<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 JUNE 30, 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>                               JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                       9,832,000
<SECURITIES>                                19,388,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            29,285,000
<PP&E>                                       5,247,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,162,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              32,420,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        4,607,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        23,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  24,110,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                32,420,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             6,978,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              71,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              1,269,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          1,269,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 1,269,000
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .06
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .06