
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF CLINTRIALS RESEARCH INC. FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          25,037
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   39,346
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                70,502
<PP&E>                                          47,530
<DEPRECIATION>                                  12,003
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 146,687
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           23,241
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           182
<OTHER-SE>                                     120,622
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   146,687
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                78,797
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   52,726
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                31,954
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  21
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (4,986)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (1,479)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (3,507)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
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<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (3,507)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.19)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.19)
        

</TABLE>
