ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

NeoTherapeutics Inc.: The Irvine drug development company reported a net loss of $2.3 million, or 42 cents a share, for the fourth quarter, compared with a net loss of $508,129, or 10 cents a share, for the fourth quarter of 1996. For the year, company recorded a net loss of $6.2 million, or $1.14 a share, compared with a net loss of $1 million, or 31 cents a share, for 1996. No revenue was reported.

The company said the increase in net loss was due mainly to increased costs from the start of clinical trials and expansion expenses.