<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARONEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.AND
SUBSIDIARIES SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                       9,788,000
<SECURITIES>                                10,602,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                  132,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            19,487,000
<PP&E>                                       5,102,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               2,839,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              23,045,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        8,423,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        16,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  13,594,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                23,045,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             8,002,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              81,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (18,231,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (18,231,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                              (18,231,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.17)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.17)