Panbela Therapeutics (PBLA) 10-Q 12 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 10, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Panbela Therapeutics, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001029125
Trading Symbol	pbla
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		10,088,872
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash	$ 8,098	$ 9,022
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	310	412
Income tax receivable	431	323
Total current assets	8,839	9,757
Other noncurrent assets	55	56
Total assets	8,894	9,813
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	782	554
Accrued expenses	528	811
Total current liabilities	1,310	1,365
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 authorized; no shares issued or outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; 10,088,872 and 9,664,427 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	10	10
Additional paid-in capital	56,142	54,848
Accumulated deficit	(48,283)	(46,026)
Accumulated comprehensive loss	(285)	(384)
Total stockholders' equity	7,584	8,448
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 8,894	$ 9,813

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	10,088,872	9,664,427
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	10,088,872	9,664,427

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	$ 1,149	$ 468
Research and development	1,099	598
Operating loss	(2,248)	(1,066)
Other (expense):
Interest expense	(3)	(4)
Other(expense) income	(122)	(820)
Total other expense	(125)	(824)
Loss before income tax benefit	(2,373)	(1,890)
Income tax benefit	116	92
Net loss	(2,257)	(1,798)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	99	797
Comprehensive loss	$ (2,158)	$ (1,001)
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.27)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	9,887,578	6,631,308

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	6,631,000
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 7	$ 42,331	$ (41,258)	$ 305	$ 1,385
Stock-based compensation		112			112
Net loss			(1,798)		(1,798)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				797	797
Warrants issued		228			228
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	6,631,000
Balances at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 7	42,671	(43,056)	1,102	724
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	9,664,000
Balances at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 10	54,848	(46,026)	(384)	$ 8,448
Warrants exercised for cash (in shares)	229,000				228,939
Warrants exercised for cash		1,042			$ 1,042
Warrants exercised net cashless (in shares)	189,000				188,607
Warrants exercised net cashless
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	7,000
Vested restricted stock units
Stock-based compensation		252			252
Net loss			(2,257)		(2,257)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				99	99
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021	10,089,000
Balances at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 10	$ 56,142	$ (48,283)	$ (285)	$ 7,584

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (2,257)	$ (1,798)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	252	112
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Income tax receivable	(113)	(97)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	100	97
Accounts payable	334	546
Accrued liabilities	(281)	20
Net cash used in operating activities	(1,965)	(1,120)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock purchase warrants	1,042
Repayments of term debt		(26)
Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities	1,042	(26)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1)	(7)
Net change in cash	(924)	(1,153)
Cash at beginning of period	9,022	2,449
Cash at end of period	8,098	1,296
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during period for interest	3	2
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Warrants issued for future services		$ 228

Note 1 - Business

Note 1 - Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Business Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Panbela Therapeutics Pty Ltd (collectively “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company”) exist for the primary purpose of advancing the commercial development of a proprietary polyamine analogue for the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. We have exclusively licensed the worldwide rights to this compound, which has been designated as SBP- 101,

Note 2 - Risks and Uncertaintie

Note 2 - Risks and Uncertainties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	2. Risks and Uncertainties The Company operates in a highly regulated and competitive environment. The development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products require approval from, and are subject to ongoing oversight by, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in the United States, the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, the European Medicines Agency in the European Union, and comparable agencies in other countries. Obtaining approval for a new pharmaceutical product is never certain, may We have incurred losses of $48.3 2011. three March 31, 2021, $2.3 $1.9 101, March 31, 2021, $8.1 $7.5 $7.6 The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. The condensed not 2020 March 25, 2021. 101 101 4 In March 2020, 19” 19, 2020 first 2021. 19 19 19 April 2020, six not May 2020, fourth 2020. no no

Note 3 - Basis of Presentation

Note 3 - Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	3. Basis of Presentation We have prepared the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10 X not December 31. December 31, 2020 not 10 may not

Note 4 - Liquidity and Business

Note 4 - Liquidity and Business Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Substantial Doubt about Going Concern [Text Block]	4. Liquidity and Business Plan Between February 5 March 23, 2021, 228,938 $1.0 On September 1, 2020, 2,545,454 $9.3 June 30, 2020, $1.7 second 2022. Our future success is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional financing, the success of our development efforts, our ability to obtain marketing approval for our SBP- 101 101 not not There can be no

Note 5 - Summary of Significant

Note 5 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	5. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, and expenses of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly given the significant social and economic disruptions and uncertainties with the ongoing pandemic and control responses. Research and development costs Research and development costs include expenses incurred in the conduct of our second 1 third 101 101 We charge research and development costs, including clinical trial costs, to expense when incurred. Our human clinical trials are, and will be, performed at clinical trial sites and are administered jointly by us with assistance from contract research organizations (“CROs”). Costs of setting up clinical trial sites are accrued upon execution of the study agreement. Expenses related to the performance of clinical trials generally are accrued based on contracted amounts and the achievement of agreed upon milestones, such as patient enrollment, patient follow-up, etc. We monitor levels of performance under each significant contract, including the extent of patient enrollment and other activities through communications with the clinical trial sites and CROs, and adjust the estimates, if required, on a quarterly basis so that clinical expenses reflect the actual effort expended at each clinical trial site and by each CRO. All material CRO contracts are terminable by us upon written notice and we are generally only liable for actual effort expended by the CROs and certain non-cancelable expenses incurred at any point of termination. We expense costs associated with obtaining licenses for patented technologies when it is determined there is no Stock-based compensation In accounting for stock-based incentive awards, we measure and recognize the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the fair value of those awards on the grant date. Calculating stock-based compensation expense requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, which represent our best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. Compensation cost is recognized ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the vesting period, which is considered to be the requisite service period. Compensation expense for performance-based stock option awards is recognized when “performance” has occurred or is probable of occurring. The fair value of stock-based awards is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of the fair value of stock-based awards is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. Risk free interest rates are based upon U.S. Treasury rates appropriate for the expected term of each award. Expected volatility rates are based primarily on the volatility rates of a set of guideline companies, which consist of public and recently public biotechnology companies. The assumed dividend yield is zero, as we do not Foreign currency translation adjustments The functional currency of Panbela Therapeutics Pty Ltd is the Australian Dollar. Accordingly, assets and liabilities, and equity transactions of Panbela Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate in effect for the period. The resulting translation gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive loss presented within the stockholders' equity. During the three March 31, 2021 2020, Comprehensive loss Comprehensive loss consists of our net loss and the effects of foreign currency translation. Net loss per share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares calculated using the treasury stock method. Such potentially dilutive shares are excluded when the effect would be anti-dilutive or reduce a net loss per share. The Company's potential dilutive shares, which include outstanding common stock options, and warrants, have not The following table sets forth the potential shares of common stock that were not March 31, 2021 2020 Employee and non-employee stock options 2,385,871 1,745,811 Restricted stock units 4,600 - Common stock issuable under common stock purchase warrants 5,710,190 3,497,099 8,100,661 5,242,910

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Stockholders Equity Warrants exercised and expired During the three March 31, 2021, 228,939 $1.0 188,607 531,140 86,200 $5.00 March 31, 2021. Public offering of common stock and warrants On September 1, 2020, 2,545,454 five $4.54. $10.5 $9.3 2,306,516 March 31, 2021. Shares reserved The following shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance as of date indicated: March 31, 2021 Stock options outstanding 2,385,871 Restricted stock units 4,600 Shares available for grant under equity incentive plan 1,453,208 Warrants outstanding 5,710,190 9,553,869

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensati

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	7. Stock-based Compensation 2016 The Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. 2016 “2016 March 2016 May 2016. 2016 2016 no 2016 ten March 31, 2021, 2,153,871 4,600 one 2016 1,453,208 2011 Our Board of Directors ceased making awards under the Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. 2011 “2011 2016 May 2016. 2011 March 31, 2021, 232,000 2011 3.6 Stock-based Compensation Expense General and administrative (“G&A”) and research and development (“R&D”) expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation expense as a result of our issuance of stock options. The terms and vesting schedules for stock-based awards vary by type of grant and the employment status of the grantee. The awards granted through March 31, 2021 $2.2 March 31, 2021. Stock-based compensation expense for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 General and Administrative $ 225 $ 99 Research and Development 27 13 $ 252 $ 112 Details of options available to grant, granted, exercised, cancelled or forfeited during the three March 31, 2021 Shares Available for Grant Shares Underlying Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance at January 1, 2021 883,001 2,137,499 $ 6.77 $ 388,461 Additional shares available to grant 818,579 - - Granted (385,000 ) 385,000 4.09 Exercised - - - Cancelled - - - Forfeitures or expirations 136,628 (136,628 ) 12.52 Balance at March 31, 2021 1,453,208 2,385,871 $ 6.01 $ 636,150 Information about stock options outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of March 31, 2021, Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest Options Vested and Exercisable Per Share Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) $0.875 - $1.10 22,000 1.67 $ 1.018 22,000 1.67 $2.275 - $2.50 22,000 2.95 $ 2.439 22,000 2.95 2.95 - $4.09 1,147,100 8.09 $ 3.391 600,650 6.84 $4.50 - $8.10 701,900 7.47 $ 6.109 521,300 6.90 $9.99 - $10.10 266,048 8.65 $ 9.994 107,012 7.78 $15.10 226,823 4.97 $ 15.100 226,823 4.97 Totals 2,385,871 7.57 $ 6.010 1,499,785 6.52 Key assumptions The estimated grant-date fair values of the stock options were calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model, based on the following assumptions for the three March 31, 2021: 2021 Common stock fair value $ $4.82 Risk-free interest rate 1.08% Expected dividend yield 0 Expected Option life 5.75 Expected stock price volatility 90%

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, and expenses of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly given the significant social and economic disruptions and uncertainties with the ongoing pandemic and control responses.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and development costs Research and development costs include expenses incurred in the conduct of our second 1 third 101 101 We charge research and development costs, including clinical trial costs, to expense when incurred. Our human clinical trials are, and will be, performed at clinical trial sites and are administered jointly by us with assistance from contract research organizations (“CROs”). Costs of setting up clinical trial sites are accrued upon execution of the study agreement. Expenses related to the performance of clinical trials generally are accrued based on contracted amounts and the achievement of agreed upon milestones, such as patient enrollment, patient follow-up, etc. We monitor levels of performance under each significant contract, including the extent of patient enrollment and other activities through communications with the clinical trial sites and CROs, and adjust the estimates, if required, on a quarterly basis so that clinical expenses reflect the actual effort expended at each clinical trial site and by each CRO. All material CRO contracts are terminable by us upon written notice and we are generally only liable for actual effort expended by the CROs and certain non-cancelable expenses incurred at any point of termination. We expense costs associated with obtaining licenses for patented technologies when it is determined there is no
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]	Stock-based compensation In accounting for stock-based incentive awards, we measure and recognize the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the fair value of those awards on the grant date. Calculating stock-based compensation expense requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, which represent our best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. Compensation cost is recognized ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the vesting period, which is considered to be the requisite service period. Compensation expense for performance-based stock option awards is recognized when “performance” has occurred or is probable of occurring. The fair value of stock-based awards is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of the fair value of stock-based awards is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. Risk free interest rates are based upon U.S. Treasury rates appropriate for the expected term of each award. Expected volatility rates are based primarily on the volatility rates of a set of guideline companies, which consist of public and recently public biotechnology companies. The assumed dividend yield is zero, as we do not
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign currency translation adjustments The functional currency of Panbela Therapeutics Pty Ltd is the Australian Dollar. Accordingly, assets and liabilities, and equity transactions of Panbela Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate in effect for the period. The resulting translation gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive loss presented within the stockholders' equity. During the three March 31, 2021 2020,
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive loss Comprehensive loss consists of our net loss and the effects of foreign currency translation.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net loss per share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares calculated using the treasury stock method. Such potentially dilutive shares are excluded when the effect would be anti-dilutive or reduce a net loss per share. The Company's potential dilutive shares, which include outstanding common stock options, and warrants, have not The following table sets forth the potential shares of common stock that were not March 31, 2021 2020 Employee and non-employee stock options 2,385,871 1,745,811 Restricted stock units 4,600 - Common stock issuable under common stock purchase warrants 5,710,190 3,497,099 8,100,661 5,242,910

Note 5 - Summary of Significa_2

Note 5 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2021 2020 Employee and non-employee stock options 2,385,871 1,745,811 Restricted stock units 4,600 - Common stock issuable under common stock purchase warrants 5,710,190 3,497,099 8,100,661 5,242,910

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity (

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2021 Stock options outstanding 2,385,871 Restricted stock units 4,600 Shares available for grant under equity incentive plan 1,453,208 Warrants outstanding 5,710,190 9,553,869

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_2

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 General and Administrative $ 225 $ 99 Research and Development 27 13 $ 252 $ 112
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	Shares Available for Grant Shares Underlying Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance at January 1, 2021 883,001 2,137,499 $ 6.77 $ 388,461 Additional shares available to grant 818,579 - - Granted (385,000 ) 385,000 4.09 Exercised - - - Cancelled - - - Forfeitures or expirations 136,628 (136,628 ) 12.52 Balance at March 31, 2021 1,453,208 2,385,871 $ 6.01 $ 636,150
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest Options Vested and Exercisable Per Share Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) $0.875 - $1.10 22,000 1.67 $ 1.018 22,000 1.67 $2.275 - $2.50 22,000 2.95 $ 2.439 22,000 2.95 2.95 - $4.09 1,147,100 8.09 $ 3.391 600,650 6.84 $4.50 - $8.10 701,900 7.47 $ 6.109 521,300 6.90 $9.99 - $10.10 266,048 8.65 $ 9.994 107,012 7.78 $15.10 226,823 4.97 $ 15.100 226,823 4.97 Totals 2,385,871 7.57 $ 6.010 1,499,785 6.52
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	2021 Common stock fair value $ $4.82 Risk-free interest rate 1.08% Expected dividend yield 0 Expected Option life 5.75 Expected stock price volatility 90%

Note 2 - Risks and Uncertaint_2

Note 2 - Risks and Uncertainties (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance	$ (48,283)		$ (46,026)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total	(2,257)	$ (1,798)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total	(1,965)	(1,120)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	8,098		9,022
Working Capital	7,500
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance	$ 7,584	$ 724	$ 8,448	$ 1,385

Note 4 - Liquidity and Busine_2

Note 4 - Liquidity and Business Plan (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 01, 2020	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Exercise of Warrants for Cash (in shares)		228,938	228,939
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises		$ 1,000	$ 1,042
Underwritten Public Offering [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)	2,545,454
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net	$ 9,300
Private Placement [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement				$ 1,700

Note 5 - Summary of Significa_3

Note 5 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Anti-dilutive Securities (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	8,100,661	5,242,910
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Member]
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	2,385,871	1,745,811
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	4,600
Warrant [Member]
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	5,710,190	3,497,099

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity_2

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 01, 2020	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Exercise of Warrants for Cash (in shares)		228,938	228,939
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises		$ 1,000	$ 1,042
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Cashless Exercise of Warrants (in shares)			188,607
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercised During Period (in shares)			531,140
Class of Warrants or Rights, Cancelled During the Period (in shares)			86,200
Class of Warrant or Right, Cancelled During Period, Exercise Price (in dollars per share)			$ 5
Underwritten Warrants [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Term (Year)	5 years
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in dollars per share)	$ 4.54
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in shares)			2,306,516
Underwritten Public Offering [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)	2,545,454
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity, Total	$ 10,500
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net	$ 9,300

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity -

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021shares
Shares reserved (in shares)	9,553,869
Warrant [Member]
Shares reserved (in shares)	5,710,190
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Shares reserved (in shares)	2,385,871
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Shares reserved (in shares)	4,600
Shares Available for Grant Under Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Shares reserved (in shares)	1,453,208

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_3

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance (in shares)	2,385,871	2,137,499
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)	1,453,208	883,001
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total	$ 2.2
Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period (Year)	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance (in shares)	2,153,871
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)	1,453,208
Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance (in shares)	4,600
Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance (in shares)	232,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	3 years 219 days

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_4

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based compensation expense	$ 252	$ 112
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based compensation expense	225	99
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 27	$ 13

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_5

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Balance, shares available for grant (in shares)	883,001
Balance, shares underlying options (in shares)	2,137,499
Balance, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.77
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 636,150	$ 388,461
Additional shares available to grant (in shares)	818,579
Granted, shares available for grant (in shares)	(385,000)
Granted, shares underlying options (in shares)	385,000
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.09
Forfeitures or expirations, shares available for grant (in shares)	136,628
Forfeitures or expirations, shares underlying options (in shares)	(136,628)
Forfeitures or expirations, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 12.52
Balance, shares available for grant (in shares)	1,453,208
Balance, shares underlying options (in shares)	2,385,871
Balance, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.01

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_6

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation - Options Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	2,385,871
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	7 years 208 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.01
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	1,499,785
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	6 years 189 days
Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 0.875
Per share exercise price, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 1.10
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	22,000
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	1 year 244 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.018
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	22,000
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	1 year 244 days
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 2.275
Per share exercise price, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 2.50
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	22,000
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	2 years 346 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.439
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	22,000
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	2 years 346 days
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 2.95
Per share exercise price, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 4.09
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,147,100
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	8 years 32 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.391
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	600,650
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	6 years 306 days
Exercise Price Range 4 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 4.50
Per share exercise price, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 8.10
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	701,900
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	7 years 171 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.109
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	521,300
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	6 years 328 days
Exercise Price Range 5 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 9.99
Per share exercise price, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$ 10.10
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	266,048
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	8 years 237 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 9.994
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	107,012
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	7 years 284 days
Exercise Price Range 6 [Member]
Per share exercise price, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$ 15.10
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	226,823
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	4 years 354 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.10
Options excercisable (in shares) | shares	226,823
Options excercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	4 years 354 days

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensa_7

Note 7 - Stock-based Compensation - Assumptions Used in Calculating Fair Value of Options (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021$ / shares
Common stock fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 4.82
Risk-free interest rate	1.08%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected option life (Year)	5 years 273 days
Expected stock price volatility	90.00%