<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR VERSICOR INC. AT MARCH 31, 2000 AND FOR THE
3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<CASH> 34,003,307
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 34,179,386
<PP&E> 7,186,265
<DEPRECIATION> 2,548,212
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 44,574,618
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 4,215,562
<BONDS> 4,094,500
0
126,928,511
<COMMON> 610
<OTHER-SE> (93,097,899)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 44,574,618
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,258,333
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 5,285,169
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 120,034
<INCOME-PRETAX> (4,993,656)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (4,993,656)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (4,993,656)
<EPS-BASIC> (8.86)
<EPS-DILUTED> (8.86)
</TABLE>