<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF CLINTRIALS RESEARCH INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                           7,889
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   32,504
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (1,420)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                42,184
<PP&E>                                          60,666
<DEPRECIATION>                                  21,161
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 116,404
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           25,873
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           184
<OTHER-SE>                                      84,984
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   116,404
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                96,931
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   58,317
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                44,728
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  25
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (5,697)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,348
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (7,045)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (7,045)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (0.39)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.39)