<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY AND CASH FLOWS INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          10,822
<SECURITIES>                                    55,898
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                50,060
<PP&E>                                          19,776
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (9,330)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  80,832
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           17,256
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        14,832
<OTHER-SE>                                      52,900
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    80,832
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                21,560
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   24,319
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 5,409
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 670
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (5,928)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (5,928)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (5,928)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.45)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.45)