<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Ribapharm
Inc.'s December 31, 1998 Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such Financial Statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 8,343
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 8,343
<PP&E> 24,326
<DEPRECIATION> (3,108)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 29,561
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,454
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 15,970
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 29,561
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 36,830
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 9,530
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 609
<INCOME-PRETAX> 19,299
<INCOME-TAX> 6,948
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 12,351
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 12,351
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>