Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO) 10-K 14 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 07, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,055,726
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,224,025
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 555,185,404
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,632,693	$ 40,543,982
Short-term investments	105,357,277	53,075,974
Accounts receivable	7,333,059	2,804,207
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	917,257	797,973
Prepaid expenses from affiliated entity	610,652	1,382,375
Deferred tax asset	0	342,573
Total current assets	171,850,938	98,947,084
Fixed assets, net	7,306,695	4,583,204
Investment in affiliated entity - GeneOne	14,941,277	12,340,811
Investment in affiliated entity - PLS	5,045,915	0
Intangible assets, net	3,905,860	4,776,059
Goodwill	10,113,371	10,113,371
Common stock warrants	5,970	550,000
Other assets	670,833	474,568
Total assets	213,840,859	131,785,097
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	13,064,899	6,383,170
Accounts payable and accrued expenses due to affiliated entity	165,047	28,407
Accrued clinical trial expenses	2,600,483	2,007,432
Common stock warrants	1,301,138	2,022,729
Deferred revenue	13,449,768	3,187,223
Deferred revenue from affiliated entity	504,442	394,791
Deferred rent	380,629	61,542
Total current liabilities	31,466,406	14,085,294
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	103,074	173,779
Deferred revenue from affiliated entity, net of current portion	677,371	836,694
Deferred rent, net of current portion	5,485,313	4,647,687
Deferred tax liabilities	175,642	504,049
Total liabilities	$ 37,907,806	$ 20,247,503
Commitments and contingencies
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock—par value $0.001; Authorized shares: 10,000,000, issued and outstanding shares: 23 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock—par value $0.001; Authorized shares: 600,000,000 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, issued and outstanding: 72,217,965 at December 31, 2015 and 60,741,082 at December 31, 2014	72,218	60,741
Additional paid-in capital	534,004,564	443,327,915
Accumulated deficit	(361,097,896)	(331,910,290)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,708,339	(251,390)
Total Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders’ equity	175,687,225	111,226,976
Non-controlling interest	245,828	310,618
Total stockholders' equity	175,933,053	111,537,594
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 213,840,859	$ 131,785,097

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	23	23
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	23	23
Common stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	72,217,965	60,741,082
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,217,965	60,741,082

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements	$ 1,820,643	$ 16,475,083	$ 4,335,236	$ 4,245,571	$ 1,758,108	$ 1,114,952	$ 3,107,781	$ 1,435,727	$ 26,876,533	$ 7,416,568	$ 9,239,547
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity	375,000	125,000	166,667	112,500	112,500	112,500	137,500	116,964	779,167	479,464	425,000
Grants and miscellaneous revenue	3,739,919	7,583,151	784,775	808,566	586,500	612,901	556,381	804,952	12,916,411	2,560,734	3,802,799
Total revenues	5,935,562	24,183,234	5,286,678	5,166,637	2,457,108	1,840,353	3,801,662	2,357,643	40,572,111	10,456,766	13,467,346
Operating expenses:
Research and development	15,601,891	16,075,201	16,688,511	9,426,320	9,244,473	7,017,805	9,607,281	8,225,480	57,791,923	34,095,039	21,368,604
General and administrative	4,860,086	4,377,616	4,718,260	4,107,928	4,224,429	3,153,714	4,347,327	4,132,218	18,063,890	15,857,688	13,643,074
Gain on sale of assets	0	0	(1,000,000)	0					(1,000,000)	0	(2,000,000)
Total operating expenses	20,461,977	20,452,817	20,406,771	13,534,248	13,468,902	10,171,519	13,954,608	12,357,698	74,855,813	49,952,727	33,011,678
Loss from operations	(14,526,415)	3,730,417	(15,120,093)	(8,367,611)	(11,011,794)	(8,331,166)	(10,152,946)	(10,000,055)	(34,283,702)	(39,495,961)	(19,544,332)
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income, net	(194,519)	214,982	146,332	138,276	113,212	97,174	68,999	52,076	305,071	331,461	132,214
Change in fair value of common stock warrants	(290,316)	518,877	(49,773)	(1,227)	143,659	(113,980)	824,390	(505,926)	177,561	348,143	(45,632,669)
Gain (Loss) on investment in affiliated entity	(3,249,315)	(659,054)	8,861,145	(2,352,309)	3,342,436	1,168,911	(1,458,160)	(376,963)	2,600,467	2,676,224	(1,038,745)
Net loss before income tax benefit	(18,260,565)	3,805,222	(6,162,389)	(10,582,871)					(31,200,603)	(36,140,133)	(66,083,532)
Income tax benefit	308,520	1,789,246	0	0					2,097,766	0	0
Net loss	(17,952,045)	5,594,468	(6,162,389)	(10,582,871)	(7,412,487)	(7,179,061)	(10,717,717)	(10,830,868)	(29,102,837)	(36,140,133)	(66,083,532)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	(85,861)	1,092	1,083	1,486	6,443	9,408	(84,769)	18,420	55,084
Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$ (17,952,045)	$ 5,594,468	$ (6,248,250)	$ (10,581,779)	$ (7,411,404)	$ (7,177,575)	$ (10,711,274)	$ (10,821,460)	$ (29,187,606)	$ (36,121,713)	$ (66,028,448)
Net loss per common share attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders
Basic ($ per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.08	$ (0.09)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.61)	$ (1.43)
Diluted ($ per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.64)	$ (1.43)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in per share calculations:
Basic (in shares)	72,194,504	72,029,644	67,655,975	60,741,082	60,610,367	60,392,911	60,232,498	55,159,002	68,198,142	59,127,349	46,087,773
Diluted (in shares)	72,194,504	73,961,237	67,838,738	60,913,423	60,805,871	60,602,831	60,474,859	55,159,002	68,365,265	59,408,252	46,087,773

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (29,102,837)	$ (36,140,133)	$ (66,083,532)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on investment in affiliated entity, net of tax	2,952,201	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	(1,689)	118
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax	7,528	(173,336)	(149,845)
Comprehensive loss	(26,143,108)	(36,315,158)	(66,233,259)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(84,769)	18,420	55,084
Comprehensive loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$ (26,227,877)	$ (36,296,738)	$ (66,178,175)

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)	Total	Preferred stock	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Non- controlling interest
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		26	36,078,435
Beginning balance, value at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 34,857,405		$ 36,079	$ 264,005,350	$ (229,760,129)	$ 73,362	$ 502,743
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock and warrants for cash, net of financing costs, shares			6,844,317
Issuance of common stock and warrants for cash, net of financing costs, value	14,274,819		$ 6,844	14,267,975
Fair value of common stock warrants issued in connection with equity financing	(5,968,244)			(5,968,244)
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)			3,925,167
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, value	18,924,856		$ 3,925	18,920,931
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, shares			5,712,439
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, value	19,808,232		$ 5,713	19,802,519
Cashless exercise of warrants, shares			16,032
Cashless exercise of warrants, value	0		$ 16	(16)
Change in classification of warrants from liability to equity due to exercise	35,370,529			35,370,529
Stock-based compensation	1,868,345			1,868,345
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	(66,083,532)				(66,028,448)		(55,084)
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	(149,845)					(149,845)
Unrealized gain on investment in affiliated entity, net of tax	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	118					118
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		26	52,576,390
Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	52,902,683		$ 52,577	348,267,389	(295,788,577)	(76,365)	447,659
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares related to reverse stock split (shares)			6,378
Issuance of shares related to reverse stock split	57,187		$ 6	57,181
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)			5,452,725
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, value	59,209,182		$ 5,453	59,203,729
Conversions of preferred stock to common stock, shares		(3)	1,103
Conversions of preferred stock to common stock, value	0		$ 1	(1)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	0			118,621			(118,621)
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, shares			2,689,868
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, value	13,252,543		$ 2,689	13,249,854
Cashless exercise of warrants, shares			14,618
Cashless exercise of warrants, value	0		$ 15	(15)
Change in classification of warrants from liability to equity due to exercise	17,002,211			17,002,211
Stock-based compensation	5,428,946			5,428,946
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	(36,140,133)				(36,121,713)		(18,420)
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	(173,336)					(173,336)
Unrealized gain on investment in affiliated entity, net of tax	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,689)					(1,689)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		23	60,741,082
Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2014	111,537,594		$ 60,741	443,327,915	(331,910,290)	(251,390)	310,618
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)			10,925,000
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, value	81,902,363		$ 10,925	81,891,438
Payment to minority stockholders	(149,559)						(149,559)
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, shares			551,883
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash, value	2,598,915		$ 552	2,598,363
Stock-based compensation	6,186,848			6,186,848
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	(29,102,837)				(29,187,606)		84,769
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	7,528					7,528
Unrealized gain on investment in affiliated entity, net of tax	2,952,201					2,952,201
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		23	72,217,965
Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 175,933,053		$ 72,218	$ 534,004,564	$ (361,097,896)	$ 2,708,339	$ 245,828

Consolidated Statements of Sto7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for cash, financing costs	$ 4,000	$ 5,500	$ 585
Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants for Cash, Financing Costs			$ 783

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (29,102,837)	$ (36,140,133)	$ (66,083,532)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	1,048,431	626,554	328,752
Amortization of intangible assets	870,199	942,719	1,770,537
Change in value of common stock warrants	(177,561)	(348,143)	45,632,669
Stock-based compensation	6,186,848	5,428,946	1,868,345
Issuance of shares in connection with reverse stock split	0	57,187	0
Amortization of premiums on investments	348,566	54,534	(484)
Deferred taxes	14,166	27,537	32,274
Deferred rent	383,584	762,616	410,187
Transaction costs associated with issuance of warrants	0	0	315,970
Loss on short-term investments	424,275	33,990	38,950
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	7,899	2,959	1,822
(Gain) Loss on investment in affiliated entity	(2,600,467)	(2,676,224)	1,038,745
Gain on sale of intangible assets	(1,000,000)	0	(2,000,000)
Income tax benefit from other unrealized gains on securities	(2,097,766)	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(4,528,852)	497,356	(2,434,896)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(119,284)	(160,540)	(229,705)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets from affiliated entity	771,723	674,975	(1,401,258)
Restricted cash	0	100,762	(352)
Other assets	(196,265)	(72,493)	26,793
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,456,581	925,820	2,123,761
Accrued clinical trial expenses	593,051	561,252	40,284
Accounts payable and accrued expenses due to affiliated entity	136,640	(493,848)	334,980
Deferred revenue	10,191,840	(260,719)	3,179,721
Deferred revenue from affiliated entity	(49,672)	(368,751)	(375,000)
Net cash used in operating activities	(12,438,901)	(29,823,644)	(15,381,437)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments	(63,526,830)	(47,185,945)	(15,399,495)
Maturities of investments	10,484,267	12,753,719	4,339,577
Purchases of capital assets	(2,781,544)	(1,379,980)	(176,925)
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	1,000,000	0	2,000,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(54,824,107)	(35,812,206)	(9,236,843)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs	81,902,363	59,209,182	32,883,705
Proceeds from stock option and warrant exercises	2,598,915	13,252,543	19,808,232
Other financing activities	(149,559)	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	84,351,719	72,461,725	52,691,937
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	(1,689)	118
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	17,088,711	6,824,186	28,073,775
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	40,543,982	33,719,796	5,646,021
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	57,632,693	40,543,982	33,719,796
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities
Amounts accrued for purchases of property and equipment	225,148	12,842	139,173
Lease incentive recorded as fixed assets and deferred rent	$ 773,000	$ 933,000	$ 2,538,000

The Company

The Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The Company	The Company Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company” or “Inovio”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, develops active DNA immunotherapies and vaccines in combination with proprietary electroporation delivery devices to prevent and treat cancers and infectious diseases. Inovio’s synthetic products are based on the Company’s SynCon ® design. The Company has completed, current or planned clinical programs of its proprietary SynCon ® products for HPV-caused pre-cancers and cancers, influenza, prostate cancer, breast/lung/pancreatic cancer, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV, and Ebola. The Company's partners and collaborators include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (“Roche”), University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, National Microbiology Laboratory of the Public Health Agency of Canada, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (“NIAID”), United States Military HIV Research Program (“USMHRP”), U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (“USAMRIID”), HIV Vaccines Trial Network (“HVTN”), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”) and MedImmune, LLC. Inovio is incorporated in Delaware.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation Inovio incurred a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Inovio had working capital of $140.4 million and an accumulated deficit of $361.1 million as of December 31, 2015 . The Company’s ability to continue its operations is dependent upon its ability to obtain additional capital in the future and achieve profitable operations. The Company expects to continue to rely on outside sources of financing to meet its capital needs and the Company may never achieve positive cash flow. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should Inovio be unable to continue in business. Inovio’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the date it issued these financial statements. Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In conjunction with the acquisition in June 2009 of VGX Pharmaceuticals (the “Merger”), the Company acquired a majority interest in VGX Animal Health and certain shares in GeneOne Life Sciences (“GeneOne”) (a publicly-traded company in South Korea). The Company consolidates Genetronics, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), VGX Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiary VGX Animal Health and records a non-controlling interest for the 15% and 9% of VGX Animal Health it does not own as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company's investment in GeneOne, which is recorded as investment in affiliated entity within the consolidated balance sheets is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations within gain (loss) on investment in affiliated entity. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Variable Interest Entities In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires companies to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether a variable interest in another entity represents a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity is characterized by having both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity. This guidance also requires on-going reassessments of variable interests based on changes in facts and circumstances. This guidance became effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of the guidance in the first quarter of 2010 and determined that none of the entities with which the Company currently conducts business and collaborations are variable interest entities except VGXI (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GeneOne). The Company determined that they are not the primary beneficiary as they do not have voting control or other forms of control over the operations and decision making and therefore are not required to consolidate VGXI. The Company continues to assess its variable interests and has determined that no significant changes have occurred as of December 31, 2015. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Inovio bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates to ensure that these estimates appropriately reflect changes in the business or as new information becomes available. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and short-term investments. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash and investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Additionally, the Company has established guidelines regarding diversification of its investments and their maturities which are designed to maintain principal and maximize liquidity. The Company had contracts with customers which represented more than 10% of total revenues for all of the years presented as discussed in Note 6. Fair value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in affiliated entities and common stock warrants. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate the related fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Investments consist of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. The Company's investment in affiliated entity PLS is accounted for as an available-for sale security. The Company’s investment in affiliated entity GeneOne is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations within gain (loss) from investment in affiliated entity. The estimated fair value of the common stock warrants is determined by using the Black-Scholes pricing model as of December 31, 2015, as discussed in Note 5. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are considered by the Company to be highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents include certain money market accounts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Investments The Company defines investments as income yielding securities that can be readily converted into cash or equity investments classified as available-for-sale. Investments include mutual funds, United States corporate debt securities, municipal bonds and an equity investment in the Company's affiliated entity PLS at December 31, 2015 and mutual funds and United States corporate debt securities at December 31, 2014 . Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. Inovio performs ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Credit is extended to customers as deemed necessary and generally does not require collateral. Management believes that the risk of loss is significantly reduced due to the quality and financial position of our customers. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Fixed Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the related leases or the estimated economic useful lives of the improvements. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Long-Lived Assets All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in value when changes in circumstances dictate, based upon undiscounted future operating cash flows, and appropriate losses are recognized and reflected in current earnings, to the extent the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value determined by the use of appraisals, discounted cash flow analyses or comparable fair values of similar assets. The Company has not recognized any losses on long-lived assets through December 31, 2015 . Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 18 years. Acquired intangible assets are continuously being developed for the future economic viability contemplated at the time of acquisition. The Company is concurrently conducting pre-clinical, Phase I, and Phase II trials using the acquired intangibles, and has entered into certain significant licensing agreements for use of these acquired intangibles. Historically the Company has recorded patents at cost and amortized these costs using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the patents or 17 years, whichever is less. Patent cost consists of the consideration paid for patents and related legal costs. Effective June 1, 2009, in connection with the acquisition of VGX, all new patent costs are being expensed as incurred. Patent cost capitalized as of June 1, 2009 will continue to be amortized over the expected life of the patent. License costs are recorded based on the fair value of consideration paid and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected useful life of the underlying patents or the term of the related license agreement to the extent the license has an alternative future use. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of VGX and Inovio AS, and additional intangibles including previously capitalized patent costs and license costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $3.9 million and $ 4.8 million , respectively. The determination of the value of such intangible assets requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company assesses potential impairments to intangible assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recovered. The Company’s judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows related to intangible assets are based on operational performance of our acquired businesses, market conditions and other factors. If impairment is indicated, the Company will reduce the carrying value of the intangible asset to fair value. While current and historical operating and cash flow losses are potential indicators of impairment, the Company believes the future cash flows to be received from its intangible assets will exceed the intangible assets’ carrying value, and accordingly, the Company has not recognized any impairment losses through December 31, 2015 . Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually at November 30, or more frequently if an event occurs indicating the potential for impairment. During its goodwill impairment review, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, and the overall financial performance of the Company. If, after assessing the totality of these qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then no additional assessment is deemed necessary. Otherwise, the Company proceeds to perform the two-step test for goodwill impairment. The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of loss, which involves comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in a period and elect to proceed to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test. The Company performed its annual assessment for goodwill impairment as of November 30, 2015 , identifying no impairment. Although there are inherent uncertainties in this assessment process, the estimates and assumptions the Company is using are consistent with its internal planning. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge on all or a portion of our goodwill and intangible assets. Furthermore, the Company cannot predict the occurrence of future impairment triggering events nor the impact such events might have on its reported asset values. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill or other intangible assets associated with its acquired businesses are impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations. See Note 8 for further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets. Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities along with net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. The Company records a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to reduce the net carrying value to an amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. When the Company establishes or reduces the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, its provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period such determination is made. Valuation allowances against the Company’s deferred tax assets were $83.2 million and $75.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Changes in the valuation allowances, when they are recognized in the provision for income taxes, are included as a component of the estimated annual effective tax rate. Revenue Recognition Grant revenue Inovio receives non-refundable grants under available government programs. Government grants towards current expenditures are recorded as revenue when there is reasonable assurance that we have complied with all conditions necessary to receive the grants, collectability is reasonably assured, and as the expenditures are incurred. License fee and milestone revenue Inovio has adopted a strategy of co-developing or licensing its gene delivery technology for specific genes or specific medical indications. Accordingly, the Company has entered into collaborative research and development agreements and has received funding for pre-clinical research and clinical trials. Prior to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements , the Company analyzed its multiple element arrangements to determine whether the identified deliverables could be accounted for individually as separate units of accounting. The delivered item(s) were considered a separate unit of accounting if all of the following criteria were met: (1) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis; (2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and (3) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. If these criteria were not met, the deliverable was combined with other deliverables in the arrangement and accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. For new collaborative agreements or material modifications of existing collaborative agreements entered into after December 31, 2010, Inovio follows the provisions of ASU No. 2009-13. In order to account for the multiple-element arrangements, the Company identifies the deliverables included within the agreement and evaluates which deliverables represent separable units of accounting. Analyzing the arrangement to identify deliverables requires the use of judgment, and each deliverable may be an obligation to deliver services, a right or license to use an asset, or another performance obligation. A delivered item is considered a separate unit of accounting when the delivered item has value to the collaborator on a standalone basis based on the consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances for each arrangement. Arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the agreement to all identified units of accounting based on their relative selling price. The relative selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists, we use our best estimate of the selling price for the deliverable. The amount of allocable arrangement consideration is limited to amounts that are fixed or determinable. The consideration received is allocated among the separate units of accounting, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units. Changes in the allocation of the sales price between delivered and undelivered elements can impact revenue recognition but do not change the total revenue recognized under any agreement. Upfront license fee payments are recognized upon delivery of the license if facts and circumstances dictate that the license has standalone value from the undelivered items, the relative selling price allocation of the license is equal to or exceeds the upfront license fee, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price to the collaborator is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Upfront license fee payments are deferred if facts and circumstances dictate that the license does not have standalone value. The determination of the length of the period over which to defer revenue is subject to judgment and estimation and can have an impact on the amount of revenue recognized in a given period. Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted on a prospective basis the Milestone Method of ASU No. 2010-17. Under the Milestone Method, the Company will recognize consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of a milestone in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone is substantive in its entirety. A milestone is considered substantive when it meets all of the following criteria: 1. The consideration is commensurate with either the entity's performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from the entity's performance to achieve the milestone, 2. The consideration relates solely to past performance, and 3. The consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. A milestone is defined as an event (i) that can only be achieved based in whole or in part on either the entity's performance or on the occurrence of a specific outcome resulting from the entity's performance, (ii) for which there is substantive uncertainty at the date the arrangement is entered into that the event will be achieved and (iii) that would result in additional payments being due to the Company. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in performing research and development activities including salaries and benefits, facilities and other overhead expenses, clinical trials, contract services and other outside expenses. Research and development expenses are charged to operations as they are incurred. These expenses result from the Company's independent research and development efforts as well as efforts associated with collaborations and licensing arrangements. The Company reviews and accrues clinical trials expense based on work performed, which relies on estimates of total costs incurred based on patient enrollment, completion of studies and other events. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the costs applicable to various stages of a research agreement or clinical trial can be made. Accrued clinical costs are subject to revisions as trials progress. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Historically, revisions have not resulted in material changes to research and development expense; however a modification in the protocol of a clinical trial or cancellation of a trial could result in a change to the results of operations. Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted to common stock. The calculation of diluted loss per share requires that, to the extent the average market price of the underlying shares for the reporting period exceeds the exercise price of the warrants and the presumed exercise of such securities are dilutive to loss per share for the period, an adjustment to net loss used in the calculation is required to remove the change in fair value of the warrants from the numerator for the period. Likewise, an adjustment to the denominator is required to reflect the related dilutive shares, if any, under the treasury stock method. The following tables reconcile the components of the numerator and denominator included in the calculations of diluted loss per share: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Numerator Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (29,187,606 ) $ (36,121,713 ) $ (66,028,448 ) Reflect adjustment for decrease in fair value of warrant liability (721,591 ) (2,181,203 ) — Numerator for use in diluted loss per share $ (29,909,197 ) $ (38,302,916 ) $ (66,028,448 ) Denominator Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 68,198,142 59,127,349 46,087,773 Effect of dilutive potential common shares from warrants 167,123 280,903 — Denominator for use in diluted loss per share 68,365,265 59,408,252 46,087,773 Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.44 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (1.43 ) The following table summarizes potential common shares that were excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Options to purchase common stock 5,862,364 4,840,514 4,134,530 Warrants to purchase common stock 276,813 727,969 3,514,815 Restricted stock units 230,000 — — Convertible preferred stock 8,456 8,456 9,559 Total 6,377,633 5,576,939 7,658,904 Leases Leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. Leases which transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. Inovio’s Plymouth Meeting, PA headquarters and San Diego, CA facility leases, which have escalating payments, are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The allowance provided by the lessor for leasehold improvements are considered tenant incentives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. These leases represent the primary expense and commitment as indicated in Note 11 “Commitments”. Other leases exist for office machinery, such as copiers, wherein lease expense is recorded as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation The Company incurs stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units and stock options. The fair value of restricted stock is determined by the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected option life. The Company amortizes the fair value of the awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The expected life of options granted is based on historical expected life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. The forfeiture rate is based on historical data, and the Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. The dividend yield is based on the fact that no dividends have been paid historically and none are currently expected to be paid in the foreseeable future. Weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for employees and directors are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.99% 1.47% 0.41% Expected volatility 74% 109% 111% Expected life in years 5 5 4 Dividend yield — — — Forfeiture rate 7% 8% 8% Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for non-employees are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 2.14%-2.31% 1.52%-2.73% 0.84% – 1.52% Expected volatility 105%-108% 104%-115% 102%-113% Expected life in years 7-10 7-10 7-10 Dividend yield — — — Recent Accounting Pronouncements The below recent pronouncements may have a significant effect on the Company's financial statements. Recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or related disclosures are not discussed. Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), No. 2014-15- In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), issued ASU 2014-15, which intends to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosure. ASU 2014-15 defines the term substantial doubt and requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date of the issuance of the financial statements. It requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans and requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated. The guidance becomes effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. ASU, No. 2014-09- In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which converges the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board standards on revenue recognition. Areas of revenue recognition that will be affected include, but are not limited to, transfer of control, variable consideration, allocation of transfer pricing, licenses, time value of money, contract costs and disclosures. This guidance is effective for the fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Collaborative Agreements

Collaborative Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collaborative Agreements	Collaborative Agreements MedImmune On August 7, 2015, The Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement with MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Under the agreement, MedImmune acquired exclusive rights to the Company's INO-3112 immunotherapy, which targets cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. MedImmune made an upfront payment of $27.5 million to the Company in September 2015 and has agreed to make additional future development, regulatory and commercial event based payments totaling up to $700 million . MedImmune will fund all development costs associated with INO-3112 immunotherapy. The Company is entitled to receive up to mid-single to double-digit tiered royalties on INO-3112 product sales. Within the broader collaboration, the Company and MedImunne will develop up to two additional DNA-based cancer vaccine products not included in the Company's current product pipeline, which MedImmune will have the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize. The Company will receive development, regulatory and commercialization event based payments and will be eligible to receive royalties on worldwide net sales for these additional cancer vaccine products. The Company has assessed event based payments under the authoritative guidance for research and development milestones and determined that none of the event based payments represent a milestone under the milestone method of accounting. The Company identified the deliverables at the inception of the agreement. The Company has determined that the license to INO-3112, the license for the research collaboration products with related research and development services and the product development services for INO-3112 individually represent separate units of accounting because each deliverable has standalone basis. The Company considered the provisions of the multiple-element arrangement guidance in determining whether the deliverables outlined above have standalone basis and thus should be treated as separate units of accounting. The Company determined that the license for INO-3112, the license for the research collaboration products with related research and development services, and the product development services for INO-3112 have standalone basis and represent separate units of accounting because the rights conveyed permit MedImmune to perform all efforts necessary to complete development, commercialize and begin selling the product upon regulatory approval. In addition, MedImmune has the appropriate development, regulatory and commercial expertise with products similar to the product licensed under the agreement and has the ability to engage third parties to manufacture the product allowing MedImmune to realize the value of the license without receiving any of the remaining deliverables. MedImmune can also sublicense its license rights to third parties. Also, the Company determined that the product development services for INO-3112 represents an individual unit of accounting as MedImmune could perform such services and/or could acquire these on a separate basis. The best estimated selling prices for these units of accounting were determined based on market conditions, the terms of comparable collaborative agreements for similar technology in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, the Company's pricing practices and pricing objectives and the nature of the research and development services to be provided. While market data and the cost-to-recreate method under the cost approach were considered throughout the valuation process, ultimately, the estimated selling prices of the licenses were determined utilizing two forms of the relief from royalty method under the income approach. The arrangement consideration was allocated to the deliverables based on the relative selling price method. The amount allocable to the delivered unit or units of accounting is limited to the amount that is considered fixed and determinable and is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. Based on the results of the Company's analysis, the $27.5 million up-front payment was allocated as follows: $15.0 million to the product license to INO-3112 and $12.5 million for the license to the research collaboration products and related research and developments services. The amount allocated to the license for INO-3112 was recognized as revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2015 as this was determined to be earned upon the granting of the license and delivery of the related knowledge and data. The remaining amount related to the research collaboration products and related research and development services is classified as short-term deferred revenue as of December 31, 2015. The Company believes that no substantive value related to the research collaboration products license and research services has been transferred to MedImmune prior to their selection of the first research collaboration product since there is no economic benefit from the research unless such product candidate is selected. Furthermore, if MedImmune decides to not proceed with the selection of the product candidate, the research collaboration product license would be terminated. Therefore, the Company believes the license for the research collaboration products is not delivered until the research services are completed and the selection of the product candidate is made by MedImmune (i.e. exercise of an option). The Company has classified the amount allocated to this deliverable as short-term deferred revenue as it is expected that MedImmune will select a product candidate within the next 12 months. The Company will recognize revenues associated with the product development services for INO-3112 as revenues under collaborative arrangements as the related services are performed and according to the relative selling price method of the allocable arrangement consideration. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized revenues of $16.0 million from MedImmune. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has a deferred revenue and accounts receivable balance of $13.0 million and $1.5 million , respectively, related to the Agreement. Roche In September 2013, the Company entered into a Collaborative, License, and Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Roche. The companies agreed to co-develop multi-antigen DNA immunotherapies targeting prostate cancer and hepatitis B (the “Products”). On November 14, 2014, Roche provided notice that they would be partially terminating the Agreement with respect to the development of INO-5150, the Company’s DNA immunotherapy targeting prostate cancer, as well as the research collaboration in prostate cancer under the Agreement. The termination was effective in February 2015, 90 days after the date of notice. All of Roche’s rights to INO-5150, including the right to license the product to other parties, have been returned to the Company. The Company and Roche will continue to collaborate and co-develop the Company’s DNA immunotherapy (INO-1800) against hepatitis B virus under the existing Agreement. Under the original agreement, Roche acquired an exclusive worldwide license for the Company's DNA-based vaccines INO-5150 (targeting prostate cancer) and INO-1800 (targeting hepatitis B) as well as the use of the Company's CELLECTRA ® electroporation technology for delivery of the vaccines. Roche also obtained an option to license additional vaccines in connection with a collaborative research program in prostate cancer. Under the terms of the Agreement, Roche made an upfront payment of $10 million and agreed to make additional development, regulatory and commercial event based payments. These potential future event based payments have been reduced significantly due to the partial termination of the Agreement. The Company has assessed event based payments under the authoritative guidance for research and development milestones and determined that $3.0 million related to INO-1800 represents a milestone under the milestone method of accounting. The Company is entitled to receive up to mid-single to double-digit tiered royalties on product sales. Unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, the Agreement continues in effect until the date when no royalty or other payment obligations under the Agreement are or will become due, i.e., a royalty term ending on the later of the date that is (a) ten years after the date of the first commercial sale of the product that is subject to the Agreement or (b) the expiration of the last to expire of the patent rights that are subject to the Agreement. Under the terms of the Agreement the Company also agreed to perform certain research and development and manufacturing and supply services, at Roche's expense. The Company identified the deliverables at the inception of the agreement. The Company has determined that the license to INO-5150 and INO-1800, the option right to license additional vaccines, research and development services, manufacturing and drug supply, and participation in the joint steering committee individually represent separate units of accounting because each deliverable has standalone basis. The Company considered the provisions of the multiple-element arrangement guidance in determining whether the deliverables outlined above have standalone basis and thus should be treated as separate units of accounting. The Company determined that the licenses and option right to license additional vaccines have standalone basis and represent separate units of accounting because the rights conveyed permit Roche to perform all efforts necessary to complete development, commercialize and begin selling the product upon regulatory approval. In addition, Roche has the appropriate development, regulatory and commercial expertise with products similar to the product licensed under the agreement and has the ability to engage third parties to manufacture the product allowing Roche to realize the value of the license without receiving any of the remaining deliverables. Roche can also sublicense its license rights to third parties. Also, the Company determined that the research services, committee participation and manufacturing services each represent individual units of accounting as Roche could perform such services and/or could acquire these on a separate basis. The best estimated selling prices for these units of accounting were determined based on market conditions, the terms of comparable collaborative agreements for similar technology in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, the Company's pricing practices and pricing objectives and the nature of the research and development services to be provided. While market data and the cost-to-recreate method under the cost approach were considered throughout the valuation process, ultimately, the selling prices of the licenses and option right were determined utilizing two forms of the relief from royalty method under the income approach. The arrangement consideration was allocated to the deliverables based on the relative selling price method. The amount allocable to the delivered unit or units of accounting is limited to the amount that is considered fixed and determinable and is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. Based on the results of the Company's analysis, the $10 million up-front payment was allocated as follows: $5.0 million and $3.4 million to the license to INO-5150 and INO-1800, respectively, $1.5 million to the Option Right and $155,000 to the Joint Steering Committee obligation. The amounts allocated to the licenses for INO-5150 and INO-1800 were recognized as revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2013 as these were determined to be earned upon the granting of the license and delivery of the related knowledge and data. Due to the Company's continuing involvement obligations, the remaining amounts were classified as deferred revenue as of December 31, 2013. The Company will recognize revenues associated with research and development services and manufacturing and drug supply as revenues under collaborative arrangements as the related services are performed and according to the relative selling price method of the allocable arrangement consideration. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized revenues of $10.8 million from Roche, of which $3.0 million related to previously deferred revenue which was recognized based on the partial termination of the Agreement in February 2015 and $3.0 million related to a milestone earned during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized revenues of $7.4 million from Roche. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has a deferred revenue balance of $166,000 and $3.2 million , respectively, related to the Roche Agreement. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has an accounts receivable balance of $1.6 million and $2.3 million , respectively, related to the Roche Agreement. The Company has entered into various Collaborative Development and License Agreements with GeneOne as discussed in Note 15. Under these Agreements, the Company may receive future event based payments upon approval of an investigational new drug application (IND) and/or initiation of clinical trials and future net sales. These future event based payments do not meet the criteria of a milestone in accordance with the authoritative guidance as they are solely based on the performance of the collaborators.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments consist of mutual funds, United States corporate debt securities, municipal bonds and an equity investment in the Company's affiliated entity PLS at December 31, 2015 and of mutual funds and United States corporate debt securities at December 31, 2014 . The Company classifies all investments as available-for-sale, as the sale of such investments may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, based on current market valuations. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive loss until realized. Realized gains and losses are included in non-operating other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , net realized loss on investments of $151,000 and $34,000 was recorded, respectively. The Company assessed each of its investments on an individual basis to determine if any decline in fair value was other-than-temporary. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, impairments considered to be other-than-temporary of $274,000 and $0 were recorded, respectively. Interest and dividends on investments classified as available-for-sale are included in interest and other income, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had 59 available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position of which 23 were in such position for longer than 12 months. The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : As of December 31, 2015 Contractual Maturity (in years) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Mutual funds --- $ 78,571,294 $ 435 $ (185,737 ) $ 78,385,992 US corporate debt securities Less than 2 26,923,855 — (54,452 ) 26,869,403 Municipal bonds Less than 1 101,936 — (54 ) 101,882 Investemnt in affiliated entity - PLS --- — 5,045,915 — 5,045,915 Total investments $ 105,597,085 $ 5,046,350 $ (240,243 ) $ 110,403,192 As of December 31, 2014 Contractual Maturity (in years) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Mutual funds --- $ 29,487,758 $ 2,667 $ (216,790 ) $ 29,273,635 US corporate debt securities Less than 2 23,839,606 70 (37,337 ) 23,802,339 Total investments $ 53,327,364 $ 2,737 $ (254,127 ) $ 53,075,974

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The guidance regarding fair value measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company did not have any transfer of assets and liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and are determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 54,474,609 $ 54,474,609 $ — $ — Mutual funds 78,385,992 — 78,385,992 — US corporate debt securities 26,869,403 — 26,869,403 — Municipal bonds 101,882 — 101,882 — Investments in affiliated entities 19,987,192 19,987,192 — — Common stock warrants 5,970 — — 5,970 Total Assets $ 179,825,048 $ 74,461,801 $ 105,357,277 $ 5,970 Liabilities: Common stock warrants $ 1,301,138 $ — $ — $ 1,301,138 Total Liabilities $ 1,301,138 $ — $ — $ 1,301,138 The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and are determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2014 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 36,474,066 $ 36,474,066 $ — Mutual funds 29,273,635 — 29,273,635 — US corporate debt securities 23,802,339 — 23,802,339 — Investment in affiliated entity 12,340,811 12,340,811 — — Common stock warrants 550,000 — — 550,000 Total Assets $ 102,440,851 $ 48,814,877 $ 53,075,974 $ 550,000 Liabilities: Common stock warrants $ 2,022,729 $ — $ — $ 2,022,729 Total Liabilities $ 2,022,729 $ — $ — $ 2,022,729 Level 1 assets include money market funds held by the Company that are valued at quoted market prices, as well as the Company’s investments in GeneOne and PLS. The Company accounts for its investment in GeneOne at fair value on a recurring basis by which the fair value is based on the market value of 1,644,155 common shares on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , listed on the Korean Stock Exchange. The Company accounts for its investment in PLS as an available-for sale security by which the fair value is based on the market value of 395,758 common shares on December 31, 2015 , listed on the Korea New Exchange (KONEX) Market. The Company elected the fair value option in conjunction with the investment in GeneOne at the inception of the investment therefore changes in the fair value of the investment are reflected as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not elect the fair value option for the investment in PLS at the inception of the investment, but rather recorded the investment under the equity method until its ownership interest dropped below 20% in June 2015 and accordingly began recording the investment under the cost method using the carryover basis from the equity method of zero . Once shares of PLS began trading on the KONEX, the Company classified the investment as available-for-sale and began recording the investment at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other comprehensive income (loss). Level 2 assets at December 31, 2015 include US corporate debt securities, mutual funds and municipal bonds held by the Company that are initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, typically utilizing market observable data. The Company obtains the fair value of its Level 2 assets from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly. The professional pricing service gathers quoted market prices and observable inputs from a variety of industry data providers. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Company's Level 2 financial instruments were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models such as discounted cash flow techniques. The Company validates the quoted market prices provided by the primary pricing service by comparing their assessment of the fair values of the Company's investment portfolio balance against the fair values of the Company's investment portfolio balance obtained from an independent source. Level 3 assets at December 31, 2015 include two warrants received by the Company to purchase shares of common stock of OncoSec Medical Incorporated (“OncoSec”), in connection with the first and second amendments to the Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and OncoSec signed in September 2011 and March 2012, respectively. The first warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock of OncoSec has a contractual life of five years with an exercise price of $24.00 per share. The second warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of OncoSec has a contractual life of five years with an exercise price of $20.00 per share. As of December 31, 2015 the Company has a long-term asset of approximately $6,000 associated with the warrants received to purchase common stock of OncoSec. The Company reassesses the fair value of the warrants at each reporting date utilizing a Black-Scholes pricing model. Inputs used in the pricing model include estimates of OncoSec stock price volatility, expected warrant life and risk-free interest rate. The Company develops its estimates based on publicly available historical data and knowledge of OncoSec. The Company reassesses the fair value of the warrants at each reporting date. The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the OncoSec common stock warrants at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 0.64% 0.67% Expected volatility 90% 90% Expected life in years 0.75-1.25 1.75-2.25 Dividend yield — — As a result of these calculations, the Company recorded a (decrease) increase in fair value of the two warrants of $(544,000) , $(168,000) and $450,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in fair value is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of operations as a component of change in fair value of common stock warrants. The following table presents a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s total Level 3 financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 550,000 $ 717,500 Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants (544,030 ) (167,500 ) Balance at end of year $ 5,970 $ 550,000 Level 3 liabilities held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of common stock warrant liabilities associated with warrants to purchase the Company's common stock issued in March 2013. If unexercised, the warrants will expire in September 2018 . During the year ended December 31, 2015 none of these warrants were exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2014, warrants to purchase 2,419,425 shares of common stock were exercised. As of December 31, 2015 the Company has a $1.3 million common stock warrant liability. The Company reassesses the fair value of the common stock warrants at each reporting date utilizing a Black-Scholes pricing model. Inputs used in the pricing model include estimates of stock price volatility, expected warrant life and risk-free interest rate. The Company develops its estimates based on historical data. The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of common stock warrants at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.36% 1.1% Expected volatility 81% 81% Expected life in years 2.70 3.70 Dividend yield — — Changes in these assumptions as well as in the Company's stock price on the valuation date can have a significant impact on the fair value of the common stock warrant liability. As a result of these calculations, the Company recorded a (decrease) increase in fair value of $(722,000) , $(516,000) and $46.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013, respectively. The significant change in fair value was primarily due to the change in the Company's stock price during the period. The change in fair value is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of operations as a component of change in fair value of common stock warrants. Warrants that were exercised during the period were revalued on the day prior to exercise and then reclassified into stockholders' equity upon exercise. The following table presents the changes in fair value of the Company’s total Level 3 financial liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 2,022,729 $ 19,540,583 Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants (721,591 ) (515,643 ) Change in classification from liability to stockholders' equity due to warrant exercises — (17,002,211 ) Balance at end of year $ 1,301,138 $ 2,022,729

Major Customers and Concentrati

Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk	Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Customer 2015 % of Total Revenue 2014 % of Total Revenue 2013 % of Total Revenue MedImmune $ 16,037,731 40 % $ — — % $ — — % DARPA 11,582,623 28 123,605 1 — — Roche 10,778,688 27 7,357,346 70 9,181,759 68 NIAID 901,475 2 1,229,084 12 2,090,939 16 GeneOne (affiliated entity) 450,000 1 479,464 5 425,000 3 All other 821,594 2 1,267,267 12 1,769,648 13 Total Revenue $ 40,572,111 100 % $ 10,456,766 100 % $ 13,467,346 100 % During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized revenue from various license fees, collaborative research and development agreements, grants and government contracts. As of December 31, 2015 , $4.0 million or 54% , $1.6 million or 22% and $ 1.5 million or 20% of accounts receivable was attributed to DARPA, Roche and MedImmune, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, $2.3 million or 82% and $190,000 or 7% of accounts receivable was attributed to Roche and the NIAID, respectively. There is minimal credit risk with these customers based upon collection history, their size and financial condition. Accordingly, the Company does not consider it necessary to record a reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets Fixed assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of the following: Cost Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Net Book Value As of December 31, 2015 Leasehold improvements 3,571,619 (721,280 ) 2,850,339 Laboratory equipment 1,875,561 (540,555 ) 1,335,006 Office furniture and fixtures 987,436 (399,524 ) 587,912 Computer equipment and other 4,419,761 (1,886,323 ) 2,533,438 $ 10,854,377 $ (3,547,682 ) $ 7,306,695 As of December 31, 2014 Leasehold improvements 3,545,011 (406,669 ) 3,138,342 Laboratory equipment 751,204 (298,734 ) 452,470 Office furniture and fixtures 887,887 (228,664 ) 659,223 Computer equipment and other 1,940,458 (1,607,289 ) 333,169 $ 7,124,560 $ (2,541,356 ) $ 4,583,204 Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million , $627,000 and $329,000 , respectively. The Company determined that the carrying value of these long-lived assets was not impaired for the periods presented.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The following sets forth the goodwill and intangible assets by major asset class: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Useful Life (Yrs) Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Non-Amortizing: Goodwill(a) $ 10,113,371 $ — $ 10,113,371 $ 10,113,371 $ — $ 10,113,371 Amortizing: Patents 8 – 17 5,802,528 (5,516,122 ) 286,406 5,802,528 (5,358,433 ) 444,095 Licenses 8 – 17 1,323,761 (1,133,113 ) 190,648 1,323,761 (1,104,366 ) 219,395 CELLECTRA ® (b) 5 – 11 8,106,270 (6,397,947 ) 1,708,323 8,106,270 (5,970,866 ) 2,135,404 GHRH(b) 11 335,314 (208,581 ) 126,733 335,314 (176,899 ) 158,415 Other(c) 18 4,050,000 (2,456,250 ) 1,593,750 4,050,000 (2,231,250 ) 1,818,750 Total intangible assets 19,617,873 (15,712,013 ) 3,905,860 19,617,873 (14,841,814 ) 4,776,059 Total goodwill and intangible assets $ 29,731,244 $ (15,712,013 ) $ 14,019,231 $ 29,731,244 $ (14,841,814 ) $ 14,889,430 (a) Goodwill was recorded from the Inovio AS acquisition in January 2005 and from the acquisition of VGX in June 2009 for $3.9 million and $6.2 million , respectively. (b) CELLECTRA ® and GHRH are developed technologies which were recorded from the acquisition of VGX. (c) Other intangible assets represent the fair value of acquired intellectual property from the Inovio AS acquisition. Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $870,000 , $943,000 and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets at December 31, 2015 for each of the next five fiscal years and beyond is expected to be incurred as follows: 2016 $ 815,244 2017 775,331 2018 772,918 2019 772,918 2020 253,748 Thereafter 515,701 $ 3,905,860 There were no impairment or impairment indicators present and no losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of the following: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Trade accounts payable $ 4,292,374 $ 2,003,091 Accrued compensation 4,157,440 2,982,090 Accrued license fees 2,300,000 — Other accrued expenses 2,315,085 1,397,989 $ 13,064,899 $ 6,383,170

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Reverse Stock Split On June 5, 2014, the Company implemented a 4-for-1 reverse stock split. All share information contained within this report, including the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes, have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the reverse stock split. Preferred Stock Outstanding as of December 31, Authorized Issued 2015 2014 Series A Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,000 817 — — Series B Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,000 750 — — Series C Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,091 1,091 23 23 Series D Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,966,292 1,966,292 — — During the year ended December 31, 2014, 3 shares of the Company's Series C preferred stock were converted into 1,103 shares of the Company's common stock. There were no changes in the number of outstanding shares of our preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2015. The shares of the Company’s outstanding Series C Preferred Stock have the following pertinent rights and privileges, as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its Certificates of Designations, Rights and Preferences related to the various series of preferred stock. Rights on Liquidation In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company (a “liquidation event”), before any distribution of assets of the Company shall be made to or set apart for the holders of common stock, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, pari passu, are entitled to receive payment of such assets of the Company in an amount equal to $10,000 per share of such series of preferred stock, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared). If the assets of the Company available for distribution to stockholders exceed the aggregate amount of the liquidation preferences payable with respect to all shares of each series of preferred stock then outstanding, then, after the payment of such preferences is made or irrevocably set aside, the holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive a pro rata portion of such assets based on the aggregate number of shares of common stock held by each such holder. The holders of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock shall participate in such a distribution on a pro-rata basis, computed based on the number of shares of common stock which would be held by such preferred holders if immediately prior to the liquidation event all of the outstanding shares of the preferred stock had been converted into shares of common stock at the then current conversion value applicable to each series. A Change of Control of the Company (as defined in the Certificates of Designations, Rights and Preferences) is not a liquidation event triggering the preferences described above, and is instead addressed by separate terms in the Series C Certificates of Designations, Rights, and Preferences. Although the liquidation preferences are in excess of the par value of $0.001 per share of the Company’s preferred stock, these preferences are equal to or less than the stated value of such shares based on their original purchase price. Voting Rights The holders of all series of the Company’s preferred stock outstanding have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of holders of the Company’s common stock and are entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws. Holders of the Company’s preferred stock are entitled to vote on any matter upon which holders of the Company’s common stock have the right to vote, including, without limitation, the right to vote for the election of directors together with the holders of common stock as one class. Conversion Rights The Series C Preferred Stock each provide the holder of such shares an optional conversion right and provide a mandatory conversion upon certain triggering events. Right to Convert The holder of any share or shares of Series C Preferred Stock has the right at any time, at such holder’s option, to convert all or any lesser portion of such holder’s shares of the Preferred Stock into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing (i) the aggregate Liquidation Preference applicable to the particular series of preferred shares, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon by (ii) the applicable Conversion Value (as defined in the relevant series’ Certificate of Designations, Rights and Preferences) then in effect for such series of preferred shares. The Company is not obligated to issue any fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares upon such conversion and instead shall pay the holder an amount in cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the current market price per share of the Company’s common stock. Mandatory Conversion The Company has the option upon thirty (30) days prior written notice, to convert all of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock as is determined by dividing (i) the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the shares of the relevant series of preferred stock to be converted plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon by (ii) the applicable Conversion Value (as defined in the relevant series’ Certificate of Designations, Rights and Preferences) then in effect, if at any time after twelve months following the Original Issue Date of each such series of preferred stock all of the following triggering events occur: (i) The registration statement covering all of the shares of common stock into which the particular series of preferred stock is convertible is effective (or all of the shares of common stock into which the preferred stock is convertible may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended); (ii) the Daily Market Price (as defined in the applicable Certificates of Designations, Rights and Preferences) of the common stock crosses a specified pricing threshold for twenty of the thirty consecutive trading days prior to the date the Company provides notice of conversion to the holders; and (iii) the average daily trading volume (subject to adjustment for stock dividends, subdivisions and combinations) of the common stock for at least twenty of the thirty consecutive trading days prior to the date the Company provides notice of conversion to the holders exceeds 6,250 shares. As of December 31, 2015, outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock were convertible into 8,456 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $27.20 per share, and the applicable Daily Market Price of the common stock for triggering mandatory conversion equaled $72.00 per share. Common Stock In May 2015, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of 10,925,000 shares of the Company's common stock, including 1,425,000 shares of common stock issued pursuant to the underwriter’s exercise of its overallotment option, at the public offering price of $8.00 per share. The net proceeds, after deducting the underwriter’s discounts and commission and other offering expenses, were approximately $81.9 million . In March 2014, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of 5,452,725 shares of the Company’s common stock, including 711,225 shares of common stock issued pursuant to the underwriter’s exercise of its overallotment option, at the public offering price of $11.60 per share. The net proceeds, after deducting the underwriter’s discounts and commission and other offering expenses, were approximately $59.2 million . The Company accounts for registered common stock warrants issued in March 2013 under the authoritative guidance on accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock, on the understanding that in compliance with applicable securities laws, the registered warrants require the issuance of registered securities upon exercise and do not sufficiently preclude an implied right to net cash settlement. The Company classifies registered warrants on the consolidated balance sheet as a current liability which is revalued at each balance sheet date subsequent to the initial issuance. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of registered warrants requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and expected warrant life. The Company develops its estimates based on historical data. A small change in the estimates used may have a relatively large change in the estimated valuation. The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the registered warrants. Changes in the fair market value of the warrants are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as “Change in fair value of common stock warrants.” Warrants The following table summarizes the warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Issued in Connection With: Exercise Price Expiration Date Number of Warrants Common Stock Warrant Liability Number of Warrants Common Stock Warrant Liability March 2013 financing $ 3.17 September 12, 2018 284,091 $ 1,301,138 284,091 $ 2,022,729 Warrants assumed in June 2009 Merger $ 4.08 - 5.12 April 28, 2016 276,813 — 727,969 — Total 560,904 $ 1,301,138 1,012,060 $ 2,022,729 During the year ended December 31, 2015 , no warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock which were issued in connection with the March 2013 financing were exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 471,590 shares of the Company's common stock which were issued in connection with the March 2013 financing were exercised, with proceeds to the Company $1.5 million . During the year ended December 31, 2014, warrants to purchase 1,673,750 shares of the Company's common stock which were issued in connection with the January 2011 financing were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $9.4 million . During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, warrants to purchase 426,625 and 274,083 shares of the Company's common stock which were assumed in the June 2009 Merger were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $2.0 million and $1.0 million , respectively. In July 2014, warrants expired to purchase 83,334 shares of the Company's common stock issued in connection with the July 2009 financing. Stock Options The Company has one active stock-based incentive plan, the Amended and Restated 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), pursuant to which the Company has granted stock options and restricted stock awards to executive officers, directors and employees. The Incentive Plan was adopted on March 31, 2007, approved by the stockholders on May 4, 2007, approved by the stockholders as amended on May 2, 2008, and approved by the stockholders as amended and restated on August 25, 2009, May 14, 2010, May 22, 2014 and May 8, 2015. On May 14, 2010 the stockholders approved to increase the aggregate number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan by 500,000 and to provide that the aggregate number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan will be increased on January 1 of each year beginning in 2011 by a number of shares equal to the lesser of (1) 513,833 or (2) such lesser number of shares as may be determined by the Board. On May 22, 2014 and May 8, 2015, the stockholders approved to increase the aggregate number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan by 1,250,000 and 2,000,000 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , the Incentive Plan reserves 7,256,664 shares of common stock for issuance as or upon exercise of incentive awards granted and to be granted at future dates. At December 31, 2015 , the Company had 2,020,627 shares of common stock available for future grant under the Incentive Plan, and 230,000 shares of unvested restricted stock units and options to purchase 4,478,425 shares of common stock outstanding under the Incentive Plan. The awards granted and available for future grant under the Incentive Plan generally vest over three years and have a maximum contractual term of ten years. The Incentive Plan terminates by its terms on March 31, 2017. The Incentive Plan supersedes all of the Company’s previous stock option plans, which include the Amended 2000 Stock Option Plan and the VGX Equity Compensation Plan, under which the Company had options to purchase 148,878 and 1,235,061 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2015 , respectively. The terms and conditions of the options outstanding under these plans remain unchanged. Total compensation cost for our stock plans recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $5.8 million , $4.8 million and $1.2 million , respectively, of which $3.2 million , $2.8 million and $555,000 was included in research and development expenses and $2.6 million , $2.0 million and $605,000 was included in general and administrative expenses, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was $5.4 million and $5.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, respectively, related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years and 2.0 years respectively. At December 31, 2015, there was $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The fair value of options granted to non-employees at the measurement dates were estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model. Total stock-based compensation for options granted to non-employees for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $385,000 , $585,000 and $714,000 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , 991,346 non-employee options remained outstanding. The following table summarizes total stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price $0.00-$3.00 1,269,241 6.5 $ 2.24 1,111,045 $ 2.3 $3.01-$6.00 1,525,015 2.4 $ 4.84 1,521,109 $ 4.8 $6.01-$9.00 2,080,183 7.4 $ 7.38 1,021,290 $ 7.1 $9.01-$12.00 180,464 5.5 $ 10.31 127,599 $ 10.3 $12.01-$15.00 807,461 7.3 $ 12.93 455,590 $ 12.9 5,862,364 5.9 $ 6.46 4,236,633 $ 5.7 At December 31, 2015 , the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $8.8 million , the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was $8.1 million , and the weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable was 4.7 years. At December 31, 2015 , 1,511,930 stock options are expected to vest. Stock option activity under our stock option plans was as follows: Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance, December 31, 2014 4,840,514 $ 6.19 Granted 1,337,260 7.61 Exercised (125,258 ) 4.40 Cancelled (190,152 ) 9.82 Balance, December 31, 2015 5,862,364 $ 6.46 The weighted average exercise price was $10.89 for the 83,696 options which expired during the year ended December 31, 2015 , $15.95 for the 70,517 options which expired during the year ended December 31, 2014 and $5.32 for the 124,003 options which expired during the year ended December 31, 2013 . The weighted average grant date fair value per share was $4.60 , $9.19 and $1.76 for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value was $7.76 per share for restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2015. There were no restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. The Company received $552,000 , $1.4 million and $1.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $456,000 , $2.0 million and $2.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments In March 2014, the Company entered into an office lease (the "Lease") for its corporate headquarters located at 600 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 100, in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and occupied the space in June 2014. The initial term of the Lease is 11.5 years and the Company plans to use the facility for office purposes. The base rent adjusts periodically throughout the 11.5 year term of the Lease, with monthly payments ranging from $0 to $58,000 . In addition, the Company will pay the landlord for its share of operating expenses and a property management fee and have paid a security deposit of $49,000 . In July 2015, the Company amended the lease to increase the total leased space. The commencement of the amended lease is estimated to be in the first quarter of 2016 and will increase monthly lease payments by approximately $16,000 . The Company has capitalized $933,000 of tenant improvements to the Plymouth Meeting headquarters which have been recorded as a leasehold improvement within fixed assets on the consolidated balance sheet, offset by a corresponding amount recorded in deferred rent. In August 2015, the Company entered into a sublease for its previous facility and completely vacated the premises. The Company's corporate office in San Diego is located at 10480 Wateridge Circle in San Diego, California. This lease was signed in April 2013 and the building was occupied in early December 2013. The term of the Lease runs through December 1, 2023 . The base rent adjusts periodically throughout the ten year term of the Lease, with monthly payments ranging from $0 to $83,000 . In addition, the Company will pay the landlord its share of operating expenses and a property management fee and has paid a security deposit of $64,000 . In June 2015, the Company amended the lease for its corporate office in San Diego, California to increase the total leased space and occupy the entire building. The amendment requires the lessor to complete and pay for certain improvements to the additional space before the commencement of the amended lease which occurred in January 2016. The amended lease will increase monthly lease payments by approximately $13,000 . The Company has capitalized $773,000 of tenant improvements during the year ended December 31, 2015 on the additional corporate office space in San Diego which have been recorded as a leasehold improvement within fixed assets on the consolidated balance sheet, offset by a corresponding amount recorded in deferred rent. Rent expense was $1.3 million , $1.2 million and $444,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: 2016 $ 1,578,000 2017 1,689,000 2018 1,661,000 2019 1,890,000 2020 1,932,000 Thereafter 9,731,000 Total $ 18,481,000 In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to a variety of agreements pursuant to which they may be obligated to indemnify the other party. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these types of agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these types of agreements have not had a material effect on our business, consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Investments in Affiliated Entit

Investments in Affiliated Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Investments in Affiliated Entities	Investments in Affiliated Entities The Company’s investments in an affiliated entities represent the Company’s ownership interest in the Korean based companies GeneOne Life Sciences ("GeneOne") and Plumbline Life Sciences ("PLS"). The Company held a 10.2% ownership interest in GeneOne as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and a 16.9% ownership interest in PLS as of December 31, 2015. The Company's investment in GeneOne is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair market value of the Company’s interest in GeneOne was determined using the closing price of GeneOne's shares of common stock as listed on the Korean Stock Exchange as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Company accounts for its investment in PLS as an available-for sale security by which the fair value was determined using the closing price of 395,758 common shares owned of PLS on December 31, 2015, listed on the Korea New Exchange (KONEX) Market. The Company elected the fair value option in conjunction with the investment in GeneOne at the inception of the investment therefore changes in the fair value of the investment are reflected as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not elect the fair value option for the investment in PLS at the inception of the investment, but rather recorded the investment under the equity method until its ownership interest dropped below 20% in June 2015 and accordingly began recording the investment under the cost method using the carryover basis from the equity method of zero . Once shares of PLS began trading on the KONEX, the Company classified the investment as available-for-sale and began recording the investment at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other comprehensive income (loss).

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes In accordance with the guidance pursuant to accounting for income taxes, a deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets unless, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. The components of the provision for income taxes are presented in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State — 2,000 (1,000 ) — 2,000 (1,000 ) Deferred: Federal (1,594,000 ) 18,000 15,000 State (504,000 ) 9,000 17,000 (2,098,000 ) 27,000 32,000 $ (2,098,000 ) $ 29,000 $ 31,000 The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to continuing operations computed at the statutory tax rates to income tax expense (recovery), using a 35% statutory tax rate, is: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income (benefit) taxes at statutory rates $ (10,920,000 ) $ (12,639,000 ) $ (23,118,000 ) State income tax, net of federal benefit (2,640,000 ) (2,362,000 ) (1,651,000 ) Change in valuation allowance 7,882,000 14,235,000 8,819,000 Research and development tax credits (1,537,000 ) (849,000 ) (1,230,000 ) Fair value warrant (253,000 ) (180,000 ) 16,129,000 Stock compensation 2,288,000 1,573,000 279,000 Uncertain tax positions 1,968,000 340,000 495,000 Expired NOL's and credits 339,000 728,000 338,000 Limited NOL's and credits (297,000 ) (749,000 ) 605,000 Change in state tax rate 676,000 (60,000 ) (623,000 ) Other 396,000 (8,000 ) (12,000 ) $ (2,098,000 ) $ 29,000 $ 31,000 The income tax benefit recorded during the year ended December 31, 2015 of $2.1 million is principally due to a requirement under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Accounting for Income Taxes , that a Company must consider all sources of income in order to determine the tax benefit resulting from a loss from continuing operations. As a result of the requirement under ASC 740-20-45-7, the pretax income which the Company generated from other comprehensive income was a source of income which resulted in the partial realization of the current year loss from continuing operations. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are shown below: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Capitalized research expense $ 1,201,000 $ 2,059,000 Net operating loss carryforwards 71,848,000 64,354,000 Research and development and other tax credits 3,339,000 2,417,000 Deferred revenue 5,213,000 1,828,000 Deferred rent 2,171,000 1,878,000 Stock-based compensation 2,135,000 2,704,000 Other 3,457,000 3,251,000 89,364,000 78,491,000 Valuation allowance (83,245,000 ) (75,363,000 ) Total deferred tax assets 6,119,000 3,128,000 Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles (596,000 ) (804,000 ) Investment in affiliated entity (4,399,000 ) (1,315,000 ) Fixed assets (1,299,000 ) (1,170,000 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (175,000 ) $ (161,000 ) In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , an update to ASC 740, Income Taxes (“Update”). Current GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in this Update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this Update. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Board also decided to permit earlier application by all entities as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. The Board further provides that this Update may be applied to all deferred tax liabilities and assets retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company chose to adopt the Update in fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and apply this Update on a prospective basis. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had federal, California and Pennsylvania tax net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $177.4 million , $56.5 million and $141.3 million , respectively, net of the net operating losses that will expire due to IRC Section 382 limitations. The federal and Pennsylvania net operating loss carry forwards will begin to expire in 2018 and 2021 , respectively, unless previously utilized. The California net operating loss carry forwards will expire as follows: Amount (in millions) 2016 $ 1.1 2017 0.5 2028 and beyond 54.9 Total $ 56.5 Of the $177.4 million and $197.8 million of federal and state NOL carryforwards at December 31, 2015, $1.9 million and $1.0 million , respectively, represents federal and California excess tax benefits related to equity compensation which will result in an increase in equity if and when such excess benefits are ultimately realized. In addition, the Company had federal and state research tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.4 million and $2.1 million , respectively. The federal tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2018. The California research tax credits do not expire. Utilization of the NOL and tax credit carryforwards will be subject to a substantial annual limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and similar state provisions due to ownership change limitations that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes will limit the amount of NOL and tax credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets that can be utilized to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, results from transactions increasing ownership of certain stock holders or public groups in the stock of the corporation by more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period. The Company is in the process of updating the Section 382/383 study for the Company and VGX, both of which experienced ownership changes under Section 382 as a result of the Merger on June 1, 2009. Based upon the preliminary results of the study, it is estimated that approximately $27.2 million of tax benefits related to NOL and tax credit carryforwards will expire unused. Accordingly, the related NOL and R&D credit carryforwards have been removed from deferred tax assets accompanied by a corresponding reduction of the valuation allowance. Upon completion of the study, deferred tax assets relating to NOL and R&D credit carryforwards for the Company and VGX may need to be adjusted with a corresponding adjustment to the valuation allowance. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, limitations created by current and future ownership changes, if any, related to our operations in the United States will not impact our effective tax rate. Any additional ownership changes, may further limit the ability to use the net operating losses and credits carryovers. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of the year $ 2,759,000 $ 2,416,000 $ 1,896,000 Increases related to current year tax positions 615,000 331,000 305,000 Increases related to prior year tax positions 2,081,000 12,000 215,000 Balance at end of the year $ 5,455,000 $ 2,759,000 $ 2,416,000 The amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized and realized would affect the effective tax rate is $4.3 million as of December 31, 2015 . The Company has not recorded any interest and penalties on the unrecognized tax positions as the Company has continued to generate net operating losses after accounting for the unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the reporting date. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to United States federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal income tax examinations for years before 2012; state and local income tax examinations before 2011; and foreign income tax examinations before 2012. However, to the extent allowed by law, the tax authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses were generated and carried forward, and make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating loss carryforward amount. The Company is not currently under Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), state or local tax examination.

401(k) Plan

401(k) Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401(k) Plan	401(k) Plan In 1995, the Company adopted a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) covering substantially all of its employees. The defined contribution plan allows the employees to contribute a percentage of their compensation each year. The Company currently matches 50% of its employees’ contributions, up to 6% of their annual compensation. The Company’s contributions are recorded as expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and totaled $328,000 , $275,000 and $196,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions GeneOne Life Sciences In January 2016 the Company and GeneOne announced the initiation of a collaborative research program to test and advance the Company's DNA-based vaccine for preventing and treating Zika virus. On May 26, 2015, the Company entered into a Collaborative Development Agreement with GeneOne to co-develop a DNA vaccine for MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) through phase I clinical trials. On September 23, 2014, the Company entered into a Collaborative Development Agreement with GeneOne to co-develop an Ebola vaccine through phase I clinical trials. In July 2015, the Company amended the Agreement with an effective date of April 2015 to change control of development in return for the Company’s payment of certain development fees. On October 7, 2011, the Company entered into a Collaborative Development and License Agreement (the “Hep Agreement”) with GeneOne. Under the Hep Agreement, as originally executed, the Company and GeneOne agreed to co-develop the Company’s SynCon ® therapeutic vaccines for hepatitis B and C infections (the “Products”). Under the terms of the Hep Agreement, GeneOne will receive marketing rights for the Products in Asia, excluding Japan, and in return will fully fund IND-enabling and initial Phase I and II clinical studies with respect to the Products. The Company will receive from GeneOne payments based on the achievement of clinical milestones and royalties based on sales of the Products in the licensed territories, retaining all commercial rights to the Products in all other territories. On August 21, 2013, the Company amended the Hep Agreement to grant back to the Company hepatitis B, along with all associated rights, from the collaboration in return for certain remuneration including a percentage of license fees. On October 7, 2013, the Company further amended the Hep Agreement to in part provide exclusive patent rights to IL-28 technology for use with the Products in Asia, excluding Japan. On March 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement (the “GeneOne Agreement”) with GeneOne. Under the GeneOne Agreement, the Company granted GeneOne an exclusive license to Inovio’s SynCon ® universal influenza vaccine delivered with electroporation to be developed in certain countries in Asia (the “Product”). As consideration for the license granted to GeneOne, the Company received payment of $3.0 million , and will receive research support, annual license maintenance fees and royalties on net Product sales. The Company recorded the $3.0 million as deferred revenue from affiliated entity, and will recognize it as revenue over the eight year expected period of the Company’s performance obligation. In addition, contingent upon achievement of clinical and regulatory milestones, the Company will receive development payments over the term of the GeneOne Agreement. The GeneOne Agreement also provides Inovio with exclusive rights to supply devices for clinical and commercial purposes (including single use components) to GeneOne for use in the Product. The term of the GeneOne Agreement commenced upon execution and will extend on a country by country basis until the last to expire of all Royalty Periods for the territory (as such term is defined in the GeneOne Agreement) for any Product in that country, unless the GeneOne Agreement is terminated earlier in accordance with its provisions as a result of breach, by mutual agreement, or by GeneOne's right to terminate without cause upon prior written notice. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized revenue from GeneOne of $450,000 , $479,000 and $425,000 , respectively, which consisted of licensing, collaborative research and development arrangements and other fees. Operating expenses related to GeneOne for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 include $6.9 million , $4.2 million and $2.3 million , respectively, related primarily to biologics manufacturing. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company had an accounts receivable balance of $4,000 and $2,000 , respectively, and an accounts payable and accrued liability balance of $165,000 and $28,000 , respectively, related to GeneOne and its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $373,000 and $260,000 of prepayments made to GeneOne were classified as long-term other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. OncoSec Medical Incorporated The Company's Chairman, Dr. Avtar Dhillon, is the non-executive Chairman of OncoSec. On September 28, 2011, the Company signed an amended agreement with OncoSec extending the term of the second payment owed to the Company in exchange for a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock of OncoSec. The warrant received was a five -year warrant with an exercise price of $24.00 per share. (See Note 5 for further discussion.) On March 24, 2012, the Company signed a second amended agreement with OncoSec further extending the term of the payments owed to the Company in exchange for a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of OncoSec. The warrant received was a five -year warrant with an exercise price of $20.00 per share. (See Note 5 for further discussion.) Plumbline Life Sciences, Inc. In May 2014, the Company's 85% owned subsidiary VGX Animal Health entered into an agreement for the sale of its animal health assets to Plumbline Life Sciences, Inc. ("PLS") of Korea. The assets transferred included an exclusive license with Inovio for animal applications of its growth hormone-releasing hormone ("GHRH") technology and animal DNA vaccines plus a non-exclusive license to Inovio electroporation delivery systems. In May 2015, VGX Animal Health received payment of $1.0 million from PLS and is scheduled to receive an additional $1.0 million payment in 2016. No receivable has been recorded for the $1.0 million due from PLS as collection is uncertain. VGX Animal Health received 20% of the outstanding shares of PLS and received additional shares to maintain its 20% equity ownership position in PLS until equity fund-raising by PLS reached $10.0 million in June 2015. In July 2015 the Company's ownership in VGX Animal Health decreased from 91% to 85% . After the Company’s ownership changed, VGX Animal Health distributed its 465,364 shares of PLS to its shareholders in a pro-rata distribution. After the distribution, the Company held 395,758 shares, or approximately 16.9% of PLS common stock. As of December 31, 2015 the Company accounts for its ownership interest in PLS under the accounting guidance for investments considered available-for-sale (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 320). The original carrying value of the Company's investment in PLS was $0 . On July 28, 2015, PLS registered on the Korea New Exchange (KONEX) Market. The total carrying value of the Company's investment in PLS was $5.0 million as of December 31, 2015. The fair value is based on the market value of the 395,758 common shares owned, listed on the KONEX. The changes in carrying value of PLS are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss as an unrealized gain on investment in affiliated entity.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited): Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Operations: Revenue: Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements $ 1,820,643 $ 16,475,083 $ 4,335,236 $ 4,245,571 Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity 375,000 125,000 166,667 112,500 Grants and miscellaneous revenue 3,739,919 7,583,151 784,775 808,566 Total revenues 5,935,562 24,183,234 5,286,678 5,166,637 Operating Expenses: Research and development 15,601,891 16,075,201 16,688,511 9,426,320 General and administrative 4,860,086 4,377,616 4,718,260 4,107,928 Gain on sale of assets — — (1,000,000 ) — Total operating expenses 20,461,977 20,452,817 20,406,771 13,534,248 Income (Loss) from operations (14,526,415 ) 3,730,417 (15,120,093 ) (8,367,611 ) Interest and other income, net (194,519 ) 214,982 146,332 138,276 Change in fair value of common stock warrants (290,316 ) 518,877 (49,773 ) (1,227 ) Gain (Loss) from investment in affiliated entity (3,249,315 ) (659,054 ) 8,861,145 (2,352,309 ) Net income (loss) before income tax benefit (18,260,565 ) 3,805,222 (6,162,389 ) (10,582,871 ) Income tax benefit 308,520 1,789,246 — — Net income (loss) (17,952,045 ) 5,594,468 (6,162,389 ) (10,582,871 ) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest — — (85,861 ) 1,092 Net income (loss) attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (17,952,045 ) $ 5,594,468 $ (6,248,250 ) $ (10,581,779 ) Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders Basic $ (0.25 ) $ 0.08 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.17 ) Diluted $ (0.25 ) $ 0.07 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.18 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in per share calculations: Basic 72,194,504 72,029,644 67,655,975 60,741,082 Diluted 72,194,504 73,961,237 67,838,738 60,913,423 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Operations: Revenue: Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements $ 1,758,108 $ 1,114,952 $ 3,107,781 $ 1,435,727 Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity 112,500 112,500 137,500 116,964 Grants and miscellaneous revenue 586,500 612,901 556,381 804,952 Total revenues 2,457,108 1,840,353 3,801,662 2,357,643 Operating Expenses: Research and development 9,244,473 7,017,805 9,607,281 8,225,480 General and administrative 4,224,429 3,153,714 4,347,327 4,132,218 Total operating expenses 13,468,902 10,171,519 13,954,608 12,357,698 Loss from operations (11,011,794 ) (8,331,166 ) (10,152,946 ) (10,000,055 ) Interest and other income, net 113,212 97,174 68,999 52,076 Change in fair value of common stock warrants 143,659 (113,980 ) 824,390 (505,926 ) Gain (Loss) from investment in affiliated entity 3,342,436 1,168,911 (1,458,160 ) (376,963 ) Net loss (7,412,487 ) (7,179,061 ) (10,717,717 ) (10,830,868 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest 1,083 1,486 6,443 9,408 Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (7,411,404 ) $ (7,177,575 ) $ (10,711,274 ) $ (10,821,460 ) Net loss per common share attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders Basic $ (0.12 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.20 ) Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.20 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in per share calculations: Basic 60,610,367 60,392,911 60,232,498 55,159,002 Diluted 60,805,871 60,602,831 60,474,859 55,159,002

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In January 2016 the Company received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Army’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to further advance the development of a device capable of simultaneously administering multiple vaccines via skin-surface, needle-free electroporation delivery. On March 11, 2016 the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of Bioject Medical Technologies Inc.’s assets including needle-free injection technology, products and intellectual property. The Company will pay Bioject $4.5 million in the Company's stock and $1.0 million in cash.

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Inovio incurred a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Inovio had working capital of $140.4 million and an accumulated deficit of $361.1 million as of December 31, 2015 . The Company’s ability to continue its operations is dependent upon its ability to obtain additional capital in the future and achieve profitable operations. The Company expects to continue to rely on outside sources of financing to meet its capital needs and the Company may never achieve positive cash flow. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should Inovio be unable to continue in business. Inovio’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the date it issued these financial statements.
Consolidation	Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In conjunction with the acquisition in June 2009 of VGX Pharmaceuticals (the “Merger”), the Company acquired a majority interest in VGX Animal Health and certain shares in GeneOne Life Sciences (“GeneOne”) (a publicly-traded company in South Korea). The Company consolidates Genetronics, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), VGX Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiary VGX Animal Health and records a non-controlling interest for the 15% and 9% of VGX Animal Health it does not own as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company's investment in GeneOne, which is recorded as investment in affiliated entity within the consolidated balance sheets is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations within gain (loss) on investment in affiliated entity. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires companies to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether a variable interest in another entity represents a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity is characterized by having both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity. This guidance also requires on-going reassessments of variable interests based on changes in facts and circumstances. This guidance became effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of the guidance in the first quarter of 2010 and determined that none of the entities with which the Company currently conducts business and collaborations are variable interest entities except VGXI (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GeneOne). The Company determined that they are not the primary beneficiary as they do not have voting control or other forms of control over the operations and decision making and therefore are not required to consolidate VGXI. The Company continues to assess its variable interests and has determined that no significant changes have occurred as of December 31, 2015.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Inovio bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates to ensure that these estimates appropriately reflect changes in the business or as new information becomes available.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and short-term investments. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash and investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Additionally, the Company has established guidelines regarding diversification of its investments and their maturities which are designed to maintain principal and maximize liquidity. The Company had contracts with customers which represented more than 10% of total revenues for all of the years presented as discussed in Note 6.
Fair value of Financial Instruments	Fair value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in affiliated entities and common stock warrants. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate the related fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Investments consist of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. The Company's investment in affiliated entity PLS is accounted for as an available-for sale security. The Company’s investment in affiliated entity GeneOne is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value recorded on the consolidated statements of operations within gain (loss) from investment in affiliated entity. The estimated fair value of the common stock warrants is determined by using the Black-Scholes pricing model as of December 31, 2015, as discussed in Note 5.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are considered by the Company to be highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents include certain money market accounts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Investments	Investments The Company defines investments as income yielding securities that can be readily converted into cash or equity investments classified as available-for-sale. Investments include mutual funds, United States corporate debt securities, municipal bonds and an equity investment in the Company's affiliated entity PLS at December 31, 2015 and mutual funds and United States corporate debt securities at December 31, 2014 .
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. Inovio performs ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Credit is extended to customers as deemed necessary and generally does not require collateral. Management believes that the risk of loss is significantly reduced due to the quality and financial position of our customers.
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the related leases or the estimated economic useful lives of the improvements. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in value when changes in circumstances dictate, based upon undiscounted future operating cash flows, and appropriate losses are recognized and reflected in current earnings, to the extent the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value determined by the use of appraisals, discounted cash flow analyses or comparable fair values of similar assets.
Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 18 years. Acquired intangible assets are continuously being developed for the future economic viability contemplated at the time of acquisition. The Company is concurrently conducting pre-clinical, Phase I, and Phase II trials using the acquired intangibles, and has entered into certain significant licensing agreements for use of these acquired intangibles. Historically the Company has recorded patents at cost and amortized these costs using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the patents or 17 years, whichever is less. Patent cost consists of the consideration paid for patents and related legal costs. Effective June 1, 2009, in connection with the acquisition of VGX, all new patent costs are being expensed as incurred. Patent cost capitalized as of June 1, 2009 will continue to be amortized over the expected life of the patent. License costs are recorded based on the fair value of consideration paid and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected useful life of the underlying patents or the term of the related license agreement to the extent the license has an alternative future use. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of VGX and Inovio AS, and additional intangibles including previously capitalized patent costs and license costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $3.9 million and $ 4.8 million , respectively. The determination of the value of such intangible assets requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company assesses potential impairments to intangible assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recovered. The Company’s judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows related to intangible assets are based on operational performance of our acquired businesses, market conditions and other factors. If impairment is indicated, the Company will reduce the carrying value of the intangible asset to fair value. While current and historical operating and cash flow losses are potential indicators of impairment, the Company believes the future cash flows to be received from its intangible assets will exceed the intangible assets’ carrying value, and accordingly, the Company has not recognized any impairment losses through December 31, 2015 . Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually at November 30, or more frequently if an event occurs indicating the potential for impairment. During its goodwill impairment review, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, and the overall financial performance of the Company. If, after assessing the totality of these qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then no additional assessment is deemed necessary. Otherwise, the Company proceeds to perform the two-step test for goodwill impairment. The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of loss, which involves comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in a period and elect to proceed to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test. The Company performed its annual assessment for goodwill impairment as of November 30, 2015 , identifying no impairment. Although there are inherent uncertainties in this assessment process, the estimates and assumptions the Company is using are consistent with its internal planning. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge on all or a portion of our goodwill and intangible assets. Furthermore, the Company cannot predict the occurrence of future impairment triggering events nor the impact such events might have on its reported asset values. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill or other intangible assets associated with its acquired businesses are impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations. See Note 8 for further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities along with net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. The Company records a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to reduce the net carrying value to an amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. When the Company establishes or reduces the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, its provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period such determination is made.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Grant revenue Inovio receives non-refundable grants under available government programs. Government grants towards current expenditures are recorded as revenue when there is reasonable assurance that we have complied with all conditions necessary to receive the grants, collectability is reasonably assured, and as the expenditures are incurred. License fee and milestone revenue Inovio has adopted a strategy of co-developing or licensing its gene delivery technology for specific genes or specific medical indications. Accordingly, the Company has entered into collaborative research and development agreements and has received funding for pre-clinical research and clinical trials. Prior to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements , the Company analyzed its multiple element arrangements to determine whether the identified deliverables could be accounted for individually as separate units of accounting. The delivered item(s) were considered a separate unit of accounting if all of the following criteria were met: (1) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis; (2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and (3) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. If these criteria were not met, the deliverable was combined with other deliverables in the arrangement and accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. For new collaborative agreements or material modifications of existing collaborative agreements entered into after December 31, 2010, Inovio follows the provisions of ASU No. 2009-13. In order to account for the multiple-element arrangements, the Company identifies the deliverables included within the agreement and evaluates which deliverables represent separable units of accounting. Analyzing the arrangement to identify deliverables requires the use of judgment, and each deliverable may be an obligation to deliver services, a right or license to use an asset, or another performance obligation. A delivered item is considered a separate unit of accounting when the delivered item has value to the collaborator on a standalone basis based on the consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances for each arrangement. Arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the agreement to all identified units of accounting based on their relative selling price. The relative selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists, we use our best estimate of the selling price for the deliverable. The amount of allocable arrangement consideration is limited to amounts that are fixed or determinable. The consideration received is allocated among the separate units of accounting, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units. Changes in the allocation of the sales price between delivered and undelivered elements can impact revenue recognition but do not change the total revenue recognized under any agreement. Upfront license fee payments are recognized upon delivery of the license if facts and circumstances dictate that the license has standalone value from the undelivered items, the relative selling price allocation of the license is equal to or exceeds the upfront license fee, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price to the collaborator is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Upfront license fee payments are deferred if facts and circumstances dictate that the license does not have standalone value. The determination of the length of the period over which to defer revenue is subject to judgment and estimation and can have an impact on the amount of revenue recognized in a given period. Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted on a prospective basis the Milestone Method of ASU No. 2010-17. Under the Milestone Method, the Company will recognize consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of a milestone in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone is substantive in its entirety. A milestone is considered substantive when it meets all of the following criteria: 1. The consideration is commensurate with either the entity's performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from the entity's performance to achieve the milestone, 2. The consideration relates solely to past performance, and 3. The consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. A milestone is defined as an event (i) that can only be achieved based in whole or in part on either the entity's performance or on the occurrence of a specific outcome resulting from the entity's performance, (ii) for which there is substantive uncertainty at the date the arrangement is entered into that the event will be achieved and (iii) that would result in additional payments being due to the Company.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in performing research and development activities including salaries and benefits, facilities and other overhead expenses, clinical trials, contract services and other outside expenses. Research and development expenses are charged to operations as they are incurred. These expenses result from the Company's independent research and development efforts as well as efforts associated with collaborations and licensing arrangements. The Company reviews and accrues clinical trials expense based on work performed, which relies on estimates of total costs incurred based on patient enrollment, completion of studies and other events. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the costs applicable to various stages of a research agreement or clinical trial can be made. Accrued clinical costs are subject to revisions as trials progress. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Historically, revisions have not resulted in material changes to research and development expense; however a modification in the protocol of a clinical trial or cancellation of a trial could result in a change to the results of operations.
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method and reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted to common stock. The calculation of diluted loss per share requires that, to the extent the average market price of the underlying shares for the reporting period exceeds the exercise price of the warrants and the presumed exercise of such securities are dilutive to loss per share for the period, an adjustment to net loss used in the calculation is required to remove the change in fair value of the warrants from the numerator for the period. Likewise, an adjustment to the denominator is required to reflect the related dilutive shares, if any, under the treasury stock method.
Leases	Leases Leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. Leases which transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. Inovio’s Plymouth Meeting, PA headquarters and San Diego, CA facility leases, which have escalating payments, are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The allowance provided by the lessor for leasehold improvements are considered tenant incentives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. These leases represent the primary expense and commitment as indicated in Note 11 “Commitments”. Other leases exist for office machinery, such as copiers, wherein lease expense is recorded as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company incurs stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units and stock options. The fair value of restricted stock is determined by the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected option life. The Company amortizes the fair value of the awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The expected life of options granted is based on historical expected life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. The forfeiture rate is based on historical data, and the Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. The dividend yield is based on the fact that no dividends have been paid historically and none are currently expected to be paid in the foreseeable future.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements The below recent pronouncements may have a significant effect on the Company's financial statements. Recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or related disclosures are not discussed. Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), No. 2014-15- In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), issued ASU 2014-15, which intends to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosure. ASU 2014-15 defines the term substantial doubt and requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date of the issuance of the financial statements. It requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans and requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated. The guidance becomes effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures. ASU, No. 2014-09- In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which converges the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board standards on revenue recognition. Areas of revenue recognition that will be affected include, but are not limited to, transfer of control, variable consideration, allocation of transfer pricing, licenses, time value of money, contract costs and disclosures. This guidance is effective for the fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following tables reconcile the components of the numerator and denominator included in the calculations of diluted loss per share: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Numerator Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (29,187,606 ) $ (36,121,713 ) $ (66,028,448 ) Reflect adjustment for decrease in fair value of warrant liability (721,591 ) (2,181,203 ) — Numerator for use in diluted loss per share $ (29,909,197 ) $ (38,302,916 ) $ (66,028,448 ) Denominator Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 68,198,142 59,127,349 46,087,773 Effect of dilutive potential common shares from warrants 167,123 280,903 — Denominator for use in diluted loss per share 68,365,265 59,408,252 46,087,773 Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.44 ) $ (0.64 ) $ (1.43 )
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect	The following table summarizes potential common shares that were excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Options to purchase common stock 5,862,364 4,840,514 4,134,530 Warrants to purchase common stock 276,813 727,969 3,514,815 Restricted stock units 230,000 — — Convertible preferred stock 8,456 8,456 9,559 Total 6,377,633 5,576,939 7,658,904
Summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options	Weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for employees and directors are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.99% 1.47% 0.41% Expected volatility 74% 109% 111% Expected life in years 5 5 4 Dividend yield — — — Forfeiture rate 7% 8% 8% Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for non-employees are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 2.14%-2.31% 1.52%-2.73% 0.84% – 1.52% Expected volatility 105%-108% 104%-115% 102%-113% Expected life in years 7-10 7-10 7-10 Dividend yield — — —

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of investments	The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : As of December 31, 2015 Contractual Maturity (in years) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Mutual funds --- $ 78,571,294 $ 435 $ (185,737 ) $ 78,385,992 US corporate debt securities Less than 2 26,923,855 — (54,452 ) 26,869,403 Municipal bonds Less than 1 101,936 — (54 ) 101,882 Investemnt in affiliated entity - PLS --- — 5,045,915 — 5,045,915 Total investments $ 105,597,085 $ 5,046,350 $ (240,243 ) $ 110,403,192 As of December 31, 2014 Contractual Maturity (in years) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Mutual funds --- $ 29,487,758 $ 2,667 $ (216,790 ) $ 29,273,635 US corporate debt securities Less than 2 23,839,606 70 (37,337 ) 23,802,339 Total investments $ 53,327,364 $ 2,737 $ (254,127 ) $ 53,075,974

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and are determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 54,474,609 $ 54,474,609 $ — $ — Mutual funds 78,385,992 — 78,385,992 — US corporate debt securities 26,869,403 — 26,869,403 — Municipal bonds 101,882 — 101,882 — Investments in affiliated entities 19,987,192 19,987,192 — — Common stock warrants 5,970 — — 5,970 Total Assets $ 179,825,048 $ 74,461,801 $ 105,357,277 $ 5,970 Liabilities: Common stock warrants $ 1,301,138 $ — $ — $ 1,301,138 Total Liabilities $ 1,301,138 $ — $ — $ 1,301,138 The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and are determined using the following inputs as of December 31, 2014 : Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 36,474,066 $ 36,474,066 $ — Mutual funds 29,273,635 — 29,273,635 — US corporate debt securities 23,802,339 — 23,802,339 — Investment in affiliated entity 12,340,811 12,340,811 — — Common stock warrants 550,000 — — 550,000 Total Assets $ 102,440,851 $ 48,814,877 $ 53,075,974 $ 550,000 Liabilities: Common stock warrants $ 2,022,729 $ — $ — $ 2,022,729 Total Liabilities $ 2,022,729 $ — $ — $ 2,022,729
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants	The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of common stock warrants at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.36% 1.1% Expected volatility 81% 81% Expected life in years 2.70 3.70 Dividend yield — —
Change in fair value of the financial assets	The following table presents a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s total Level 3 financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 550,000 $ 717,500 Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants (544,030 ) (167,500 ) Balance at end of year $ 5,970 $ 550,000
Changes in fair value of the financial liabilities	The following table presents the changes in fair value of the Company’s total Level 3 financial liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 2,022,729 $ 19,540,583 Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants (721,591 ) (515,643 ) Change in classification from liability to stockholders' equity due to warrant exercises — (17,002,211 ) Balance at end of year $ 1,301,138 $ 2,022,729
OncoSec
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants	The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the OncoSec common stock warrants at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 0.64% 0.67% Expected volatility 90% 90% Expected life in years 0.75-1.25 1.75-2.25 Dividend yield — —

Major Customers and Concentra30

Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Schedule of major customers and concentration risks	Customer 2015 % of Total Revenue 2014 % of Total Revenue 2013 % of Total Revenue MedImmune $ 16,037,731 40 % $ — — % $ — — % DARPA 11,582,623 28 123,605 1 — — Roche 10,778,688 27 7,357,346 70 9,181,759 68 NIAID 901,475 2 1,229,084 12 2,090,939 16 GeneOne (affiliated entity) 450,000 1 479,464 5 425,000 3 All other 821,594 2 1,267,267 12 1,769,648 13 Total Revenue $ 40,572,111 100 % $ 10,456,766 100 % $ 13,467,346 100 %

Fixed Assets (Tables)

Fixed Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of fixed assets	Fixed assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of the following: Cost Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Net Book Value As of December 31, 2015 Leasehold improvements 3,571,619 (721,280 ) 2,850,339 Laboratory equipment 1,875,561 (540,555 ) 1,335,006 Office furniture and fixtures 987,436 (399,524 ) 587,912 Computer equipment and other 4,419,761 (1,886,323 ) 2,533,438 $ 10,854,377 $ (3,547,682 ) $ 7,306,695 As of December 31, 2014 Leasehold improvements 3,545,011 (406,669 ) 3,138,342 Laboratory equipment 751,204 (298,734 ) 452,470 Office furniture and fixtures 887,887 (228,664 ) 659,223 Computer equipment and other 1,940,458 (1,607,289 ) 333,169 $ 7,124,560 $ (2,541,356 ) $ 4,583,204

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of intangible assets by major asset class	The following sets forth the goodwill and intangible assets by major asset class: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Useful Life (Yrs) Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Non-Amortizing: Goodwill(a) $ 10,113,371 $ — $ 10,113,371 $ 10,113,371 $ — $ 10,113,371 Amortizing: Patents 8 – 17 5,802,528 (5,516,122 ) 286,406 5,802,528 (5,358,433 ) 444,095 Licenses 8 – 17 1,323,761 (1,133,113 ) 190,648 1,323,761 (1,104,366 ) 219,395 CELLECTRA ® (b) 5 – 11 8,106,270 (6,397,947 ) 1,708,323 8,106,270 (5,970,866 ) 2,135,404 GHRH(b) 11 335,314 (208,581 ) 126,733 335,314 (176,899 ) 158,415 Other(c) 18 4,050,000 (2,456,250 ) 1,593,750 4,050,000 (2,231,250 ) 1,818,750 Total intangible assets 19,617,873 (15,712,013 ) 3,905,860 19,617,873 (14,841,814 ) 4,776,059 Total goodwill and intangible assets $ 29,731,244 $ (15,712,013 ) $ 14,019,231 $ 29,731,244 $ (14,841,814 ) $ 14,889,430 (a) Goodwill was recorded from the Inovio AS acquisition in January 2005 and from the acquisition of VGX in June 2009 for $3.9 million and $6.2 million , respectively. (b) CELLECTRA ® and GHRH are developed technologies which were recorded from the acquisition of VGX. (c) Other intangible assets represent the fair value of acquired intellectual property from the Inovio AS acquisition.
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense	Amortization expense related to intangible assets at December 31, 2015 for each of the next five fiscal years and beyond is expected to be incurred as follows: 2016 $ 815,244 2017 775,331 2018 772,918 2019 772,918 2020 253,748 Thereafter 515,701 $ 3,905,860

Accounts Payable and Accrued 33

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued expenses	Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of the following: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Trade accounts payable $ 4,292,374 $ 2,003,091 Accrued compensation 4,157,440 2,982,090 Accrued license fees 2,300,000 — Other accrued expenses 2,315,085 1,397,989 $ 13,064,899 $ 6,383,170

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding	Outstanding as of December 31, Authorized Issued 2015 2014 Series A Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,000 817 — — Series B Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,000 750 — — Series C Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,091 1,091 23 23 Series D Preferred Stock, par $0.001 1,966,292 1,966,292 — —
Summary of warrants outstanding	The following table summarizes the warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Issued in Connection With: Exercise Price Expiration Date Number of Warrants Common Stock Warrant Liability Number of Warrants Common Stock Warrant Liability March 2013 financing $ 3.17 September 12, 2018 284,091 $ 1,301,138 284,091 $ 2,022,729 Warrants assumed in June 2009 Merger $ 4.08 - 5.12 April 28, 2016 276,813 — 727,969 — Total 560,904 $ 1,301,138 1,012,060 $ 2,022,729
Schedule of shares authorized under stock option plans, by exercise price range	The following table summarizes total stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price $0.00-$3.00 1,269,241 6.5 $ 2.24 1,111,045 $ 2.3 $3.01-$6.00 1,525,015 2.4 $ 4.84 1,521,109 $ 4.8 $6.01-$9.00 2,080,183 7.4 $ 7.38 1,021,290 $ 7.1 $9.01-$12.00 180,464 5.5 $ 10.31 127,599 $ 10.3 $12.01-$15.00 807,461 7.3 $ 12.93 455,590 $ 12.9 5,862,364 5.9 $ 6.46 4,236,633 $ 5.7
Schedule of stock options, activity	Stock option activity under our stock option plans was as follows: Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Balance, December 31, 2014 4,840,514 $ 6.19 Granted 1,337,260 7.61 Exercised (125,258 ) 4.40 Cancelled (190,152 ) 9.82 Balance, December 31, 2015 5,862,364 $ 6.46

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: 2016 $ 1,578,000 2017 1,689,000 2018 1,661,000 2019 1,890,000 2020 1,932,000 Thereafter 9,731,000 Total $ 18,481,000

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	The components of the provision for income taxes are presented in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State — 2,000 (1,000 ) — 2,000 (1,000 ) Deferred: Federal (1,594,000 ) 18,000 15,000 State (504,000 ) 9,000 17,000 (2,098,000 ) 27,000 32,000 $ (2,098,000 ) $ 29,000 $ 31,000
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to continuing operations computed at the statutory tax rates to income tax expense (recovery), using a 35% statutory tax rate, is: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income (benefit) taxes at statutory rates $ (10,920,000 ) $ (12,639,000 ) $ (23,118,000 ) State income tax, net of federal benefit (2,640,000 ) (2,362,000 ) (1,651,000 ) Change in valuation allowance 7,882,000 14,235,000 8,819,000 Research and development tax credits (1,537,000 ) (849,000 ) (1,230,000 ) Fair value warrant (253,000 ) (180,000 ) 16,129,000 Stock compensation 2,288,000 1,573,000 279,000 Uncertain tax positions 1,968,000 340,000 495,000 Expired NOL's and credits 339,000 728,000 338,000 Limited NOL's and credits (297,000 ) (749,000 ) 605,000 Change in state tax rate 676,000 (60,000 ) (623,000 ) Other 396,000 (8,000 ) (12,000 ) $ (2,098,000 ) $ 29,000 $ 31,000
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are shown below: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Capitalized research expense $ 1,201,000 $ 2,059,000 Net operating loss carryforwards 71,848,000 64,354,000 Research and development and other tax credits 3,339,000 2,417,000 Deferred revenue 5,213,000 1,828,000 Deferred rent 2,171,000 1,878,000 Stock-based compensation 2,135,000 2,704,000 Other 3,457,000 3,251,000 89,364,000 78,491,000 Valuation allowance (83,245,000 ) (75,363,000 ) Total deferred tax assets 6,119,000 3,128,000 Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles (596,000 ) (804,000 ) Investment in affiliated entity (4,399,000 ) (1,315,000 ) Fixed assets (1,299,000 ) (1,170,000 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (175,000 ) $ (161,000 )
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	The California net operating loss carry forwards will expire as follows: Amount (in millions) 2016 $ 1.1 2017 0.5 2028 and beyond 54.9 Total $ 56.5
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits rollforward	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of the year $ 2,759,000 $ 2,416,000 $ 1,896,000 Increases related to current year tax positions 615,000 331,000 305,000 Increases related to prior year tax positions 2,081,000 12,000 215,000 Balance at end of the year $ 5,455,000 $ 2,759,000 $ 2,416,000

Quarterly Financial Informati37

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information (unaudited)	The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited): Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Operations: Revenue: Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements $ 1,820,643 $ 16,475,083 $ 4,335,236 $ 4,245,571 Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity 375,000 125,000 166,667 112,500 Grants and miscellaneous revenue 3,739,919 7,583,151 784,775 808,566 Total revenues 5,935,562 24,183,234 5,286,678 5,166,637 Operating Expenses: Research and development 15,601,891 16,075,201 16,688,511 9,426,320 General and administrative 4,860,086 4,377,616 4,718,260 4,107,928 Gain on sale of assets — — (1,000,000 ) — Total operating expenses 20,461,977 20,452,817 20,406,771 13,534,248 Income (Loss) from operations (14,526,415 ) 3,730,417 (15,120,093 ) (8,367,611 ) Interest and other income, net (194,519 ) 214,982 146,332 138,276 Change in fair value of common stock warrants (290,316 ) 518,877 (49,773 ) (1,227 ) Gain (Loss) from investment in affiliated entity (3,249,315 ) (659,054 ) 8,861,145 (2,352,309 ) Net income (loss) before income tax benefit (18,260,565 ) 3,805,222 (6,162,389 ) (10,582,871 ) Income tax benefit 308,520 1,789,246 — — Net income (loss) (17,952,045 ) 5,594,468 (6,162,389 ) (10,582,871 ) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest — — (85,861 ) 1,092 Net income (loss) attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (17,952,045 ) $ 5,594,468 $ (6,248,250 ) $ (10,581,779 ) Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders Basic $ (0.25 ) $ 0.08 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.17 ) Diluted $ (0.25 ) $ 0.07 $ (0.09 ) $ (0.18 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in per share calculations: Basic 72,194,504 72,029,644 67,655,975 60,741,082 Diluted 72,194,504 73,961,237 67,838,738 60,913,423 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Operations: Revenue: Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements $ 1,758,108 $ 1,114,952 $ 3,107,781 $ 1,435,727 Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity 112,500 112,500 137,500 116,964 Grants and miscellaneous revenue 586,500 612,901 556,381 804,952 Total revenues 2,457,108 1,840,353 3,801,662 2,357,643 Operating Expenses: Research and development 9,244,473 7,017,805 9,607,281 8,225,480 General and administrative 4,224,429 3,153,714 4,347,327 4,132,218 Total operating expenses 13,468,902 10,171,519 13,954,608 12,357,698 Loss from operations (11,011,794 ) (8,331,166 ) (10,152,946 ) (10,000,055 ) Interest and other income, net 113,212 97,174 68,999 52,076 Change in fair value of common stock warrants 143,659 (113,980 ) 824,390 (505,926 ) Gain (Loss) from investment in affiliated entity 3,342,436 1,168,911 (1,458,160 ) (376,963 ) Net loss (7,412,487 ) (7,179,061 ) (10,717,717 ) (10,830,868 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest 1,083 1,486 6,443 9,408 Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ (7,411,404 ) $ (7,177,575 ) $ (10,711,274 ) $ (10,821,460 ) Net loss per common share attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stockholders Basic $ (0.12 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.20 ) Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.20 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in per share calculations: Basic 60,610,367 60,392,911 60,232,498 55,159,002 Diluted 60,805,871 60,602,831 60,474,859 55,159,002

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Net loss from operations	$ (17,952,045)	$ 5,594,468	$ (6,248,250)	$ (10,581,779)	$ (7,411,404)	$ (7,177,575)	$ (10,711,274)	$ (10,821,460)	$ (29,187,606)	$ (36,121,713)	$ (66,028,448)
Working capital	140,400,000								140,400,000
Accumulated deficit	$ (361,097,896)				$ (331,910,290)				$ (361,097,896)	$ (331,910,290)
Consolidation [Abstract]
Non-controlling interest	15.00%				9.00%				15.00%	9.00%
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$ 83,245,000				$ 75,363,000				$ 83,245,000	$ 75,363,000

Summary of Significant Accoun39

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fixed Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	5 years

Summary of Significant Accoun40

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net	$ 3,905,860	$ 4,776,059
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life	5 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life	18 years
Patents | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life	8 years
Patents | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life	17 years

Summary of Significant Accoun41

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Net Loss Per Share Table (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$ (17,952,045)	$ 5,594,468	$ (6,248,250)	$ (10,581,779)	$ (7,411,404)	$ (7,177,575)	$ (10,711,274)	$ (10,821,460)	$ (29,187,606)	$ (36,121,713)	$ (66,028,448)
Reflect adjustment for decrease in fair value of warrant liability									(721,591)	(2,181,203)	0
Numerator for use in diluted loss per share									$ (29,909,197)	$ (38,302,916)	$ (66,028,448)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (shares)	72,194,504	72,029,644	67,655,975	60,741,082	60,610,367	60,392,911	60,232,498	55,159,002	68,198,142	59,127,349	46,087,773
Effect of dilutive potential common shares from warrants (shares)									167,123	280,903	0
Denominator for use in diluted loss per share (shares)	72,194,504	73,961,237	67,838,738	60,913,423	60,805,871	60,602,831	60,474,859	55,159,002	68,365,265	59,408,252	46,087,773
Net loss per share, Diluted ($ per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.64)	$ (1.43)

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Antidilutive Securities Table (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect
Total	6,377,633	5,576,939	7,658,904
Options to purchase common stock
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect
Total	5,862,364	4,840,514	4,134,530
Warrants to purchase common stock
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect
Total	276,813	727,969	3,514,815
Restricted stock units
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect
Total	230,000	0	0
Convertible preferred stock
Summary of common shares that were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect
Total	8,456	8,456	9,559

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employees and Directors
Summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options
Risk-free interest rate	0.99%	1.47%	0.41%
Expected volatility	74.00%	109.00%	111.00%
Expected life in years	5 years	5 years	4 years
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Forfeiture rate	7.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Non Employee
Summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options
Risk-free interest rate (minimum)	2.14%	1.52%	0.84%
Risk-free interest rate (maximum)	2.31%	2.73%	1.52%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Non Employee | Minimum
Summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options
Expected volatility	105.00%	104.00%	102.00%
Expected life in years	7 years	7 years	7 years
Non Employee | Maximum
Summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options
Expected volatility	108.00%	115.00%	113.00%
Expected life in years	10 years	10 years	10 years

Collaborative Agreements Collab

Collaborative Agreements Collaborative Agreements (Details)	Aug. 07, 2015USD ($)product	Nov. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements				$ 1,820,643	$ 16,475,083	$ 4,335,236	$ 4,245,571	$ 1,758,108	$ 1,114,952	$ 3,107,781	$ 1,435,727	$ 26,876,533	$ 7,416,568	$ 9,239,547
Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Upfront payment received			$ 10,000,000
MedImmune | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Upfront payment received	$ 27,500,000
Anticipated development and regulatory event based payment receivable milestones	$ 700,000,000
Number of additional products | product	2
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements												16,000,000
Deferred revenue				13,000,000								13,000,000
Accounts receivable				1,500,000								1,500,000
Roche | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Upfront payment received			10,000,000
Anticipated development and regulatory event based payment receivable milestones			$ 3,000,000									3,000,000
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements												10,800,000	7,400,000
Deferred revenue				166,000				3,200,000				166,000	3,200,000
Accounts receivable				$ 1,600,000				$ 2,300,000				1,600,000	$ 2,300,000
Length of period after date of product first commercial sale to determine agreement in effect terms			10 years
Previously deferred revenue recognized												$ 3,000,000
INO-3112 | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue recognized	$ 15,000,000
INO 1800 | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue recognized			$ 3,400,000
INO 5150 | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue recognized			5,000,000
INO 5150 | Roche | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Period after notice when termination is effective		90 days
Nonsoftware License Arrangement | License To Research Collaboration Products | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, additions	$ 12,500,000
Nonsoftware License Arrangement | Option Right | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, additions			1,500,000
Nonsoftware License Arrangement | Joint Steering Committee Obligation | Collaborative Arrangement, Product
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, additions			$ 155,000

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of investments
Cost	$ 105,597,085	$ 53,327,364
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,046,350	2,737
Gross Unrealized Losses	(240,243)	(254,127)
Fair Market Value	110,403,192	53,075,974
Mutual funds
Summary of investments
Cost	78,571,294	29,487,758
Gross Unrealized Gains	435	2,667
Gross Unrealized Losses	(185,737)	(216,790)
Fair Market Value	78,385,992	29,273,635
US corporate debt securities
Summary of investments
Cost	26,923,855	23,839,606
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	70
Gross Unrealized Losses	(54,452)	(37,337)
Fair Market Value	26,869,403	$ 23,802,339
Municipal bonds
Summary of investments
Cost	101,936
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(54)
Fair Market Value	101,882
Investemnt in affiliated entity - PLS
Summary of investments
Cost	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,045,915
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Market Value	$ 5,045,915
Maximum | US corporate debt securities
Summary of investments
Contractual Maturity (less than 1 year)	2 years
Maximum | Municipal bonds
Summary of investments
Contractual Maturity (less than 1 year)	1 year

Investments (Details Textual)

Investments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment impairment charges | $	$ 151	$ 34
Other than temporary impairments | $	$ 274	$ 0
Number of securities in a gross unrealized loss position | investment	59
Number of securities in a gross unrealized loss position for more than twelve months | investment	23

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	$ 179,825,048	$ 102,440,851
Liabilities, fair value	1,301,138	2,022,729
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	74,461,801	48,814,877
Liabilities, fair value	0	0
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	105,357,277	53,075,974
Liabilities, fair value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	5,970	550,000
Liabilities, fair value	1,301,138	2,022,729
Money market funds
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	54,474,609	36,474,066
Money market funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	54,474,609	$ 36,474,066
Money market funds | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0
Money market funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	$ 0
Mutual funds
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	78,385,992	29,273,635
Mutual funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Mutual funds | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	78,385,992	29,273,635
Mutual funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
US corporate debt securities
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	26,869,403	23,802,339
US corporate debt securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
US corporate debt securities | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	26,869,403	23,802,339
US corporate debt securities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Municipal bonds
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	101,882
Municipal bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0
Municipal bonds | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	101,882
Municipal bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0
Investments in affiliated entities
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	19,987,192	12,340,811
Investments in affiliated entities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	19,987,192	12,340,811
Investments in affiliated entities | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Investments in affiliated entities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Common stock warrants
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	5,970	550,000
Liabilities, fair value	1,301,138	2,022,729
Common stock warrants | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Liabilities, fair value	0	0
Common stock warrants | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	0	0
Liabilities, fair value	0	0
Common stock warrants | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis
Assets, fair value	5,970	550,000
Liabilities, fair value	$ 1,301,138	$ 2,022,729

Fair Value Measurements (Deta48

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Dividend yield	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Risk-free interest rate	1.36%	1.10%
Expected volatility	81.00%	81.00%
Maximum
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Expected life in years	2 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 8 months 12 days
OncoSec common stock warrants
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Risk-free interest rate	0.64%	0.67%
Expected volatility	90.00%	90.00%
Dividend yield	$ 0	$ 0
OncoSec common stock warrants | Minimum
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Expected life in years	9 months	1 year 9 months
OncoSec common stock warrants | Maximum
Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the common stock warrants
Expected life in years	1 year 3 months	2 years 9 months

Fair Value Measurements (Deta49

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in fair value of the financial assets
Balance at beginning of year	$ 550,000	$ 717,500
Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants	(544,030)	(167,500)
Balance at end of year	$ 5,970	$ 550,000

Fair Value Measurements (Deta50

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in fair value of the financial liabilities
Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants	$ (722,000)	$ (516,000)	$ 46,100,000
Change in classification from liability to stockholders' equity due to warrant exercises		(17,002,211)	(35,370,529)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value of the financial liabilities
Balance at beginning of year	2,022,729	19,540,583
Decrease in fair value included in change in fair value of common stock warrants	(721,591)	(515,643)
Change in classification from liability to stockholders' equity due to warrant exercises	0	(17,002,211)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,301,138	$ 2,022,729	$ 19,540,583

Fair Value Measurements (Deta51

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2011$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)warrantshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Carryover basis						$ 0
Long-term asset associated with warrants			$ 6,000
Change in the fair value			(722,000)	$ (516,000)	$ 46,100,000
Common stock warrants			1,301,138	2,022,729
First warrant
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Change in the fair value			$ (544,000)	$ (168,000)	$ 450,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares held in an affiliated entity | shares			1,644,155	1,644,155
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Common stock
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares owned | shares			395,758
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of warrants received to purchase shares of common stock | warrant			2
Common stock purchase warrant (shares) | shares			0	2,419,425
Change in the fair value			$ (721,591)	$ (515,643)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | First warrant
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock purchase warrant (shares) | shares		50,000
Term of the warrants in years		5 years
Exercise price of a five-year warrant ($ per share) | $ / shares		$ 24
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Second warrant
Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock purchase warrant (shares) | shares	150,000
Term of the warrants in years	5 years
Exercise price of a five-year warrant ($ per share) | $ / shares	$ 20

Major Customers and Concentra52

Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 40,572,111	$ 10,456,766	$ 13,467,346
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
MedImmune
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 16,037,731	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable	$ 1,500,000
MedImmune | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	40.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MedImmune | Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	20.00%
DARPA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 11,582,623	$ 123,605	$ 0
Accounts receivable	$ 4,000,000
DARPA | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	28.00%	1.00%	0.00%
DARPA | Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	54.00%
Roche
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 10,778,688	$ 7,357,346	$ 9,181,759
Accounts receivable	$ 1,600,000	$ 2,300,000
Roche | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	27.00%	70.00%	68.00%
Roche | Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	22.00%	82.00%
NIAID
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 901,475	$ 1,229,084	$ 2,090,939
Accounts receivable		$ 190,000
NIAID | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%	12.00%	16.00%
NIAID | Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage		7.00%
GeneOne (affiliated entity)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 450,000	$ 479,464	$ 425,000
GeneOne (affiliated entity) | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	1.00%	5.00%	3.00%
All other
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 821,594	$ 1,267,267	$ 1,769,648
All other | Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%	12.00%	13.00%

Fixed Assets (Details)

Fixed Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 10,854,377	$ 7,124,560
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(3,547,682)	(2,541,356)
Net Book Value	7,306,695	4,583,204
Depreciation	1,048,431	626,554	$ 328,752
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		3,545,011
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(721,280)	(406,669)
Net Book Value	2,850,339	3,138,342
Laboratory equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	1,875,561	751,204
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(540,555)	(298,734)
Net Book Value	1,335,006	452,470
Office furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	987,436	887,887
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(399,524)	(228,664)
Net Book Value	587,912	659,223
Computer equipment and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	4,419,761	1,940,458
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(1,886,323)	(1,607,289)
Net Book Value	$ 2,533,438	$ 333,169

Goodwill and Intangible Asset54

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2009	Jan. 31, 2005
Non-Amortizing:
Goodwill, Gross	$ 10,113,371	$ 10,113,371
Goodwill, Net Book Value	10,113,371	10,113,371
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	19,617,873	19,617,873
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(15,712,013)	(14,841,814)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	3,905,860	4,776,059
Total goodwill and intangible assets, Gross	29,731,244	29,731,244
Total goodwill and intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 14,019,231	14,889,430
Inovio AS
Non-Amortizing:
Goodwill, Net Book Value				$ 3,900,000
VGX
Non-Amortizing:
Goodwill, Net Book Value			$ 6,200,000
Minimum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	5 years
Maximum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	18 years
Patents
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	$ 5,802,528	5,802,528
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(5,516,122)	(5,358,433)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 286,406	444,095
Patents | Minimum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	8 years
Patents | Maximum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	17 years
Licenses
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	$ 1,323,761	1,323,761
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,133,113)	(1,104,366)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 190,648	219,395
Licenses | Minimum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	8 years
Licenses | Maximum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	17 years
CELLECTRA
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	$ 8,106,270	8,106,270
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,397,947)	(5,970,866)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 1,708,323	2,135,404
CELLECTRA | Minimum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	5 years
CELLECTRA | Maximum
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	11 years
GHRH
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	11 years
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	$ 335,314	335,314
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(208,581)	(176,899)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 126,733	158,415
Other
Schedule of intangible assets by major asset class
Useful Life (Yrs)	18 years
Amortizing:
Intangible assets, Gross	$ 4,050,000	4,050,000
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,456,250)	(2,231,250)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 1,593,750	$ 1,818,750

Goodwill and Intangible Asset55

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
2,016	$ 815,244
2,017	775,331
2,018	772,918
2,019	772,918
2,020	253,748
Thereafter	515,701
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 3,905,860	$ 4,776,059

Goodwill and Intangible Asset56

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 870,199	$ 942,719	$ 1,770,537
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Accounts Payable and Accrued 57

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Trade accounts payable	$ 4,292,374	$ 2,003,091
Accrued compensation	4,157,440	2,982,090
Accrued license fees	2,300,000	0
Other accrued expenses	2,315,085	1,397,989
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 13,064,899	$ 6,383,170

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of common and preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding
Preferred Stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	23	23
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	23	23
Series A Preferred Stock, par $0.001
Summary of common and preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding
Preferred Stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	817
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Series B Preferred Stock, par $0.001
Summary of common and preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding
Preferred Stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	750
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Series C Preferred Stock, par $0.001
Summary of common and preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding
Preferred Stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,091
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	1,091
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	23	23
Series C Preferred Stock, par $0.001
Summary of common and preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding
Preferred Stock, par value (Dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,966,292
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	1,966,292
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0

Stockholders' Equity (Details 1

Stockholders' Equity (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of warrants outstanding
Number of Warrants (shares)	560,904	1,012,060
Common Stock Warrant Liability	$ 1,301,138	$ 2,022,729
March 2013 financing
Summary of warrants outstanding
Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 3.17
Expiration Date	Sep. 12, 2018
Number of Warrants (shares)	284,091	284,091
Common Stock Warrant Liability	$ 1,301,138	$ 2,022,729
Warrants assumed in June 2009 Merger
Summary of warrants outstanding
Number of Warrants (shares)	276,813	727,969
Common Stock Warrant Liability	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum | Warrants assumed in June 2009 Merger
Summary of warrants outstanding
Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 4.08
Maximum | Warrants assumed in June 2009 Merger
Summary of warrants outstanding
Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 5.12
Expiration Date	Apr. 28, 2016

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	5,862,364
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	5 years 11 months 1 day
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 6.46
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	4,236,633
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 5.7
$0.00-$3.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price, lower range limit	0
Exercise price, upper range limit	$ 3
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	1,269,241
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	6 years 5 months 27 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 2.24
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	1,111,045
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 2.3
$3.01-$6.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price, lower range limit	3.01
Exercise price, upper range limit	$ 6
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	1,525,015
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	2 years 4 months 9 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 4.84
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	1,521,109
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 4.8
$6.01-$9.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price, lower range limit	6.01
Exercise price, upper range limit	$ 9
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	2,080,183
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	7 years 5 months 4 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 7.38
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	1,021,290
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 7.1
$9.01-$12.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price, lower range limit	9.01
Exercise price, upper range limit	$ 12
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	180,464
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	5 years 5 months 23 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 10.31
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	127,599
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 10.3
$12.01-$15.00
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price, lower range limit	12.01
Exercise price, upper range limit	$ 15
Options Outstanding (shares) | shares	807,461
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)	7 years 4 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 12.93
Options Exercisable (shares) | shares	455,590
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($ per share)	$ 12.9

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Beginning Balance | shares	4,840,514
Granted | shares	1,337,260
Exercised | shares	(125,258)
Cancelled | shares	(190,152)
Ending Balance | shares	5,862,364
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 6.19
Granted | $ / shares	7.61
Exercised | $ / shares	4.40
Cancelled | $ / shares	9.82
Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 6.46

Stockholders' Equity (Details T

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)	May. 08, 2015shares	Jun. 05, 2014	May. 22, 2014shares	May. 14, 2010shares	May. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 31, 2014shares	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock split ratio		0.25
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (Dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued upon conversion, conversion price ($ per share) | $ / shares								27.20
Daily market price triggering mandatory conversion ($ per share) | $ / shares								$ 72
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)					10,925,000
Offering price ($ per share) | $ / shares					$ 8
Proceeds from offering | $					$ 81,900,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | $								$ 81,902,363	$ 59,209,182	$ 32,883,705
Number of securities called by warrants or rights expired						83,334
Vesting period of Incentive Plan								3 years
Contractual year term of Incentive Plan								10 years
Number of options outstanding to purchase common stock								5,862,364	4,840,514
Share-based compensation | $								$ 6,186,848	$ 5,428,946	$ 1,868,345
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized | $								$ 5,400,000	$ 5,300,000
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition								1 year 10 months 15 days	2 years
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding | $								$ 8,800,000
Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercisable | $								$ 8,100,000
Options exercisable, remaining contractual term								4 years 8 months 12 days
Number of options expected to vest								1,511,930
Options, expirations in period, weighted average exercise price ($ per share) | $ / shares								$ 10.89	$ 15.95	$ 5.32
Options, expirations in period								83,696	70,517	124,003
Options, grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value ($ per share) | $ / shares								$ 4.60	$ 9.19	$ 1.76
Proceeds from stock options exercised | $								$ 552,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,600,000
Options, exercises in period, aggregate intrinsic value | $								456,000	2,000,000	2,500,000
Employee
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation | $								5,800,000	4,800,000	1,200,000
Research and Development Expense
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation | $								3,200,000	2,800,000	555,000
General and Administrative Expense
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation | $								$ 2,600,000	2,000,000	605,000
Non Employee
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding to purchase common stock								991,346
Allocated share-based compensation expense | $								$ 385,000	$ 585,000	$ 714,000
Stock and Cash Based Incentive Plan
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Increased number of securities available for future issuance	2,000,000		1,250,000	500,000
Number of potential shares authorized for issuance under a share-based compensation plan				513,833
Reserved number of shares under the Incentive Plan								7,256,664
Increased aggregate number of shares available for grants under the Incentive Plan								2,020,627
Number of shares of vested restricted stock outstanding under the plan								230,000
Number of common stock shares outstanding under the Incentive Plan								4,478,425
Amended 2000 Stock Option Plan
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding to purchase common stock								148,878
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized | $								$ 1,200,000
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition								2 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average grant date fair value ($ per share) | $ / shares								$ 7.76
VGX Equity Compensation Plan
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding to purchase common stock								1,235,061
Over-Allotment Option
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)					1,425,000
Minimum
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Average daily trading volume triggering mandatory conversion (shares)								6,250
Series C Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares converted (shares)									3
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, redemption price ($ per share) | $ / shares								$ 10,000
Preferred stock, par value (Dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Notice period for mandatory conversion of preferred stock								30 days
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued upon conversion (shares)								8,456
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversions of preferred stock to common stock, shares									1,103
March 2013 financing
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock issued during period, shares, warrants exercised								0	471,590
Net proceeds from the transaction | $									$ 1,500,000
January Two Thousand Eleven Financing
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock issued during period, shares, warrants exercised									1,673,750
Net proceeds from the transaction | $									$ 9,400,000
Warrants Assumed in June Two Thousand Nine Merger
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock issued during period, shares, warrants exercised								426,625	274,083
Net proceeds from the transaction | $								$ 2,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversions of preferred stock to common stock, shares									1,103
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)								10,925,000	5,452,725	3,925,167
Common stock | Underwritten public offering
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of financing costs, shares (shares)							5,452,725
Public offering price ($ per share) | $ / shares							$ 11.60
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | $							$ 59,200,000
Common stock | Underwritten Public Offering Overallotment Option
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance (shares)							711,225

Commitments (Details)

Commitments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 1,578,000
2,017	1,689,000
2,018	1,661,000
2,018	1,890,000
2,019	1,932,000
Thereafter	9,731,000
Total	$ 18,481,000

Commitments (Details Textual)

Commitments (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Tenant Improvements					$ 933,000
Lease incentive recorded as fixed assets and deferred rent					773,000	$ 933,000	$ 2,538,000
Rent expense, net					$ 1,300,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 444,000
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial lease term			11 years 6 months
Security deposit			$ 49,000
Increase in monthly lease payments	$ 16,000
San Diego Office
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial lease term				10 years
Security deposit				$ 64,000
San Diego, California
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Increase in monthly lease payments		$ 13,000
Minimum | Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Monthly payments under the lease			0
Minimum | San Diego Office
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Monthly payments under the lease				0
Maximum | Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Monthly payments under the lease			$ 58,000
Maximum | San Diego Office
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Monthly payments under the lease				$ 83,000

Investments in Affiliated Ent65

Investments in Affiliated Entities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 01, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership			20.00%
Carryover basis		$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Common stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares owned	395,758
VGX International
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership	10.20%			10.20%
Plumbline Life Sciences
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership	16.90%

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
State	0	2,000	(1,000)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	2,000	(1,000)
Deferred:
Federal	(1,594,000)	18,000	15,000
State	(504,000)	9,000	17,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,098,000)	27,000	32,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (2,098,000)	$ 29,000	$ 31,000

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income (benefit) taxes at statutory rates	$ (10,920,000)	$ (12,639,000)	$ (23,118,000)
State income tax, net of federal benefit	(2,640,000)	(2,362,000)	(1,651,000)
Change in valuation allowance	7,882,000	14,235,000	8,819,000
Research and development tax credits	(1,537,000)	(849,000)	(1,230,000)
Fair value warrant	(253,000)	(180,000)	16,129,000
Stock compensation	2,288,000	1,573,000	279,000
Uncertain tax positions	1,968,000	340,000	495,000
Expired NOL's and credits	339,000	728,000	338,000
Limited NOL's and credits	(297,000)	(749,000)	605,000
Change in state tax rate	676,000	(60,000)	(623,000)
Other	396,000	(8,000)	(12,000)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (2,098,000)	$ 29,000	$ 31,000

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Capitalized research expense	$ 1,201,000	$ 2,059,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	71,848,000	64,354,000
Research and development and other tax credits	3,339,000	2,417,000
Deferred revenue	5,213,000	1,828,000
Deferred rent	2,171,000	1,878,000
Stock-based compensation	2,135,000	2,704,000
Other	3,457,000	3,251,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	89,364,000	78,491,000
Valuation allowance	(83,245,000)	(75,363,000)
Total deferred tax assets	6,119,000	3,128,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Acquired intangibles	(596,000)	(804,000)
Investment in affiliated entity	(4,399,000)	(1,315,000)
Fixed assets	(1,299,000)	(1,170,000)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (175,000)	$ (161,000)

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - California $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
2,016	$ 1.1
2,017	0.5
2028 and beyond	54.9
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 56.5

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the year	$ 2,759,000	$ 2,416,000	$ 1,896,000
Increases related to current year tax positions	615,000	331,000	305,000
Increases related to prior year tax positions	2,081,000	12,000	215,000
Balance at end of the year	$ 5,455,000	$ 2,759,000	$ 2,416,000

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 308,520	$ 1,789,246	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,097,766	$ 0	$ 0
Tax benefits expired	27,200,000				27,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	4,300,000				4,300,000
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards that will expire due to IRC Section 382 limitations	177,400,000				177,400,000
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	177,400,000				177,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards related to excess share-based compensation	1,900,000				1,900,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	197,800,000				197,800,000
Operating loss carryforwards related to excess share-based compensation	1,000,000				1,000,000
California
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards that will expire due to IRC Section 382 limitations	56,500,000				56,500,000
Pennsylvania
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards that will expire due to IRC Section 382 limitations	141,300,000				141,300,000
Research Tax Credit Carryforward | Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward amount	4,400,000				4,400,000
Research Tax Credit Carryforward | State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward amount	$ 2,100,000				$ 2,100,000

401(k) Plan (Details)

401(k) Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution, percent	50.00%
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	6.00%
Company's contribution to 401(k) plan	$ 328	$ 275	$ 196

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2010	May. 31, 2015	Mar. 24, 2012	Sep. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 01, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Long-term other assets					$ 670,833	$ 474,568
Ownership percentage by parent										91.00%	85.00%
Payment of receivable		$ 1,000,000
Future payments to be received		$ 1,000,000
Percentage of ownership		20.00%
Maximum additional equity fundraising		$ 10,000,000
Investment in affiliated entity - PLS					5,045,915	0
Plumbline Life Sciences
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Carrying value of investment											$ 0
Investment in affiliated entity - PLS					$ 5,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities | Plumbline Life Sciences
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares owned					395,758			395,758
Ownership								16.90%
VGX Pharmaceuticals | Available-for-sale Securities
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares owned									465,364
GeneOne (affiliated entity)
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Payment received for license granted	$ 3,000,000
Deferred revenue from affiliated entity	$ 3,000,000
Period over which deferred revenue from affiliated entity will be recognized in years	8 years
Accounts payable/accrued liability					$ 165,000	28,000
NIAID
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenue from related parties					450,000	479,000	$ 425,000
Operating expenses related to affiliated entity					6,900,000	4,200,000	$ 2,300,000
Accounts receivable from related parties					4,000	2,000
Long-term other assets					$ 373,000	$ 260,000
Percentage of ownership					10.20%	10.20%
OncoSec | First warrant
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock purchase warrant (shares)				50,000
Term of the warrants in years				5 years
Exercise price of a five-year warrant ($ per share)				$ 24
OncoSec | Second warrant
Related-Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock purchase warrant (shares)			150,000
Term of the warrants in years			5 years
Exercise price of a five-year warrant ($ per share)			$ 20

Quarterly Financial Informati74

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements	$ 1,820,643	$ 16,475,083	$ 4,335,236	$ 4,245,571	$ 1,758,108	$ 1,114,952	$ 3,107,781	$ 1,435,727	$ 26,876,533	$ 7,416,568	$ 9,239,547
Revenue under collaborative research and development arrangements with affiliated entity	375,000	125,000	166,667	112,500	112,500	112,500	137,500	116,964	779,167	479,464	425,000
Grants and miscellaneous revenue	3,739,919	7,583,151	784,775	808,566	586,500	612,901	556,381	804,952	12,916,411	2,560,734	3,802,799
Total revenues	5,935,562	24,183,234	5,286,678	5,166,637	2,457,108	1,840,353	3,801,662	2,357,643	40,572,111	10,456,766	13,467,346
Research and development	15,601,891	16,075,201	16,688,511	9,426,320	9,244,473	7,017,805	9,607,281	8,225,480	57,791,923	34,095,039	21,368,604
General and administrative	4,860,086	4,377,616	4,718,260	4,107,928	4,224,429	3,153,714	4,347,327	4,132,218	18,063,890	15,857,688	13,643,074
Gain on sale of assets	0	0	(1,000,000)	0					(1,000,000)	0	(2,000,000)
Total operating expenses	20,461,977	20,452,817	20,406,771	13,534,248	13,468,902	10,171,519	13,954,608	12,357,698	74,855,813	49,952,727	33,011,678
Loss from operations	(14,526,415)	3,730,417	(15,120,093)	(8,367,611)	(11,011,794)	(8,331,166)	(10,152,946)	(10,000,055)	(34,283,702)	(39,495,961)	(19,544,332)
Interest and other income, net	(194,519)	214,982	146,332	138,276	113,212	97,174	68,999	52,076	305,071	331,461	132,214
Change in fair value of common stock warrants	(290,316)	518,877	(49,773)	(1,227)	143,659	(113,980)	824,390	(505,926)	177,561	348,143	(45,632,669)
Gain (Loss) from investment in affiliated entity	(3,249,315)	(659,054)	8,861,145	(2,352,309)	3,342,436	1,168,911	(1,458,160)	(376,963)	2,600,467	2,676,224	(1,038,745)
Net loss before income tax benefit	(18,260,565)	3,805,222	(6,162,389)	(10,582,871)					(31,200,603)	(36,140,133)	(66,083,532)
Income tax benefit	308,520	1,789,246	0	0					2,097,766	0	0
Net loss	(17,952,045)	5,594,468	(6,162,389)	(10,582,871)	(7,412,487)	(7,179,061)	(10,717,717)	(10,830,868)	(29,102,837)	(36,140,133)	(66,083,532)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	(85,861)	1,092	1,083	1,486	6,443	9,408	(84,769)	18,420	55,084
Net loss attributable to Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$ (17,952,045)	$ 5,594,468	$ (6,248,250)	$ (10,581,779)	$ (7,411,404)	$ (7,177,575)	$ (10,711,274)	$ (10,821,460)	$ (29,187,606)	$ (36,121,713)	$ (66,028,448)
Basic ($ per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.08	$ (0.09)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.61)	$ (1.43)
Diluted ($ per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.64)	$ (1.43)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (shares)	72,194,504	72,029,644	67,655,975	60,741,082	60,610,367	60,392,911	60,232,498	55,159,002	68,198,142	59,127,349	46,087,773
Denominator for use in diluted loss per share (shares)	72,194,504	73,961,237	67,838,738	60,913,423	60,805,871	60,602,831	60,474,859	55,159,002	68,365,265	59,408,252	46,087,773

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)

Mar. 11, 2016

Jan. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Grants and miscellaneous revenue

$ 3,739,919

$ 7,583,151

$ 784,775

$ 808,566

$ 586,500

$ 612,901

$ 556,381

$ 804,952

$ 12,916,411

$ 2,560,734

$ 3,802,799

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Grants and miscellaneous revenue

$ 500,000

Bioject | Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Equity issued

$ 4,500,000

Cash paid for acquisition

$ 1,000,000