Today's Health Winners and Losers

Shares of Axcan Pharma(AXCA Quote) were among the worst-performing health-related stocks Wednesday, tumbling 31% after the specialty pharmaceutical company said its phase III trial of Itopride failed to meet its endpoint.

The drug, which was being tested to treat functional dyspepsia, did not confirm the efficacy seen in earlier trials. "We are obviously surprised with the results of the Itopride international phase III trial, particularly in view of the positive results seen in the soon-to-be published phase II trial and in the preclinical data that provided strong mechanistic support for Itopride," the company said in a statement.

Axcan said it plans to develop Itopride for use in other stomach ailments. Additionally, the company said that it would "focus on other opportunities to accelerate growth of the company by leveraging our solid business base and executing on our growth strategy." Shares were trading down $5.13 to $11.20

NutriSystem(NTRI Quote) climbed 12% after the provider of weight- management and fitness products posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and lifted its first-quarter guidance. The company earned $6.3 million, or 17 cents a share, on sales of $69.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 16 cents a share and sales of $69.5 million. In early February, the company projected earnings of 16 cents a share, with sales of $69 million to $70 million. At the time, analysts projected earnings of 17 cents a share and sales of $62.5 million. During the year-ago quarter, the company recorded a loss of $605,000, or 2 cents a share, on sales of $7.9 million.

For the first quarter, NutriSystem now expects earnings of 40 cents to 42 cents a share and sales of $122 million to $127 million. Previously, the company forecast earnings of 35 cents to 38 cents a share and sales of $115 million to $120 million. Analysts project earnings of 37 cents a share, with sales of $117.1 million. Shares were up $4.70 to $42.41.