<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT 
ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                       9,661,310
<SECURITIES>                                   693,279
<RECEIVABLES>                                  676,384
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     13,953
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            11,368,461
<PP&E>                                       6,832,740
<DEPRECIATION>                               4,208,408
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              14,965,059
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,266,836
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                 33,853,380
<COMMON>                                       122,514
<OTHER-SE>                                  34,926,594
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                14,965,059
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,302,225
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            11,841,286
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (9,539,061)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (9,539,061)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (9,539,061)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.09)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.09)