Simulations Plus Inc., a pharmaceutical research firm in Lancaster, released preliminary financials for the fourth quarter of 2011, sparking a sell-off of shares that pushed the stock price down 4 percent.

The company provides software and consulting services to help biotechnology companies develop new drugs. It also has a subsidiary, Words Plus, that makes computer accessories for disabled and speech-impaired individuals.

For the most recent quarter, preliminary revenue for the Words Plus segment fell 20 percent to $692,000, while total revenue dropped 4 percent to $2.1 million.

“Although this was a new record fourth quarter for pharmaceutical revenues, the decrease in revenue from our Words Plus subsidiary pulled the total below last year’s fourth quarter,” Walt Woltosz, chief executive officer, said in a statement.

By mid-day shares of Simulations Plus traded at $3.10, a loss of 13 cents or 4 percent, on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.