<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF CLINTRIALS RESEARCH INC. FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                           8,569
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   31,584
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                51,024
<PP&E>                                          54,740
<DEPRECIATION>                                  16,292
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 125,398
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           26,836
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           182
<OTHER-SE>                                      94,517
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   125,398
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                67,537
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   47,247
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                39,284
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  23
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (18,317)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,348)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (16,969)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (16,969)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.93)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.93)