<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                      25,495,241
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            25,934,957
<PP&E>                                          98,686
<DEPRECIATION>                                  16,362
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              26,218,442
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           80,288
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         40
<COMMON>                                        83,528
<OTHER-SE>                                  26,054,586
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                26,218,442
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                     0
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,659,618
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             (1,726)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (2,366,533)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (2,366,533)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (2,366,533)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.33)