2,682
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 2,895
<CGS>                                            2,282
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   13,171
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (9,072)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (9,072)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (9,072)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.72)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.72)