Today's Health Winners and Losers

Shares of Trimeris(TRMS) were among the best-performing health-related stocks Friday, climbing 17% after the biotech company posted a surprise fourth-quarter profit.

The company earned $3.8 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of about $8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected a loss of 1 cent a share on revenue of $6.3 million. During the year-earlier quarter, the company recorded a loss of $5.7 million, or 27 cents a share, on revenue of $536,000. Trimeris attributed the year-over-year improvement to strength in Fuzeon, the company's HIV drug.

"Attaining profitability is a significant and transforming event for Trimeris," the company said. "Continued investment in the growth of Fuzeon, efficient use of resources, and the progression of the next generation fusion inhibitor program will be the foundation for significant growth and continued profitability through 2006." Shares were trading up $2.03 to $13.77.

Allion Healthcare(ALLI) slumped 19% after the provider of pharmacy and disease management services for HIV patients laid out plans to restate its financials, and also posted fourth-quarter earnings. The company said the restatement is related to warrants that were issued to an outside director in April 2005 as part of an extension of a guarantee on the company's West Bank credit facility. The company will record a non-cash interest expense of $700,000 to $900,000, which will be recorded for the second quarter of 2005.

As for its fourth-quarter results, Allion posted earnings from continuing operations of $396,000, or 3 cents a share, on sales of $37.8 million. Analysts expected earnings of 4 cents a share on sales of $34.9 million. During the year-earlier period, the company recorded a loss of $578,000, or 19 cents a share, on sales of $16.4 million.

Looking ahead, Allion Healthcare sees first-quarter earnings of 3 cents to 5 cents a share on sales of $38 million to $40 million. Analysts project earnings of 11 cents a share on sales of $46.5 million. Shares were trading down $2.93 to $12.87.