<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FORM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARONEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S
FORM 10-K FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                       2,029,000
<SECURITIES>                                27,925,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                  100,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            20,386,000
<PP&E>                                       4,768,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,661,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              32,125,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        4,740,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        15,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  27,364,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                32,125,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,900,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              57,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (16,991,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (16,991,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                              (16,991,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.14)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.14)