<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF CLINTRIALS RESEARCH INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          10,867
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   30,179
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                47,090
<PP&E>                                          55,394
<DEPRECIATION>                                  15,620
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 123,096
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           29,864
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           182
<OTHER-SE>                                      89,374
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   123,096
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                89,691
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   62,936
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                50,925
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  29
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (23,358)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (1,226)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (22,132)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (22,132)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (1.22)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (1.22)