Lumos Pharma (LUMO) 10-K 3 Mar 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 25, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-35342
Entity Registrant Name	NEWLINK GENETICS CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-1491350
Entity Address, Address Line One	2503 South Loop Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Ames
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	50010
City Area Code	515
Local Phone Number	296-5555
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01
Trading Symbol	NLNK
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 42,833,809
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,328,425
Entity Central Index Key	0001126234
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Documents Incorporated by Reference	DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Part III incorporates information by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 90,549	$ 120,738
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,046	5,536
Current income tax receivable	69	339
Other receivables	755	459
Total current assets	94,419	127,072
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net	1,633	3,727
Right-of-use asset	735
Income tax receivable	0	140
Total non-current assets	2,368	3,867
Total assets	96,787	130,939
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	475	555
Accrued expenses	10,198	8,139
Income tax payable	11	0
Current portion of deferred rent		92
Current portion of lease liability	1,100
Current portion of notes payable	43	61
Total current liabilities	11,827	8,847
Long term liabilities:
Royalty obligation payable to Iowa Economic Development Authority	6,000	6,000
Notes payable	0	43
Lease liability	82
Deferred rent		906
Total long-term liabilities	6,082	6,949
Total liabilities	17,909	15,796
Stockholders' Equity:
Blank check preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 5,000,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018; issued and outstanding shares — 0 at December 31, 2019 and 2018	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 75,000,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018; issued 37,440,094 and 37,343,547 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively and outstanding 37,325,091 and 37,251,220 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	374	373
Additional paid-in capital	413,959	407,199
Treasury stock, at cost: 115,003 and 92,327 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018	(1,454)	(1,417)
Accumulated deficit	(334,001)	(291,012)
Total stockholders' equity	78,878	115,143
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 96,787	$ 130,939

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity:
Blank check preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Blank check preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Blank check preferred stock, issued shares (in shares)	0	0
Blank check preferred stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	37,440,094	37,343,547
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	37,325,091	37,251,220
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	115,003	92,327

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Licensing and collaboration revenue	$ 936	$ 1,206	$ 390
Total operating revenues	936	12,474	28,711
Operating expenses:
Research and development	22,205	45,694	69,866
General and administrative	23,865	29,218	31,726
Total operating expenses	46,070	74,912	101,592
Loss from operations	(45,134)	(62,438)	(72,881)
Other income and expense:
Miscellaneous (expense) income	(19)	(102)	(126)
Interest income	2,226	2,029	616
Interest expense	(50)	(52)	(119)
Other income, net	2,157	1,875	371
Loss before taxes	(42,977)	(60,563)	(72,510)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(12)	6,968	559
Net loss	$ (42,989)	$ (53,595)	$ (71,951)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.15)	$ (1.44)	$ (2.30)
Basic and diluted average shares outstanding (in shares)	37,294,505	37,191,262	31,304,309
Grant
Total operating revenues	$ 0	$ 11,268	$ 28,321

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	IPO	Common Stock	Common StockIPO	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalIPO	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Deficit
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 129,466		$ 292		$ 295,535		$ (853)	$ (165,508)
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2016			29,163,673
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Share-based compensation	18,508				18,508
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards (in shares)			212,961
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards	962		$ 2		960
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan (shares)			70,787
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan	445		$ 1		444
Issuance of common stock (net of offering costs) (in shares)			1,940,656	5,750,000
Issuance of common stock (net of offering costs)	19,333	$ 55,083	$ 19	$ 58	19,314	$ 55,025
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(28,521)
Repurchase of common stock	(289)						(289)
Net loss	(71,951)							(71,951)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	151,557		$ 372		389,786		(1,142)	(237,459)
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2017			37,109,556
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Share-based compensation	17,120				17,120
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards (in shares)			126,938
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards	143		$ 1		142
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan (shares)			48,487
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan	151				151
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(33,761)
Repurchase of common stock	(275)						(275)
Cumulative effect of accounting change	42							42
Net loss	(53,595)							(53,595)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 115,143		$ 373		407,199		(1,417)	(291,012)
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	37,251,220		37,251,220
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Share-based compensation	$ 6,722				6,722
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards	6,722
Vesting of restricted stock awards (in shares)			66,694
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan (shares)			29,853
Sales of shares under stock purchase plan	38				38
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(22,676)
Repurchase of common stock	(36)		$ 1				(37)
Net loss	(42,989)							(42,989)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 78,878		$ 374		$ 413,959		$ (1,454)	$ (334,001)
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	37,325,091		37,325,091

Consolidated Statements of Eq_2

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Issuance costs of common stock under the ATM Offering	$ 561
IPO
Issuance costs of common stock under the ATM Offering	$ 3,700

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (42,989)	$ (53,595)	$ (71,951)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation	6,722	17,120	18,508
Depreciation and amortization	1,645	1,145	1,407
Amortization of right-to-use asset and change in operating lease liability	(551)	0	0
Impairment of fixed assets	351	0	0
Loss on sale of fixed assets	20	102	126
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,491	226	(305)
Other receivables	(296)	10,223	14,350
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,979	(13,029)	(15,469)
Income taxes receivable, net	421	17	5,479
Unearned revenue	0	(56)	(335)
Deferred rent	0	(92)	(91)
Net cash used in operating activities	(30,207)	(37,939)	(48,281)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of equipment	0	(7)	(43)
Proceeds on sale of equipment	77	124	254
Net cash provided by investing activities	77	117	211
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	0	0	74,416
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	38	294	1,407
Repurchase of common stock	(36)	(275)	(289)
Principal payments on notes payable	(61)	(167)	(246)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(59)	(148)	75,288
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(30,189)	(37,970)	27,218
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	120,738	158,708	131,490
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	90,549	120,738	158,708
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:
Cash paid for interest	4	8	15
Cash paid for taxes	15	25	643
Proceeds from income tax refunds	$ 425	$ 7,057	$ 6,651

Description of Business Activit

Description of Business Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business Activities	Description of Business Activities NewLink Genetics Corporation (NewLink) was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 4, 1999 and initiated operations in April of 2000. NewLink and its subsidiaries (the Company) are devoting substantially all of their efforts toward research and development. The Company has incurred significant losses in all years since being incorporated, except for the year ended December 31, 2014, and has never generated revenue from commercial sales of its drugs. The accompanying financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company raised net proceeds of $37.6 million from its IPO, completed a follow-on offering of its common stock raising net proceeds of $49.0 million, and raised an additional $58.7 million in net proceeds from an at the market offering (ATM) prior to March 31, 2015. During 2017, the Company sold 1,940,656 shares of its common stock under an ATM offering, with aggregate net proceeds of $19.3 million after commissions of $398,000 paid to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Cantor) as the placement agent, and other costs of $163,000. In October 2017, the Company sold 5,750,000 of its shares of common stock in a public offering for aggregate net proceeds of $55.2 million after underwriters' discounts, commissions and other expenses of $3.7 million. The Company's cash and cash equivalents are expected to be adequate to satisfy the Company's liquidity requirements through 2021. If available liquidity becomes insufficient to meet the Company’s operating obligations as they come due, the Company's plans include pursuing alternative funding arrangements and/or reducing expenditures as necessary to meet the Company’s cash requirements. However, there is no assurance that, if required, the Company will be able to raise additional capital or reduce discretionary spending to provide the required liquidity. Failure by the Company to successfully execute its plans or otherwise address its liquidity needs may have a material adverse effect on its business and financial position, and may materially affect the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Merger Agreement with Lumos On September 30, 2019, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (as amended, the Merger Agreement) with Cyclone Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewLink (the Merger Sub) and Lumos Pharma, Inc., a privately-held Delaware corporation (Lumos), pursuant to which, among other things, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Lumos, with Lumos surviving as our wholly-owned subsidiary (the Merger). Following the Merger, we will change our name to “Lumos Pharma, Inc.” and Lumos will change its name to a name mutually agreed upon by us and Lumos. If our stockholders approve the Merger, at the effective time of the Merger (the Effective Time), each share of Lumos capital stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares of Lumos capital stock held as treasury stock or held or owned by Lumos or Merger Sub prior to the Effective Time and shares held by Lumos stockholders who have exercised and perfected appraisal rights in accordance with Delaware law) shall be automatically converted solely into the right to receive a number of shares of our common stock equal to the amount determined pursuant to a charter amendment to Lumos’ certificate of incorporation that will be filed prior to the Effective Time, at exchange ratios applicable to each type of Lumos capital stock. Pursuant to such conversion, immediately following the Merger, former Lumos stockholders will own approximately 50% of the aggregate number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding following the consummation of the Merger (the Post-Closing Shares), and our stockholders as of immediately prior to the Merger will own approximately 50% of the aggregate number of Post-Closing Shares. Outstanding options to purchase Lumos common stock will be assumed by us and converted into options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock at the exchange ratio applicable to exchanging shares of Lumos common stock for our common stock. The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants made by the Company and Lumos, including covenants relating to the Company’s and Lumos’ conduct of their respective businesses between the date of signing the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger. Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including, among other things, approval by the stockholders of the Company and Lumos. Lumos stockholders approved the Merger in September 2019. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both NewLink and Lumos, and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, NewLink or Lumos, as applicable, may be required to pay the other party a termination fee of $2.0 million.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of NewLink and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents of $90.5 million and $120.7 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consist of checking and money market accounts. Property and Equipment Leasehold improvements and equipment are capitalized as the Company believes they have alternative future uses and are stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of future minimum lease payments. Depreciation on all leasehold improvements and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Computer equipment has useful lives of three five five five Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, primarily relating to proceeds for selling the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (Topic 842), Leases, to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method, as required, applying the new standard to all leases existing as of the date of initial application. The Company has elected that the date of the initial application, January 1, 2019, will be the effective date. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under the new standard are not provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The Company elected the "package of practical expedients", which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect to apply the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements; as the latter is not applicable to the Company. Upon adoption of the standard, the Company recorded a lease liability of $8.5 million and a right-of-use asset of $7.5 million associated with these leases. Included in the right-of-use asset are lease incentives that were previously recorded as deferred rent liability of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2018 on the consolidated balance sheet. There was no material impact to the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 3 within for additional discussion around the lease liability and right-of-use asset as of December 31, 2019. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized under Topic 606 in 2019 and 2018 when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company's customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Through 2018, the Company received payments from government entities under its grants and contracts with the Department of Defense and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These agreements provided the Company cost reimbursement plus a percentage for certain types of expenditures in return for research and development activities over a contractually defined period. Grant revenues were recognized over time and measured using the input method. The Company used labor costs and subcontractor fees as inputs to measure progress towards satisfying its performance obligations under these agreements. This was the most faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services to the government entities due to the government entities’ control over the research and development activities. Under this method, the Company recognized revenue generally in the period during which the related costs are incurred, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The grants and contracts with the government entities were fully transferred to Merck as of June 2018. Accordingly, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized no grant revenues. Expenses Accrued Under Contractual Arrangements with Third Parties; Accrued Clinical Expenses The Company estimates its accrued expenses through a process of reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with personnel to identify services that have been performed and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service that may not be invoiced from the provider. The estimates of accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date are based on facts and circumstances known at that time. Such estimates are periodically confirmed with the service providers to verify accuracy. The Company bases its expenses related to clinical trials on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and contract research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on behalf of the Company. Invoicing from third-party contractors for services performed can lag several months. The Company accrues the costs of services rendered in connection with third-party contractor activities based on its estimate of management fees, site management and monitoring costs and data management costs as contracted. Differences between actual clinical trial costs and estimated clinical trial costs are adjusted for in the period in which they become known through operations. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses, which include salaries, bonuses, benefits and share-based compensation; manufacturing-related costs; clinical trial expenses which include expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites and consultants that conduct our clinical trials; facilities, depreciation of fixed assets and other allocated expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and maintenance of research facilities and equipment; license fees for and milestone payments related to in-licensed products and technology; and costs associated with non-clinical activities and regulatory approvals. Patents The Company generally applies for patent protection on processes and products. Patent application costs are expensed as incurred as a component of general and administrative expense, as recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operating results in the period that includes the enactment date. Management assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company accounts for the effect of any uncertain tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold to the recognition of the tax positions being sustained based on the technical merits of the position under scrutiny by the applicable taxing authority. If a tax position or positions are deemed to result in uncertainties of those positions, the unrecognized tax position is estimated based on a cumulative probability assessment that aggregates the estimated tax liability for all uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties assessed, if any, are recorded in its consolidated statement of operations in interest expense and other expenses. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a recognized uncertain tax position of $653,000. Share-Based Compensation The Company is required to estimate the grant-date fair value of share-based payment transactions with employees which include stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance shares (PSUs) and recognizes the compensation cost over the requisite service period based on the estimated fair values as well as expected forfeiture rates. The Company estimates the fair value of each award granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires the input of assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, the calculation of expected term and the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, among other inputs. The Company calculates the fair value of the award on the grant date, which is the date the award is authorized by the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer and the employee has an understanding of the terms of the award. Generally, the Company has issued employee awards that vest either monthly or 25% vest on the first anniversary date of issuance with the remaining options vesting ratably over the next 36 months. Under the Option Exchange program discussed further in Note 8, the new awards granted will vest in equal annual amounts over either two The Company has issued awards to nonemployee consultants and advisers. All grants to nonemployees are valued using the same fair value method that we use for grants to employees. The compensation cost on these awards is measured each period until vesting and is recognized through the earlier of the vesting of the award or completion of services by the nonemployee. Following is a description of the inputs for the Black-Scholes model: Exercise Price The Company uses the quoted market price as listed on the public exchange on the date of grant. If Incentive Stock Options are granted to a 10% stockholder in the Company, the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of the common stock’s fair market value on the date of grant. Expected Term (in Years) The expected term of a stock option is the period of time for which the option is expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected term for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. Risk-Free Interest Rate The Company uses the average yield on current U.S. Treasury instruments with terms that approximate the expected term of the stock options being valued. Expected Dividend Yield The expected dividend yield for all of the Company’s stock option grants is 0%, as the Company has not declared a cash dividend since inception and has no plans to declare a dividend. Expected Volatility The Company uses its historical stock price volatility. The volatility is calculated over a period of time commensurate with the expected term for the options granted. Forfeitures The share-based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on historical experience of the Company’s option plan, which the Company expects to continue at the current level, and any adjustments in the forfeiture rate in the future will result in a cumulative adjustment in the period that this estimate is changed. Ultimately, the total compensation expense recognized for any given stock-based award over its vesting period will only be for those shares that actually vest. Segments The Company operates in one segment. The Company conducts its operations from its main offices in Ames, Iowa. The Company conducts preclinical and clinical research in the biopharmaceutical industry. The chief operating decision maker uses cash flow as the primary measure to manage the business and management does not segment its business for internal reporting or decision-making. Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, which are recorded at cost, approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of notes payable approximates book value. The Company is unable to estimate the fair value of the royalty obligation based on future product sales as the timing of payments, if any, is uncertain. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held by financial institutions and are federally insured up to certain limits. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds the federally insured limits. To limit the credit risk, the Company invests its excess cash primarily in high quality securities such as money market funds. The money market funds are valued based on observable Level 1 inputs. Earnings per share (EPS)

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company has certain facility leases with non-cancellable terms ranging between one three The Company records lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using an incremental borrowing rate to discount its lease liabilities, as the rate implicit in the lease is typically not readily determinable. The right-of-use asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. To compute the present value of the lease liability, the Company used a weighted-average discount rate of 5%. Certain lease agreements include renewal options that are under the Company's control. Prior to September 30, 2019, the Company had included the optional renewal periods in the lease term as the Company believed it to be reasonably certain that it would exercise the renewal option. At September 30, 2019, as part of the Company's restructuring, as discussed further in Note 13, the Company concluded it would not be seeking renewal of the leased facilities in Ames, Iowa and upon termination of the lease agreements, it would identify a new space for the Company. As a result of this decision, the Company remeasured the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities using the shorter term. The weighted-average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2019 is 1.2 years. The Company does not separate lease components from non-lease components. Variable lease payments include payments to lessors for taxes, maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on an index or rate. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Future minimum lease payments under the non-cancellable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands), excluding option renewals: For the Year Ended December 31: 2020 $ 599 2021 133 Thereafter — Total future minimum lease payments 732 Less: Imputed interest (25) Unamortized lease incentive 475 Total $ 1,182 The following table summarizes the aggregate undiscounted non-cancelable future minimum lease payments for operating leases under the prior lease standard as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands), including option renewals: For the Year Ended December 31: 2019 $ 1,105 2020 1,004 2021 923 2022 906 2023 909 Thereafter 6,570 Total $ 11,417 Operating lease expense during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, was $575,000, $1.1 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, including those with terms less than one year, and has been included in both research and development and general and administration in the consolidated statements of operations. In 2019, cash paid for operating leases was $1.1 million and is included within the Statement of Cash Flows within the line Amortization of right-to-use asset and change in operating lease liability.

Leasehold improvements and equi

Leasehold improvements and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Leasehold improvements and equipment	Leasehold Improvements and Equipment Leasehold improvements and equipment at December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Leasehold improvements $ 5,217 $ 5,300 Computer and office equipment 1,846 1,984 Lab and leased equipment 2,330 3,398 Contract manufacturing organization equipment 30 30 Total leasehold improvements and equipment 9,423 10,712 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,790) (6,985) Total leasehold improvements and equipment, net $ 1,633 $ 3,727

Long-Term Debt Conversion to Ro

Long-Term Debt Conversion to Royalty Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Conversion to Royalty Obligation	Long-Term Debt and Conversion to Royalty Obligation March 2005 Iowa Department of Economic Development Loan In March 2005, the Company entered into a $6.0 million forgivable loan agreement with the Iowa Department of Economic Development (the IDED). Under the agreement, in the absence of default, there were no principal or interest payments due until the completion date for the project. The balance outstanding under the loan agreement was $6.0 million as of December 31, 2011. This loan was converted into a royalty obligation under the terms of a settlement agreement entered into on March 26, 2012 (the IEDA Agreement), with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the IEDA), as successor in interest to the IDED. March 2012 IEDA Royalty Obligation Under the terms of the IEDA Agreement the Company agreed to pay a 0.5% royalty on future product sales up to a cap of $6.8 million in exchange for IDED’s release of the Company's job creation and project expenditure obligations and their release of the security interest in substantially all of the Company's assets. As no payments are expected in the next 12 months, the entire accrued royalty obligation of $6.0 million is considered long-term as of December 31, 2019. 2009 and 2012 Iowa State University Research Park Notes In 2009, the Company executed a promissory note in favor of Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) in an original principal amount of $800,000, which was due in monthly installments through March, 2018. The note represented amounts owed by the Company to ISURP for certain improvements that were made to facilities the Company leases from ISURP. The final payment was made in 2018. In 2012, the Company executed a promissory note in favor of ISURP in an original principal amount of $456,000, which is due in monthly installments through September 2020. The note represents amounts owed by the Company to ISURP for certain additional improvements that were made to facilities the Company leases from ISURP. The principal and interest owed under the note is amortized over an eight

License and Research Collaborat

License and Research Collaboration Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
License and Research Collaboration Agreements	License and Research Collaboration Agreements Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group In October 2014, the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive collaboration and license agreements with Genentech for the development and commercialization of NLG919, one of NewLink's clinical stage IDO pathway inhibitors and for a research collaboration for the discovery of next generation IDO/TDO compounds to be developed and commercialized under this agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received a nonrefundable upfront cash payment of $150.0 million from Genentech in 2014. On June 6, 2017, we received a formal notice of Genentech’s intent to terminate the Genentech Agreement with respect to NLG919. As part of the partial termination, worldwide rights to NLG919 reverted to us, and Genentech granted to us an exclusive, royalty-bearing license under certain Genentech intellectual property to develop and commercialize NLG919. If NLG919 is commercialized, we will be obligated to pay to Genentech royalties as a low single-digit percentage of net sales of NLG919. The Genentech Agreement terminated in its entirety on November 6, 2018. Merck Sharpe & Dohme Corp. In November 2014, the Company entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with Merck to develop, manufacture and commercialize rVSV∆G-ZEBOV GP, an Ebola vaccine the Company licensed from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company granted Merck an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to the rVSV∆G-ZEBOV GP and related technology. NewLink received a $30.0 million non-refundable, upfront payment in December 2014, and was also eligible for a one-time $20.0 million non-refundable milestone payment upon the initiation of the pivotal clinical trial using the current rVSV∆G-ZEBOV GP vaccine product as one arm of the trial. In February 2015, this milestone was achieved and the Company received the milestone payment. The Merck Agreement was amended on December 5, 2017 in connection with our entry into an amended and restated PHAC license on December 5, 2017. The amended Merck Agreement absolves our subsidiary, BioProtection Systems Corporation (BPS), from any future obligation to negotiate or amend the terms of the PHAC license, converts the scope of Merck's sublicense under PHAC’s intellectual property rights to be non-exclusive in the Ebola Sudan field of use, and requires Merck to reimburse us in certain circumstances where we may be obligated to pay royalties to PHAC as a result of Merck’s product sales but Merck would not otherwise be obligated to pay a royalty to us. On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Merck, the U.S. BioMedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to transfer the government grants from BARDA and DTRA to Merck. The transfer was completed in June 2018 and Merck has replaced the Company as the prime contractor on all such grants. On December 20, 2019, Merck announced that the FDA approved its application for ERVEBO® (Ebola Zaire Vaccine, Live) for the prevention of disease caused by Zaire Ebola virus in individuals 18 years of age and older. On January 3, 2020, Merck notified the Company that they had been issued a priority review voucher (PRV). Under the terms of the Merck Agreement, on February 4, 2020, Merck assigned all of its rights and interests in connection with the PRV to the Company. The Company is entitled to 60% of the value of the PRV obtained through sale, transfer or other disposition of the PRV. We also have the potential to earn royalties on sales of the vaccine in certain countries, if the vaccine is successfully commercialized by Merck. However, we believe that the market for the vaccine will be limited primarily to areas in the developing world that are excluded from royalty payment or where the vaccine is donated or sold at low or no margin and therefore we do not expect to receive material royalty payments from Merck in the foreseeable future. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity Common Stock The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the Company stockholders. Subject to preferences applicable to outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Company's Board of Directors. In the event of liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities subject to prior distribution rights of the preferred stock. Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no outstanding preferred stock. The Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting power and such designations, preferences, and rights of such series, subject to approval of outstanding preferred series stockholders.

Common Stock Equity Incentive P

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans	Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans In April 2000, the stockholders approved NewLink’s 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. as amended (the 2000 Plan) and in July 2009, the stockholders approved NewLink’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the 2009 Plan). Following the approval of the 2009 Plan, all options outstanding under the 2000 Plan were effectively included under the 2009 Plan. Under the provisions of the 2009 Plan, NewLink may grant the following types of common stock awards: • Incentive Stock Options • Nonstatutory Stock Options • Restricted Stock Awards • Stock Appreciation Rights Awards under the 2009 Plan, as amended, may be made to officers, employees, members of the NewLink Board of Directors, advisors, and consultants to NewLink. As of December 31, 2019 there were 12,400,653 shares of common stock authorized for the 2009 Plan and 7,506,956 shares remained available for issuance. As of December 31, 2018 there were 11,722,602 shares of common stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the 2009 Plan and 1,879,686 shares remained available for issuance. The following table summarizes the authorized increases of common stock under the 2009 Plan: Date Authorized Authorized Shares Added May 15, 2010 1,238,095 January 7, 2011 714,286 January 1, 2013 838,375 January 1, 2014 1,066,340 January 1, 2015 1,119,255 January 1, 2016 1,152,565 January 1, 2017 1,166,546 January 1, 2018 1,484,382 January 1, 2019 1,490,048 Subsequent to year end, on January 1, 2020, an additional 1,119,752 shares of common stock were added to the shares reserved for future issuance under the 2009 plan. The increases in the authorized shares of common stock under the 2009 Plan in 2010 and 2011 were approved by the Company’s stockholders. The increases in the authorized shares of common stock under the 2009 Plan in 2012 through 2018 were made pursuant to an “evergreen provision,” in accordance with which, on January 1 of each year, from 2012 to (and including) 2019, a number of shares of common stock in an amount equal to 4% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, or such lesser amount of shares (or no shares) approved by the Company's Board of Directors, was added or will be added to the shares reserved under the 2009 Plan. On May 9, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2009 Plan which, among other modifications, included decreasing the automatic annual “evergreen provision” from 4% to 3%, in accordance with which, on January 1 of each year, from 2020 to (and including) 2029, a number of shares of common stock in an amount equal to 3% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, or such lesser amount of shares (or no shares) approved by the Company's Board of Directors, was added or will be added to the shares reserved under the 2009 Plan. Under the terms of the Company's 2010 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended (the Directors’ Plan), which became effective on November 10, 2011, 238,095 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance. On May 9, 2013, an additional 161,905 shares of common stock were added to the reserve. As of December 31, 2019, 268,902 shares are available for issuance under the Directors' Plan. Under the terms of the Company's 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the 2010 Purchase Plan), which became effective on November 10, 2011, 214,285 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance. On May 9, 2013, an additional 185,715 shares of common stock were added to the reserve. As of December 31, 2019, 23,656 shares remained available for issuance under the plan. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 29,853 and 48,487 shares of common stock, respectively, were purchased under the terms of the 2010 Purchase Plan. Option Exchange Program On June 20, 2019, the Company commenced an option exchange program (Option Exchange) for its officers and employees to exchange eligible stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,849,059 shares of the Company's common stock that had been granted to eligible holders, for a lesser number of new stock options with a lower exercise price. Stock options granted prior to December 31, 2018 with an exercise price equal to or greater than $2.97 and held by eligible holders in continuous service through the termination of the Option Exchange were eligible for exchange in the Option Exchange. The eligible shares were exercisable for a reduced number of shares based on the following exchange ratios: Exercise Price Range per Share Number of Outstanding Eligible Options Exchange Ratio (Surrendered Stock Options to New Stock Options) $2.97-$10.99 2,725,812 2 to 1 $11.00-$24.99 720,373 3 to 1 $25.00-And Up 468,671 4 to 1 Upon the expiration of the Option Exchange on July 31, 2019, 45 eligible employees and 5 eligible directors had tendered an aggregate of 3,914,856 options, representing 67% of the total eligible options, for 1,720,341 new options to purchase shares of common stock (New Awards). Each New Award was granted on July 31, 2019, pursuant to the Company's 2009 Plan, with an exercise price per share of $1.77 per share, the closing price on the grant date of the New Awards. Each New Award has a maximum term of seven years. The New Awards will vest in equal annual amounts over either two As a result of this transaction the Company will recognize additional stock-based compensation expense of $1.0 million over the vesting schedule of the New Awards. Share-based Compensation Share-based employee compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, was $6.7 million, $17.1 million, and $18.5 million, respectively, and is allocated between research and development and general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2019, the total compensation cost related to unvested option awards not yet recognized was $2.5 million and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized was 2.7 years. The Company recognized no income tax benefit in the consolidated statements of operations for stock-based compensation arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Stock Options and Performance Options The Company's Board of Directors determines the vesting period for each stock option award. Generally, stock options awarded to date under the 2009 Plan vest monthly or vest 25% on the first anniversary date of issuance with the remaining options vesting ratably over the next 36 months, except as noted above for the New Awards granted under the Option Exchange. The stock options may include provisions for early exercise of options. If any shares acquired are unvested, they are subject to repurchase at the Company’s discretion until they become vested. The following table summarizes the stock option activity, including options with market and performance conditions and options granted and forfeited in conjunction with the option exchange program, for the year ended December 31, 2019: Number of options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Outstanding at beginning of period 7,978,030 $ 11.86 Options granted 3,753,274 1.77 Options exercised — — Options forfeited (5,355,229) 10.24 Options expired (2,866,016) 10.02 Outstanding at end of period 3,510,059 5.04 4.1 Options exercisable at end of period 2,085,594 $ 7.23 1.5 Based on the December 31, 2019 price of $2.53 per share, the intrinsic value of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2019, was $2.0 million, all of which related to stock options that were vested at that date. The following table summarizes options that were granted during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and the range of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of options granted 3,753,274 1,657,523 1,526,787 Risk-free interest rate 1.77%-2.67% 2.61%-3.02% 1.91%-2.22% Expected dividend yield — — — Expected volatility 77.0%-86.3% 76.2%-79.3% 68.9%-76.9% Expected term (in years) 4.0-7.7 4.0-7.9 1.2-7.8 Weighted average grant-date fair value per share $1.89 $4.84 $7.72 The following table summarizes the intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Intrinsic value of options exercised $0 $.1 million $1.0 million Fair value of awards vested $3.5 million $13.0 million $15.0 million Restricted Stock Restricted stock is common stock that is subject to restrictions, including risks of forfeiture, determined by the plan committee of the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, for so long as such common stock remains subject to any such restrictions. A holder of restricted stock has all rights of a stockholder with respect to such stock, including the right to vote and to receive dividends thereon, except as otherwise provided in the award agreement relating to such award. Restricted stock awards are equity classified within the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no shares of restricted stock granted. Compensation expense is determined for the issuance of restricted stock by amortizing using either a straight-line basis or the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period, or the vesting period, the aggregate fair value of the restricted stock awarded based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. A summary of the Company's unvested restricted stock at December 31, 2019 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at beginning of period 68,585 $ 37.75 Granted — — Vested (66,694) 37.84 Forfeited/cancelled — — Unvested at end of period 1,891 $ 34.73 As of December 31, 2019, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to issuances of restricted stock was approximately $26,000 and is expected to be recognized in 2020. The fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $107,506. The Company does not have a formal policy regarding the source of shares issued upon exercise of stock options or issuance of restricted stock. The Company expects shares issued to be issued from treasury shares or new shares.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes U.S. Tax Reform On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affect fiscal 2017 and 2018. The Tax Act also makes a number of changes to U.S. federal income tax laws that affect 2018 and later years, including, but not limited to, a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT), the limitation on net operating loss deductions to 80 percent of taxable income for losses beginning after December 31, 2017 and the repeal of the then current two-year carryback provision for net operating losses arising after 2017. In connection with its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $140,000 in 2018 which is for the release of the valuation allowance that had previously been recorded to offset the AMT deferred income tax benefit of which $69,000 remains classified as an income tax receivable as of December 31, 2019. The Tax Act provides that AMT credit carryovers are partially refundable beginning in 2018 as an offset to a tax liability. The Company expects the amount to be fully refunded by 2021. The Tax Act had no other material impacts to the consolidated financial statements upon enactment. Income tax (expense) benefit consists of (in thousands): Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2019: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — State and local (12) — (12) $ (12) $ — $ (12) Year Ended December 31, 2018: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 6,968 — 6,968 $ 6,968 $ — $ 6,968 Year Ended December 31, 2017: U.S. federal $ 332 $ 140 $ 472 State and local 87 — 87 $ 419 $ 140 $ 559 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 26,078 $ 18,165 Federal research and development tax credits 28,990 28,283 Share-based compensation 2,704 14,150 Deferred rent 112 300 Accrued compensation 918 680 Charitable contributions 17 15 Leasehold improvements and equipment 643 417 Gross deferred tax assets 59,462 62,010 Less valuation allowance (59,462) (62,010) Total deferred tax assets $ — $ — The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $59.5 million and $62.0 million, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was an increase of $2.5 million and of $11.8 million, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Valuation allowances have been established for the entire amount of the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, due to the uncertainty of future recoverability. Federal operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2019 of approximately $105.4 million and federal research credit carryforwards of approximately $29.0 million expire at various dates from 2026 through 2035. Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code limit a corporation’s ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes (including research credits) to offset any future taxable income or tax if the corporation experiences a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over any rolling three-year period. State net operating loss carryforwards (and certain other tax attributes) may be similarly limited. An ownership change can therefore result in significantly greater tax liabilities than a corporation would incur in the absence of such a change and any increased liabilities could adversely affect the corporation’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Based on analysis from its inception through June 30, 2019, the Company experienced Section 382 ownership changes in September 2001 and March 2003 and one of its subsidiaries experienced Section 382 ownership changes in January 2006 and January 2011 and the reported deferred tax assets reflect these expected limitations. These ownership changes limited the Company's ability to utilize federal net operating loss carryforwards (and certain other tax attributes) that accrued prior to the respective ownership changes of the Company and one of its subsidiaries. Additional ownership changes, including the impact of the potential Lumos Merger, may occur in the future as a result of events over which the Company will have little or no control, including purchases and sales of the Company’s equity by our 5% stockholders, the emergence of new 5% stockholders, additional equity offerings or redemptions of the Company’s stock or certain changes in the ownership of any of the Company’s 5% stockholders. A reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate to net income tax benefit included in the accompanying statements of operations is set forth in the following table: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 U.S. federal income tax benefit at the statutory rate (21.00) % (21.00) % (35.00) % State income taxes, net of federal taxes 6.08 (10.07) 0.03 Loss in foreign subsidiary 0.75 1.20 7.36 Valuation allowance, including impact of tax reform 15.27 18.20 24.10 Other (1.07) 0.16 2.80 Total 0.03 % (11.51) % (0.71) % The loss in foreign subsidiary reconciling item in the above table is the tax effect of intercompany research and development expenses which are not deductible on the Company's consolidated federal income tax return. The state income tax benefit item in the above table is the result of the Company filing amendments in 2018 for certain states for 2014 and 2015 and receiving a refund in 2018. The Company accounts for the effect of any uncertain tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold to the recognition of the tax positions being sustained based on the technical merits of the position under scrutiny by the applicable taxing authority. If a tax position or positions are deemed to result in uncertainties of those positions, the unrecognized tax position is estimated based on a cumulative probability assessment that aggregates the estimated tax liability for all uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties assessed, if any, are accrued and recorded in either interest expense or miscellaneous expense, respectively in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company has a reserve for uncertain tax positions related to state tax matters of $653,000 as of December 31, 2019 recorded within Accrued Expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which includes the accrual of interest and penalties. The Company does not expect the amount to change significantly within the next 12 months. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded interest and penalties relating to its uncertain tax position of $46,000, $82,000 and $335,000, respectively. The liability for uncertain tax benefits consists of estimated federal and state income tax liabilities in years for which the statute of limitations is open. Open years range from 2014 through 2019. There were no changes in the Company's uncertain income tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company does not anticipate the liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2019 to significantly change in the next 12 months.

Loss Per Share

Loss Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss Per Share	Loss Per Share The following table presents the calculations of loss per share: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Historical net loss per share Numerator Net loss $ (42,989) $ (53,595) $ (71,951) Denominator Basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 37,294,505 37,191,262 31,304,309 Basic and diluted loss per share $ (1.15) $ (1.44) $ (2.30)

Licensing Agreements

Licensing Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Licensing Agreements [Abstract]
Licensing Agreements	Licensing Agreements The Company is a party to a number of licensing agreements with respect to certain of the technologies that underlie its intellectual property. These agreements typically provide that the Company has exclusive rights to the use and sublicensing of the technologies in question for the duration of the intellectual property patent protection in question, subject to the Company meeting its financial and other contractual obligations under the agreements. The Company recognizes expense under its licensing agreements in the period the obligation is incurred. These agreements typically provide for a license fee based on a percent of sales and annual minimum royalties. For additional information regarding how the Company records payments under these agreements, see Note 2 above. The Company has incurred expense of approximately $277,000, $32,000, and $1.4 million, under all of the in-licensing agreements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which is recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses. Under certain license agreements the Company is obligated to make potential milestone payments as listed in the following table. In addition to the milestone payments, each license is paid as a low single-digit percentage of net sales of the licensed product, subject to annual minimum royalties. These obligations are contingent upon achieving the applicable milestone event, the timing of which cannot presently be determined. The milestone payments and royalty payments are in place through at least the expiration of certain of the Company's patents, which is currently 2029 and beyond. Licensor Aggregate potential milestone payments Augusta University Research Institute under AURI IDO $2.8 million per licensed product

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit PlansThe Company sponsors a 401(k) plan, which includes a defined contribution feature. The Company's defined contribution was $342,000, $261,000, $361,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company made discretionary contributions to the plan of $55,000, $303,000, and $401,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.The Company has approved employment agreements for certain executives, dated September 30, 2019, that provide for the payment of 12 to 24 months of base salary, bonus, and group health insurance premiums plus accrued obligations upon termination of the executive in certain circumstances. The agreements include provisions to accelerate the vesting of stock options subject to certain events including those related to a change in control. The Company entered into the agreements, upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, to align the terms of certain termination benefits with termination terms for executive officers at similarly situated companies to the Company.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges The Company records liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities in the period in which the liability is incurred. Employee severance costs are accrued when the restructuring actions are probable and estimable. Costs for one-time termination benefits in which the employee is required to render service until termination in order to receive the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period. The Company also records costs incurred with contract terminations associated with restructuring activities. On September 30, 2019, the Company adopted a restructuring plan to reduce it's headcount by approximately 60%, which consisted primarily of clinical and research and development staff, and made several changes to senior leadership in order to conserve resources. In addition to the restructuring, Charles J. Link, Jr., M.D. retired from the company and the Board of Directors, effective August 3, 2019 and Nicholas Vahanian retired from his positions as the President and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective September 27, 2019, and retired from the Company on November 11, 2019. In conjunction with the restructuring and departure of Company executives in 2019, the Company recorded restructuring and severance charges of $5.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 of which $3.3 million is included within general and administrative expenses and $2.3 million is included within research and development expenses. As a result of the restructuring, the Company also recorded an impairment charge of $351,000 relating to fixed assets which management determined had no or limited future use. The fair value of impaired fixed assets was determined based on management's estimate of market resale value. In July 2018, the Company completed an organizational review of its clinical programs and reduce its headcount by approximately 30% as compared to June 30, 2018 and made several changes to senior leadership effective July 26, 2018 in order to conserve resources to further advance its clinical development programs. Restructuring expenses of $1.3 million were recorded during 2018, of which $800,000 is included within general and administrative expenses and $500,000 is included within the research and development expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. In July 2017, the Company undertook an organizational realignment to refocus its clinical development efforts and align the Company's resources to focus on the Company's highest value opportunities. The Company's restructuring activities included a reduction of its workforce by approximately 50%, which consisted primarily of clinical and research and development staff, as well as stopping additional research on the Zika virus. Restructuring charges recorded during 2017 included $1.7 million, of which $1.1 million is included within general and administrative expenses and $600,000 is included within research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. The charges include employee severance costs of one-time employee termination benefits and certain expenses related to contractual termination benefits for employees with pre-existing severance arrangements. The following table shows the amount accrued for restructuring activities which is recorded within Accrued Expenses in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands): Total Employee Severance Cost Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 649 Expensed 5,638 Cash Payments 1,587 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 4,700

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies From time to time, claims are asserted against the Company arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from existing claims are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's earnings, financial position, or liquidity. On or about May 12, 2016, Trevor Abramson filed a putative securities class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Court), captioned Abramson v. NewLink Genetics Corp., et al., Case 1:16-cv-3545 (the Securities Action). Subsequently, the Court appointed Michael and Kelly Nguyen as lead plaintiffs and approved their selection of Kahn, Swick & Foti, LLC as lead counsel in the Securities Action. On October 31, 2016, the lead plaintiffs filed an amended complaint asserting claims under the federal securities laws against the Company, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Charles J. Link, Jr., and the Company’s Chief Medical Officer and President Nicholas Vahanian, (collectively, the Defendants). The amended complaint alleges the Defendants made material false and/or misleading statements that caused losses to the Company’s investors. The Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on July 14, 2017. On March 29, 2018, the Court dismissed the amended complaint for failure to state a claim, without prejudice, and gave the lead plaintiffs until May 4, 2018 to file any amended complaint attempting to remedy the defects in their claims. On May 4, 2018, the lead plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint asserting claims under the federal securities laws against the Defendants. Like the first amended complaint, the second amended complaint alleges that the Defendants made material false and/or misleading statements or omissions relating to the Phase 2 and 3 trials and efficacy of the product candidate algenpantucel-L that caused losses to the Company’s investors. The lead plaintiffs do not quantify any alleged damages in the second amended complaint but, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs, they sought to recover damages on behalf of themselves and other persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s stock during the putative class period of September 17, 2013 through May 9, 2016, inclusive, at allegedly inflated prices and purportedly suffered financial harm as a result. The Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on July 31, 2018. On February 13, 2019, the Court dismissed the second amended complaint for failure to state a claim, with prejudice, and closed the case. On March 14, 2019, lead plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. The briefing on lead plaintiffs' appeal was completed in early July 2019 and oral argument before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals was held on October 21, 2019. The Company intends to continue defending the Securities Action vigorously. On or about April 26, 2017, Ronald Morrow filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit on behalf of the Company in the Court, against the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Charles J. Link, Jr., the Company’s Chief Medical Officer and President Nicholas Vahanian, and Company directors Thomas A. Raffin, Joseph Saluri, Ernest J. Talarico, III, Paul R. Edick, Paolo Pucci, and Lota S. Zoth (collectively, the Morrow Defendants), captioned Morrow v. Link., et al., Case 1:17-cv-03039 (the Morrow Action). The complaint alleges that the Morrow Defendants caused the Company to issue false statements in its 2016 proxy statement regarding risk management and compensation matters in violation of federal securities law. The complaint also asserts state law claims against the Morrow Defendants for breaches of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, insider trading, gross mismanagement, and corporate waste, alleging that the Morrow Defendants made material misstatements or omissions related to the Phase 2 and 3 trials and efficacy of the product candidate algenpantucel-L, awarded themselves excessive compensation, engaged in illegal insider trading, and grossly mismanaged the Company. The plaintiff does not quantify any alleged damages in the complaint but seeks restitution for damages to the Company, attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, as well as an order directing that proposals for strengthening board oversight be put to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. The language for such proposals is not specified in the complaint. The plaintiff also contemporaneously filed a statement of relatedness, informing the Court that the Morrow Action is related to Abramson v. NewLink Genetics Corp., et al., Case 1:16-cv-3545. On May 19, 2017, the plaintiff dismissed the Morrow Action without prejudice. Also on May 19, 2017, plaintiffs’ counsel in the Morrow Action filed a new shareholder derivative complaint that is substantively identical to the Morrow Action, except that the plaintiff is Rickey Ely. The latter action is captioned Ely v. Link, et al., Case 17-cv-3799 (the Ely Action). By agreement of the parties and order dated June 26, 2017, the Court temporarily stayed the Ely Action until the Securities Action is dismissed or otherwise finally resolved. Under the terms of the stay, the plaintiff in the Ely Action had until March 15, 2019 (30 days after dismissal of the Securities Action with prejudice) to file an amended derivative complaint or rest upon the current derivative complaint. By further agreement of the parties, dated March 15, 2019, the Ely Action will continue to be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal in the Securities Action. If the Securities Action continues to be dismissed in its entirety following its appeal plaintiff in the Ely Action has agreed to withdraw or dismiss the action, with prejudice. The Company disputes the claims in the Ely Action and intends to defend against them vigorously.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) First Second Third Fourth (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Grant and licensing revenue $ 106 $ 151 $ 246 $ 433 Loss from operations (10,664) (10,724) (15,057) (8,689) Net loss (10,036) (10,134) (14,548) (8,271) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (.27) $ (.27) $ (.39) $ (.22) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Grant and licensing revenue $ 9,900 $ 2,252 $ 120 $ 202 Loss from operations (18,706) (17,748) (15,038) (10,946) Net loss (18,310) (17,313) (7,403) (10,569) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (.49) $ (.47) $ (.20) $ (.28)

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of NewLink and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash EquivalentsFor the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Leasehold improvements and equipment are capitalized as the Company believes they have alternative future uses and are stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of future minimum lease payments. Depreciation on all leasehold improvements and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Computer equipment has useful lives of three five five five Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, primarily relating to proceeds for selling the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized under Topic 606 in 2019 and 2018 when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company's customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Through 2018, the Company received payments from government entities under its grants and contracts with the Department of Defense and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These agreements provided the Company cost reimbursement plus a percentage for certain types of expenditures in return for research and development activities over a contractually defined period. Grant revenues were recognized over time and measured using the input method. The Company used labor costs and subcontractor fees as inputs to measure progress towards satisfying its performance obligations under these agreements. This was the most faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services to the government entities due to the government entities’ control over the research and development activities. Under this method, the Company recognized revenue generally in the period during which the related costs are incurred, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Expenses Accrued Under Contractual Arrangements with Third Parties; Accrued Clinical Expenses	Expenses Accrued Under Contractual Arrangements with Third Parties; Accrued Clinical Expenses The Company estimates its accrued expenses through a process of reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with personnel to identify services that have been performed and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service that may not be invoiced from the provider. The estimates of accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date are based on facts and circumstances known at that time. Such estimates are periodically confirmed with the service providers to verify accuracy. The Company bases its expenses related to clinical trials on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and contract research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on behalf of the Company. Invoicing from third-party contractors for services performed can lag several months. The Company accrues the costs of services rendered in connection with third-party contractor activities based on its estimate of management fees, site management and monitoring costs and data management costs as contracted. Differences between actual clinical trial costs and estimated clinical trial costs are adjusted for in the period in which they become known through operations.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses, which include salaries, bonuses, benefits and share-based compensation; manufacturing-related costs; clinical trial expenses which include expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites and consultants that conduct our clinical trials; facilities, depreciation of fixed assets and other allocated expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and maintenance of research facilities and equipment; license fees for and milestone payments related to in-licensed products and technology; and costs associated with non-clinical activities and regulatory approvals.
Patents	Patents The Company generally applies for patent protection on processes and products. Patent application costs are expensed as incurred as a component of general and administrative expense, as recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operating results in the period that includes the enactment date. Management assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company is required to estimate the grant-date fair value of share-based payment transactions with employees which include stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance shares (PSUs) and recognizes the compensation cost over the requisite service period based on the estimated fair values as well as expected forfeiture rates. The Company estimates the fair value of each award granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires the input of assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, the calculation of expected term and the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, among other inputs. The Company calculates the fair value of the award on the grant date, which is the date the award is authorized by the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer and the employee has an understanding of the terms of the award. Generally, the Company has issued employee awards that vest either monthly or 25% vest on the first anniversary date of issuance with the remaining options vesting ratably over the next 36 months. Under the Option Exchange program discussed further in Note 8, the new awards granted will vest in equal annual amounts over either two The Company has issued awards to nonemployee consultants and advisers. All grants to nonemployees are valued using the same fair value method that we use for grants to employees. The compensation cost on these awards is measured each period until vesting and is recognized through the earlier of the vesting of the award or completion of services by the nonemployee. Following is a description of the inputs for the Black-Scholes model: Exercise Price The Company uses the quoted market price as listed on the public exchange on the date of grant. If Incentive Stock Options are granted to a 10% stockholder in the Company, the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of the common stock’s fair market value on the date of grant. Expected Term (in Years) The expected term of a stock option is the period of time for which the option is expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected term for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. Risk-Free Interest Rate The Company uses the average yield on current U.S. Treasury instruments with terms that approximate the expected term of the stock options being valued. Expected Dividend Yield The expected dividend yield for all of the Company’s stock option grants is 0%, as the Company has not declared a cash dividend since inception and has no plans to declare a dividend. Expected Volatility The Company uses its historical stock price volatility. The volatility is calculated over a period of time commensurate with the expected term for the options granted. Forfeitures The share-based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on historical experience of the Company’s option plan, which the Company expects to continue at the current level, and any adjustments in the forfeiture rate in the future will result in a cumulative adjustment in the period that this estimate is changed. Ultimately, the total compensation expense recognized for any given stock-based award over its vesting period will only be for those shares that actually vest.
Segments	Segments The Company operates in one segment. The Company conducts its operations from its main offices in Ames, Iowa. The Company conducts preclinical and clinical research in the biopharmaceutical industry. The chief operating decision maker uses cash flow as the primary measure to manage the business and management does not segment its business for internal reporting or decision-making.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, which are recorded at cost, approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of notes payable approximates book value. The Company is unable to estimate the fair value of the royalty obligation based on future product sales as the timing of payments, if any, is uncertain.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held by financial institutions and are federally insured up to certain limits. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds the federally insured limits. To limit the credit risk, the Company invests its excess cash primarily in high quality securities such as money market funds. The money market funds are valued based on observable Level 1 inputs.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per share (EPS)The Company computes basic EPS attributable to the Company's common stockholders by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the Company by our weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution beyond shares for basic EPS that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, converted into common stock, or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have shared in our earnings. The Company computes basic and diluted EPS using net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders, and its actual weighted-average shares.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (Topic 842), Leases, to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method, as required, applying the new standard to all leases existing as of the date of initial application. The Company has elected that the date of the initial application, January 1, 2019, will be the effective date. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under the new standard are not provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The Company elected the "package of practical expedients", which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect to apply the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements; as the latter is not applicable to the Company. Upon adoption of the standard, the Company recorded a lease liability of $8.5 million and a right-of-use asset of $7.5 million associated with these leases. Included in the right-of-use asset are lease incentives that were previously recorded as deferred rent liability of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2018 on the consolidated balance sheet. There was no material impact to the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 3 within for additional discussion around the lease liability and right-of-use asset as of December 31, 2019.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities	Future minimum lease payments under the non-cancellable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands), excluding option renewals: For the Year Ended December 31: 2020 $ 599 2021 133 Thereafter — Total future minimum lease payments 732 Less: Imputed interest (25) Unamortized lease incentive 475 Total $ 1,182
Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The following table summarizes the aggregate undiscounted non-cancelable future minimum lease payments for operating leases under the prior lease standard as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands), including option renewals: For the Year Ended December 31: 2019 $ 1,105 2020 1,004 2021 923 2022 906 2023 909 Thereafter 6,570 Total $ 11,417

Leasehold improvements and eq_2

Leasehold improvements and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Leasehold Improvements and Equipment	Leasehold improvements and equipment at December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Leasehold improvements $ 5,217 $ 5,300 Computer and office equipment 1,846 1,984 Lab and leased equipment 2,330 3,398 Contract manufacturing organization equipment 30 30 Total leasehold improvements and equipment 9,423 10,712 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,790) (6,985) Total leasehold improvements and equipment, net $ 1,633 $ 3,727

Common Stock Equity Incentive_2

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Authorized Increases under 2009 Stock Plan	The following table summarizes the authorized increases of common stock under the 2009 Plan: Date Authorized Authorized Shares Added May 15, 2010 1,238,095 January 7, 2011 714,286 January 1, 2013 838,375 January 1, 2014 1,066,340 January 1, 2015 1,119,255 January 1, 2016 1,152,565 January 1, 2017 1,166,546 January 1, 2018 1,484,382 January 1, 2019 1,490,048
Option Exchange Activity	The eligible shares were exercisable for a reduced number of shares based on the following exchange ratios: Exercise Price Range per Share Number of Outstanding Eligible Options Exchange Ratio (Surrendered Stock Options to New Stock Options) $2.97-$10.99 2,725,812 2 to 1 $11.00-$24.99 720,373 3 to 1 $25.00-And Up 468,671 4 to 1
Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes the stock option activity, including options with market and performance conditions and options granted and forfeited in conjunction with the option exchange program, for the year ended December 31, 2019: Number of options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Outstanding at beginning of period 7,978,030 $ 11.86 Options granted 3,753,274 1.77 Options exercised — — Options forfeited (5,355,229) 10.24 Options expired (2,866,016) 10.02 Outstanding at end of period 3,510,059 5.04 4.1 Options exercisable at end of period 2,085,594 $ 7.23 1.5
Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Pricing Model for New Grants	The following table summarizes options that were granted during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and the range of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Number of options granted 3,753,274 1,657,523 1,526,787 Risk-free interest rate 1.77%-2.67% 2.61%-3.02% 1.91%-2.22% Expected dividend yield — — — Expected volatility 77.0%-86.3% 76.2%-79.3% 68.9%-76.9% Expected term (in years) 4.0-7.7 4.0-7.9 1.2-7.8 Weighted average grant-date fair value per share $1.89 $4.84 $7.72
Intrinsic Value of options exercised and Fair Value of awards vested	The following table summarizes the intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Intrinsic value of options exercised $0 $.1 million $1.0 million Fair value of awards vested $3.5 million $13.0 million $15.0 million
Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of the Company's unvested restricted stock at December 31, 2019 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows: Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at beginning of period 68,585 $ 37.75 Granted — — Vested (66,694) 37.84 Forfeited/cancelled — — Unvested at end of period 1,891 $ 34.73

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	Income tax (expense) benefit consists of (in thousands): Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2019: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — State and local (12) — (12) $ (12) $ — $ (12) Year Ended December 31, 2018: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 6,968 — 6,968 $ 6,968 $ — $ 6,968 Year Ended December 31, 2017: U.S. federal $ 332 $ 140 $ 472 State and local 87 — 87 $ 419 $ 140 $ 559
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liability at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 26,078 $ 18,165 Federal research and development tax credits 28,990 28,283 Share-based compensation 2,704 14,150 Deferred rent 112 300 Accrued compensation 918 680 Charitable contributions 17 15 Leasehold improvements and equipment 643 417 Gross deferred tax assets 59,462 62,010 Less valuation allowance (59,462) (62,010) Total deferred tax assets $ — $ —
Income tax rate reconciliation	A reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate to net income tax benefit included in the accompanying statements of operations is set forth in the following table: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 U.S. federal income tax benefit at the statutory rate (21.00) % (21.00) % (35.00) % State income taxes, net of federal taxes 6.08 (10.07) 0.03 Loss in foreign subsidiary 0.75 1.20 7.36 Valuation allowance, including impact of tax reform 15.27 18.20 24.10 Other (1.07) 0.16 2.80 Total 0.03 % (11.51) % (0.71) %

Loss Per Share (Tables)

Loss Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share	The following table presents the calculations of loss per share: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Historical net loss per share Numerator Net loss $ (42,989) $ (53,595) $ (71,951) Denominator Basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 37,294,505 37,191,262 31,304,309 Basic and diluted loss per share $ (1.15) $ (1.44) $ (2.30)

Licensing Agreements (Tables)

Licensing Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Licensing Agreements [Abstract]
Licensing Agreements	These obligations are contingent upon achieving the applicable milestone event, the timing of which cannot presently be determined. The milestone payments and royalty payments are in place through at least the expiration of certain of the Company's patents, which is currently 2029 and beyond. Licensor Aggregate potential milestone payments Augusta University Research Institute under AURI IDO $2.8 million per licensed product

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	The following table shows the amount accrued for restructuring activities which is recorded within Accrued Expenses in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands): Total Employee Severance Cost Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 649 Expensed 5,638 Cash Payments 1,587 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 4,700

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	First Second Third Fourth (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Grant and licensing revenue $ 106 $ 151 $ 246 $ 433 Loss from operations (10,664) (10,724) (15,057) (8,689) Net loss (10,036) (10,134) (14,548) (8,271) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (.27) $ (.27) $ (.39) $ (.22) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Grant and licensing revenue $ 9,900 $ 2,252 $ 120 $ 202 Loss from operations (18,706) (17,748) (15,038) (10,946) Net loss (18,310) (17,313) (7,403) (10,569) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (.49) $ (.47) $ (.20) $ (.28)

Description of Business Activ_2

Description of Business Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 16, 2011	Oct. 31, 2017	Mar. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Financings
Ownership percentage after transaction	50.00%
Termination fee						$ 2,000
Lumos Pharma, Inc.
Summary of Financings
Ownership percentage after transaction	50.00%
IPO
Summary of Financings
Financing proceeds		$ 37,600
Follow-on Offering
Summary of Financings
Financing proceeds				$ 49,000
ATM Offering
Summary of Financings
Financing proceeds				$ 58,700	$ 19,300
Issuance of common stock (net of offering costs) (in shares)					1,940,656
Commission costs					$ 398
Other costs					$ 163
Public Offering
Summary of Financings
Financing proceeds			$ 55,200
Number of shares issued			5,750,000
Offering costs			$ 3,700

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands

Jul. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segment

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 90,549

$ 120,738

$ 90,549

$ 120,738

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Operating lease, right of use asset

735

735

Total

1,182

1,182

Revenue Recognition

Grant and licensing revenue

433

$ 246

$ 151

$ 106

202

$ 120

$ 2,252

$ 9,900

936

12,474

$ 28,711

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, percent

Uncertain Tax Positions

$ 653

653

$ 653

653

Stock Option Valuation

Award vesting percentage

25.00%

Award vesting period

36 months

Percentage of exercise price to the fair market value on date of grant

110.00%

110.00%

Expected dividend yield

0.00%

Future minimum lease payments

11,417

11,417

Number of segments | segment

1

Minimum

Stock Option Valuation

Award vesting period

2 years

Maximum

Stock Option Valuation

Award vesting period

3 years

Computer and office equipment | Minimum

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Useful life

3 years

Computer and office equipment | Maximum

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Useful life

5 years

Lab and leased equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Useful life

5 years

Contract manufacturing organization equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Useful life

5 years

Grant

Revenue Recognition

Grant and licensing revenue

$ 0

11,268

$ 28,321

Accounting Standards Update 2016-02

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Operating lease, right of use asset

$ 7,500

Total

$ 8,500

Leasehold Improvements and Equipment

Deferred rents

$ 1,000

$ 1,000

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease weighted average discount rate	5.00%
Operating lease weighted average discount remaining lease term	1 year 2 months 12 days
Operating Leases
2020	$ 599
2021	133
Thereafter	0
Total future minimum lease payments		$ 732
Less: Imputed interest	(25)
Unamortized lease incentive	475
Total	1,182
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due
2019		1,105
2020		1,004
2021		923
2022		906
2023		909
Thereafter		6,570
Total		11,417
Rent expense	575	$ 1,100	$ 1,200
Cash paid for operating leases	$ 1,100
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of lease contract	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of lease contract	3 years

Leasehold improvements and eq_3

Leasehold improvements and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	$ 9,423	$ 10,712
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,790)	(6,985)
Total leasehold improvements and equipment, net	1,633	3,727
Leasehold improvements
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	5,217	5,300
Computer and office equipment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	1,846	1,984
Lab and leased equipment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	2,330	3,398
Contract manufacturing organization equipment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	$ 30	$ 30

Long-Term Debt Conversion to _2

Long-Term Debt Conversion to Royalty Obligation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2005
Debt Instrument
Royalty obligation payable to Iowa Economic Development Authority		$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Loans Payable | Iowa Department of Economic Development Loan 2005
Debt Instrument
Loan available balance								$ 6,000,000
Outstanding balance						$ 6,000,000
Loans Payable | Iowa Economic Development Authority Royalty Obligation 2012
Debt Instrument
Revised royalty rate		0.50%
Revised royalty maximum amount		$ 6,800,000
Royalty obligation payable to Iowa Economic Development Authority		6,000,000
Loans Payable | Iowa State University Research Park Loan 2009
Debt Instrument
Loan available balance							$ 800,000
Loans Payable | Iowa State University Research Park Loan 2012
Debt Instrument
Loan available balance	$ 456,000
Outstanding balance		$ 43,000	$ 104,000
Debt term	8 years
Stated interest rate	3.00%			5.00%
Increase to interest rate after completion of improvements	5 years
Debt default rate					8.00%

License and Research Collabor_2

License and Research Collaboration Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 04, 2020
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Licensing and collaboration revenue			$ 936	$ 1,206	$ 390
Collaborative Arrangement | Merck, Sharpe and Dohme Corp
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Upfront cash payments	$ 20,000	$ 30,000
Licensing and collaboration revenue			$ 636	$ 1,200
Collaborative Arrangement | Merck, Sharpe and Dohme Corp | Subsequent Event
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Percent of PRV value							60.00%
Collaborative Arrangement | Genentech Inc.
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Upfront cash payments						$ 150,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019voteshares	Dec. 31, 2018shares
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Votes per share | vote	1
Blank check preferred stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	0	0
Blank check preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000

Common Stock Equity Incentive_3

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)

Jan. 01, 2020

May 09, 2019

Jan. 01, 2019

Jan. 01, 2018

Jan. 01, 2017

Jan. 01, 2016

Jan. 01, 2015

Jan. 01, 2014

May 09, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Jan. 07, 2011

May 15, 2010

Sep. 30, 2019

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Nov. 10, 2011

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based compensation expense

$ 1,000,000

$ 6,700,000

$ 17,100,000

$ 18,500,000

Total compensation cost related to non-vested option awards

2,500,000

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

Award vesting percentage

25.00%

Award vesting period

36 months

Intrinsic value of stock options (in dollars per share)

$ 2.53

Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding

$ 2,000,000

Employee Stock Option

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Weighted-average vesting period for non-vested options

2 years 8 months 12 days

Restricted Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted (in shares)

0

0

Total unrecognized compensation cost

$ 26,000

Fair value of vested awards

$ 107,506

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized

12,400,653

11,722,602

Number of shares available for grant

7,506,956

1,879,686

Number of authorized shares added

1,490,048

1,484,382

1,166,546

1,152,565

1,119,255

1,066,340

838,375

714,286

1,238,095

Evergreen increase

3.00%

4.00%

2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option | First Anniversary

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

25.00%

2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option | Thereafter

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

36 months

2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized

238,095

Number of shares available for grant

268,902

Number of authorized shares added

161,905

2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized

214,285

Number of shares available for grant

23,656

Number of authorized shares added

185,715

Shares issued

29,853

48,487

Subsequent Event | 2009 Equity Incentive Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of authorized shares added

1,119,752

Common Stock Equity Incentive_4

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Authorized Increases of Common Stock) (Details) - shares	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2015	Jan. 01, 2014	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 07, 2011	May 15, 2010
2009 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized Shares Added	1,490,048	1,484,382	1,166,546	1,152,565	1,119,255	1,066,340	838,375	714,286	1,238,095

Common Stock Equity Incentive_5

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Number of options
Options granted (in shares)	1,720,341
Weighted average exercise price
Options granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.77
Employee Stock Option
Number of options
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)		7,978,030
Options granted (in shares)		3,753,274	1,657,523	1,526,787
Options exercised (in shares)		0
Options forfeited (in shares)		(5,355,229)
Options expired (in shares)		(2,866,016)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)		3,510,059	7,978,030
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 11.86
Options granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		1.77
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		0
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		10.24
Options expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		10.02
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 5.04	$ 11.86
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares)		2,085,594
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 7.23
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term, in years		4 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term, in years		1 year 6 months

Common Stock Equity Incentive_6

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Range of Assumptions Used) (Details) - $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options granted (in shares)	1,720,341
Expected dividend yield		0.00%
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options granted (in shares)		3,753,274	1,657,523	1,526,787
Expected dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1.89	$ 4.84	$ 7.72
Employee Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.77%	2.61%	1.91%
Volatility Rate		77.00%	76.20%	68.90%
Expected Term		4 years	4 years	1 year 2 months 12 days
Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		2.67%	3.02%	2.22%
Volatility Rate		86.30%	79.30%	76.90%
Expected Term		7 years 8 months 12 days	7 years 10 months 24 days	7 years 9 months 18 days

Common Stock Equity Incentive_7

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised) (Details) - Employee Stock Option - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 0	$ 100	$ 1,000
Fair value of awards vested	$ 3,500	$ 13,000	$ 15,000

Common Stock Equity Incentive_8

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Stock
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	68,585
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Vested (in shares)	(66,694)
Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	0
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	1,891	68,585
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 37.75
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	0
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	37.84
Forfeited/cancelled, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	0
End of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 34.73	$ 37.75

Common Stock Equity Incentive_9

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plans (Option Exchange Program) (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019employee	Jul. 31, 2019director	Jun. 20, 2019shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option exchange shares authorized (in shares) | shares									5,849,059
Number of participants							45	5
Option Exchange, number of options converted (in shares) | shares	3,914,856
Percent of eligible options converted						67.00%
Options granted (in shares) | shares	1,720,341
Options granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.77
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	7 years
Award vesting period			36 months
Share-based compensation expense | $		$ 1	$ 6.7	$ 17.1	$ 18.5
$2.97-$10.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Eligible Options | shares			2,725,812
Exchange Ratio (Surrendered Stock Options to New Stock Options)			2
$11.00-$24.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Eligible Options | shares			720,373
Exchange Ratio (Surrendered Stock Options to New Stock Options)			3
$25.00-And Up
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Eligible Options | shares			468,671
Exchange Ratio (Surrendered Stock Options to New Stock Options)			4
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, lower exercise price range (in usd per share)				2.97
Award vesting period	2 years
Minimum | $2.97-$10.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, lower exercise price range (in usd per share)			2.97
Minimum | $11.00-$24.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, lower exercise price range (in usd per share)			11
Minimum | $25.00-And Up
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, lower exercise price range (in usd per share)			25
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Maximum | $2.97-$10.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range per share, upper limit (in usd per share)			10.99
Maximum | $11.00-$24.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range per share, upper limit (in usd per share)			24.99

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax receivable		$ 140
Deferred income tax receivable	$ 69
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance	(59,462)	(62,010)
Net change total valuation allowance	2,500	11,800
Income tax (expense) benefit	(12)	6,968	$ 559
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	653
Income tax interest and penalties	46	82	$ 335
Uncertain tax positions	653	$ 653
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforward	105,400
Domestic Tax Authority | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 29,000

Income Taxes (Income Tax Expens

Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current
U.S. federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 332
State and local	(12)	6,968	87
Current income tax expense	(12)	6,968	419
Deferred
U.S. federal	0	0	140
State and local	0	0	0
Deferred income tax expense	0	0	140
U.S. federal	0	0	472
State and local	(12)	6,968	87
Income tax benefit (expense)	$ (12)	$ 6,968	$ 559

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax) (De

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 26,078	$ 18,165
Federal research and development tax credits	28,990	28,283
Share-based compensation	2,704	14,150
Deferred rent	112	300
Accrued compensation	918	680
Charitable contributions	17	15
Leasehold improvements and equipment	643	417
Gross deferred tax assets	59,462	62,010
Less valuation allowance	(59,462)	(62,010)
Total deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate R

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) at the statutory rate	(21.00%)	(21.00%)	(35.00%)
State income taxes, net of federal taxes	6.08%	(10.07%)	0.03%
Loss in foreign subsidiary	0.75%	1.20%	7.36%
Valuation allowance, including impact of tax reform	15.27%	18.20%	24.10%
Other	(1.07%)	0.16%	2.80%
Total	0.03%	(11.51%)	(0.71%)

Loss Per Share (Net Loss Per Sh

Loss Per Share (Net Loss Per Share Computation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator
Net loss	$ (8,271)	$ (14,548)	$ (10,134)	$ (10,036)	$ (10,569)	$ (7,403)	$ (17,313)	$ (18,310)	$ (42,989)	$ (53,595)	$ (71,951)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)									37,294,505	37,191,262	31,304,309
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)									$ (1.15)	$ (1.44)	$ (2.30)

Loss Per Share (Antidilutive Se

Loss Per Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net loss per share	3,510,059	7,978,030
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net loss per share	1,891	68,585

Licensing Agreements (Details)

Licensing Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Licensing Agreements
Licensing payments under agreements	$ 277	$ 32	$ 1,400
Augusta University Research Institute under AURI IDO
Licensing Agreements
Aggregate potential milestone payment per licensed product	$ 2,800

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contributions	$ 342	$ 261	$ 361
Discretionary contributions	$ 55	$ 303	$ 401
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Duration of payments	12 months
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Duration of payments	24 months

Restructuring Charges (Details)

Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Percentage reduction in force	60.00%	30.00%	50.00%
Impairment charges				$ 351
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expensed				5,600	$ 1,300	$ 1,700
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				649
Expensed				5,638
Cash Payments				1,587
Ending balance				4,700	649
General and Administrative Expense
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expensed				3,300	800	1,100
Research and Development Expense
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expensed				$ 2,300	$ 500	$ 600

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Grant and licensing revenue	$ 433	$ 246	$ 151	$ 106	$ 202	$ 120	$ 2,252	$ 9,900	$ 936	$ 12,474	$ 28,711
Loss from operations	(8,689)	(15,057)	(10,724)	(10,664)	(10,946)	(15,038)	(17,748)	(18,706)	(45,134)	(62,438)	(72,881)
Net loss	$ (8,271)	$ (14,548)	$ (10,134)	$ (10,036)	$ (10,569)	$ (7,403)	$ (17,313)	$ (18,310)	$ (42,989)	$ (53,595)	$ (71,951)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.47)	$ (0.49)