<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
METRA BIOSYSTEMS, INC. QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 1998
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           7,580
<SECURITIES>                                    11,113
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,629
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,248
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                23,470
<PP&E>                                           3,547
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  38,171
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            3,574
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            13
<OTHER-SE>                                      33,477
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    38,171
<SALES>                                          4,920
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 5,950
<CGS>                                            2,652
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   13,559
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (8,637)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,637)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.68)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.68)