<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                       7,738,625
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             8,051,421
<PP&E>                                           7,001
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,102
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               8,057,320
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          132,181
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                        67,027
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                   7,990,293
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 8,057,320
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                     0
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                4,128,289
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 199
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             (4,040,683)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (105,436)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         (3,935,247)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                (3,935,247)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.69)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.69)