<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARONEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S
FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                      11,007,000
<SECURITIES>                                17,852,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            28,444,000
<PP&E>                                       5,176,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,003,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              31,839,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        7,934,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           22,000
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                  22,492,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                31,839,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,586,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              43,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (3,175,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (3,175,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (3,175,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.17)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.17)