EPIRUS Biopharmaceuticals (EPRSQ) 10-K 14 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 12, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Zalicus Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001135906	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	26,108,910	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$74,398,690.80

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,958	$4,531
Restricted cash	50	50
Short-term investments	'	30,059
Accounts receivable	2,511	3,045
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	223	684
Total current assets	20,742	38,369
Property and equipment, net	2,363	3,535
Intangible asset, net	7,200	17,654
Restricted cash and other assets	1,801	1,817
Total assets	32,106	61,375
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	2,237	3,261
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,339	4,841
Deferred revenue	2,392	4,918
Current portion of term loan payable	6,640	6,327
Current portion of lease incentive obligation	284	284
Total current liabilities	14,892	19,631
Term loan payable, net of current portion	2,132	8,772
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	'	600
Deferred rent, net of current portion	309	457
Lease incentive obligation, net of current portion	591	875
Other long-term liabilities	'	14
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 26,090 and 21,170 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	26	21
Additional paid-in capital	393,796	372,018
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	10
Accumulated deficit	-379,640	-341,023
Stockholders' equity	14,182	31,026
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$32,106	$61,375

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Preferred stock, shares Outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	26,090	26,090
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,170	21,170

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue:	'	'	'
Royalties	$6,661	$5,220	$2,521
cHTS services and other collaborations	8,070	7,330	5,663
Total revenue	14,731	12,550	8,184
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	33,964	41,423	35,294
General and administrative	7,523	8,977	10,400
Amortization of intangible	8,722	3,892	5,141
Impairment charge	1,732	'	'
Restructuring	'	1,094	'
Total operating expenses	51,941	55,386	50,835
Loss from operations	-37,210	-42,836	-42,651
Interest income	46	150	136
Interest expense	-1,467	-2,173	-976
Other income	14	91	20
Net loss before benefit for income taxes	-38,617	-44,768	-43,471
Benefit for income taxes	'	441	1,428
Net loss	-38,617	-44,327	-42,043
Net loss per share-basic and diluted	($1.68)	($2.27)	($2.59)
Weighted average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation-basic and diluted	22,932,675	19,552,828	16,224,532
Net loss	-38,617	-44,327	-42,043
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments	-10	18	12
Comprehensive loss	($38,627)	($44,309)	($42,031)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$62,997	$15	$317,655	($20)	($254,653)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	14,852,136	'	'	'
Comprehensive loss	-42,031	'	'	12	-42,043
Exercise of stock options	1,124	'	1,124	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	'	175,711	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, Shares	'	31,250	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,196	'	2,196	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	19,199	1	19,198	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	1,480,800	'	'	'
Issuance of warrants in connection with term loan	428	'	428	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	43,913	16	340,601	-8	-296,696
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	16,539,897	'	'	'
Comprehensive loss	-44,309	'	'	18	-44,327
Exercise of stock options	124	'	124	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	'	25,090	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, Shares	'	31,250	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,832	'	1,832	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	29,112	5	29,107	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	4,524,989	'	'	'
Severance payment settled in stock	354	'	354	'	'
Severance payment settled in stock, Shares	'	48,611	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	31,026	21	372,018	10	-341,023
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	26,090,000	21,169,837	'	'	'
Comprehensive loss	-38,627	'	'	-10	-38,617
Exercise of stock options	7	'	7	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	2,916	2,916	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, Shares	'	31,250	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,001	'	2,001	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	19,775	5	19,770	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	4,876,186	'	'	'
Severance payment settled in stock, Shares	'	9,722	'	'	'
Partial shares paid out in connection with 1-for-6 stock split, Shares	'	-26	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$14,182	$26	$393,796	'	($379,640)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	26,090,000	26,089,885	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net loss	($38,617)	($44,327)	($42,043)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	10,048	5,373	7,205
Noncash impairment charge	1,732	'	'
Noncash restructuring charge	'	-7	'
Noncash interest expense	174	266	152
Noncash rent expense	-284	-284	-283
Stock-based compensation expense	2,001	1,832	2,196
Loss (gain) on fixed assets	19	-8	42
Loss (gain) on foreign exchange	0	7	-53
Decrease in deferred rent	-148	-148	-138
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	534	-1,159	-281
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	472	756	-460
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	-1,024	1,518	-97
(Decrease) increase in accrued restructuring	-34	29	'
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities	-1,482	-1,506	72
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	-3,126	-831	312
Net cash used in operating activities	-29,735	-38,489	-33,376
Investing activities	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-180	-48	-350
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	7	308	43
Purchases of short-term investments	-31,848	-110,481	-160,196
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	61,907	125,546	156,883
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	29,886	15,325	-3,620
Financing activities	'	'	'
Net proceeds from term loan	'	'	16,979
Repayment of term loan	-6,496	-4,293	-364
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	19,775	29,112	19,199
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7	124	1,124
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,286	24,943	36,938
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-10	2	-12
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	13,427	1,781	-70
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	4,531	2,750	2,820
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	17,958	4,531	2,750
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	1,289	1,851	649
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities	'	'	'
Fair value of warrants issued in connection with issuance of term loans	'	'	428
Assets acquired under capital lease	'	'	$159

Nature_of_the_Business

Nature of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of the Business	'
	1	Nature of the Business
	On September 8, 2010, CombinatoRx, Incorporated changed its name to Zalicus Inc. In conjunction with the name change, the trading symbol for its common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market changed from “CRXX” to “ZLCS”. Zalicus Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 28, 2000. Zalicus Inc., and its subsidiaries (“Zalicus” or the “Company”), is a biopharmaceutical company developing drug candidates with a focus on the treatment of pain. To date, the Company has devoted substantially all of its resources to the development of its drug discovery technologies and the research and development of its drug candidates, including conducting preclinical and clinical trials and seeking intellectual property protection for its technology and product candidates.
	On December 21, 2009, the Company completed a merger, referred to as the Neuromed Merger, with Neuromed Pharmaceuticals Inc., or Neuromed, pursuant to which Neuromed Pharmaceuticals Ltd., became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zalicus. Neuromed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is now named Zalicus Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and is referred to as Zalicus Canada.
	The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the life science industry. All of its current product candidates are in preclinical or clinical development. If it does not successfully commercialize any of its product candidates, it will be unable to generate product revenue or achieve profitability.
	The Company has a limited operating history and has incurred losses from operations since inception, resulting in an accumulated deficit of $379,640 at December 31, 2013. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are expected to be sufficient to fund operations through at least December 31, 2014. The Company may seek additional funding through public or private equity or debt financings and collaboration agreements. Additional funding, if needed, may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or at all. Any additional equity financing would be dilutive to existing stockholders, and any debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants that could adversely impact how the Company conducts its business. If the Company is unable to obtain funding on a timely basis, it may be required to significantly curtail its business or one or more of its research or development programs. The Company also could be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborators or others that may require the Company to relinquish rights to some of its technologies or product candidates which the Company would otherwise develop and pursue on its own.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2		Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, controlled subsidiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Reverse Stock Split
	The Company effected a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock on October 3, 2013. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the reverse stock split for all periods presented. The shares of common stock retained a par value of $0.001 per share. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity reflects the reverse stock split by reclassifying from common stock to additional paid-in capital an amount equal to the par value of the decreased shares resulting from the reverse stock split. As a result of the reverse stock split, the Company regained compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market, effective October 14, 2013.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. During 2013, the Company changed its presentation of revenue to present royalty income separately from collaboration revenue and to combine government grant revenue with collaboration revenue. As a result, the Company reclassified (i) $5,220 and $2,521 from collaboration revenue to royalties for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and (ii) $453 and $589 from government contracts and grants to cHTS services and other collaborations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 or statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Key estimates include the timing of clinical trial expenditures, estimates of the fair value of an intangible asset and stock compensation expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency Transactions
	The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary is the United States dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. Net foreign exchange losses of $0 and $7 were recorded in other expense in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and a gain of $53 was recorded in other expense in the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive loss is the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive loss includes net loss and unrealized gain on investments for all periods presented.
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued amended accounting guidance for reporting accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amendments require a company to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, a company is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013. The Company did not recognize any realized gains or losses from sales of its available-for-sale securities and did not reclassify any amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Revenue Recognition
	Multiple-Element Arrangements
	Under the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition related to multiple-element revenue arrangements, each deliverable within a multiple-element revenue arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the Company’s control. The Company considers a deliverable to have standalone value if the Company sells this item separately or if the item is sold by another vendor or could be resold by the customer. Deliverables not meeting the criteria for being a separate unit of accounting are accounted for on a combined basis.
	In the event the Company enters into a contract in which the deliverables are required to be separated, the Company will allocate arrangement consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. The Company determines selling price using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if it exists; otherwise, the Company uses third-party evidence (“TPE”). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses estimated selling price (“ESP”) to allocate the arrangement consideration. The Company applies appropriate revenue recognition guidance to each unit of accounting.
	Milestones
	Contingent consideration from research and development activities that is earned upon the achievement of a substantive milestone is recognized in its entirety in the period in which the milestone is achieved. At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (a) the consideration is commensurate with either (1) the entity’s performance to achieve the milestone, or (2) the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from the entity’s performance to achieve the milestone, (b) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (c) the consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the respective milestone, the level of effort and investment required and whether the milestone consideration is reasonable relative to all deliverables and payment terms in the arrangement in making this assessment.
	Collaborative Research and Development and Service Agreements
	The Company has entered into collaborative research and development agreements and service agreements with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and charitable foundations. These agreements are generally in the form of research and development and license agreements. The agreements are primarily for early-stage compounds and are generally focused on specific disease areas. The agreements generally provide for nonrefundable up-front payments, milestone payments upon achieving significant milestone events and in some cases ongoing research funding. The agreements also contemplate royalty payments on sales if and when the product receives marketing approval by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
	The Company’s collaboration agreements typically include one or more of the following deliverables: research and development services, screening services, licenses to the Company’s high throughput screening analysis software and licenses to specific pharmaceutical compounds. The arrangements do not contain any substantive performance conditions or refund rights. The Company evaluates its arrangements with software license components in order to determine whether the arrangement should be accounted for under revenue recognition guidance for software or if other applicable revenue guidance should be applied. Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Consideration allocated to licenses that do not have standalone value or amounts allocated to units of accounting that will be delivered or provided over a period of time, where the Company has a continuing obligation to perform services, are deferred and recognized over the performance period. Revenues for research and development and screening services are recognized as services are performed. Royalty revenue is recognized based upon net sales of licensed products as provided by the relevant license and is recognized in the period the sales occur. The periods over which revenue is recognized are subject to estimates by management and may change over the course of a collaborative agreement.
	Government Contracts and Grants
	Revenue under government grants or cost reimbursement contracts is recognized as the Company performs the underlying research and development activities.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at high-quality financial institutions. The Company limits the amount of investment in any one type of investment, thereby reducing credit risk concentrations. The Company does not believe there is significant concentration of credit risk related to accounts receivable since its customers are primarily large well-capitalized pharmaceutical companies, foundations or government agencies.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents, except for those funds managed by the Company’s investment manager, which are classified as short-term investments. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market instruments.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying values of the Company’s cash equivalents and term loan payable approximate their fair values.
	The Company has certain assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, which have been classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements.
		•		Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include money market funds, U.S. government securities and bank deposits.
		•		Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted market prices, interest rates and yield curves. Assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include U.S. agency securities, including direct issuance bonds and corporate bonds.
		•		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the Company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers between levels.
	The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012:
			Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2012
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments		$	8,524	$	21,535	$	—	$	30,059
	The Company’s Level 2 securities are valued using third-party pricing sources. These sources generally use interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals of similar assets as observable inputs for pricing.
	The disclosed fair value of the Company’s term loan payable is determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date. The carrying value of the Company’s term loan payable approximates fair value because of the length of the remaining term of the loan and an interest rate yield that is near current market rate yields. The disclosed fair value of the Company’s term loan payable is a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,732 in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss to reduce the carrying amount of the Exalgo intangible asset to its estimated fair value of $7,200 at December 31, 2013, which is based upon the sale of the asset in January 2014 (see Note 5). The estimated fair value of the Exalgo intangible asset as of December 31, 2013is a Level 3 measurement and was determined after considering the proceeds from the sale of the asset in January 2014 of $7,200.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to the statement of operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
	Accrued Clinical Expenses
	As part of the process of preparing the Company’s financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its accrued expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with Company personnel to identify services that have been performed on its behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when the Company has not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual cost. Payments under some of the contracts the Company has with third parties depend on factors, such as the milestones accomplished, successful enrollment of certain numbers of patients, site initiation and the completion of clinical trial milestones. Examples of estimated accrued clinical expenses include:
		•		fees paid to investigative sites and laboratories in connection with clinical studies;
		•		fees paid to clinical research organizations, or CROs, in connection with clinical studies, if CROs are used; and
		•		fees paid to contract manufacturers in connection with the production of clinical study materials.
	In accruing clinical expenses, the Company estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If possible, the Company obtains information regarding unbilled services directly from the service providers. However, the Company may be required to estimate the cost of these services based on information available to it. If the Company underestimates or overestimates the cost associated with a trial or service at a given point in time, adjustments to research and development expenses may be necessary in future periods. Historically, the Company’s estimated accrued clinical expenses have approximated actual expenses incurred.
	Research and Development Expenses
	Research and development expenses include all direct costs, including cash compensation, stock-based compensation and benefits for research and development personnel, supplies and materials, external costs including costs of clinical trials, formulation, manufacturing, preclinical programs, collaboration expenses, external consultants, infrastructure costs and overhead related to the development of drug candidates. These costs have been charged to research and development expense as incurred.
	Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are deferred and recorded as a prepaid expense. The prepaid amounts are expensed as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed. If expectations change such that the Company does not expect it will need the goods to be delivered or the services to be rendered, prepaid nonrefundable advance payments would be charged to expense.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company continually monitors whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets, including property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, may no longer be recoverable or that the estimated remaining useful life of these assets may warrant revision. The carrying value for long-lived assets is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than the asset’s carrying value. Any write-downs are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying value of the assets.
	Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes as expense the estimated grant date fair value of all share-based payments to employees. The Company accounts for transactions in which services are received from non-employees in exchange for equity instruments based on the fair value of such services received or of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred taxes are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided, if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company’s evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2000 through December 31, 2013, the tax years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2013. The Company may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have not impacted the financial results of the Company. In the event the Company would receive an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it would be classified as general and administrative expense in the consolidated financial statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update clarifying the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The updated guidance requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward when settlement of the liability for an unrecognized tax benefit in this manner is available. The update is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption and retrospective adoption are permitted. Because the guidance relates only to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, the Company does not expect the adoption in January 2014 to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

ShortTerm_Investments

Short-Term Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Investments	'
	3	Short-Term Investments
	Short-term investments consist primarily of investments with original maturities greater than ninety days and less than one year when purchased and also investments in money market funds. The Company classifies these investments as available-for-sale. Unrealized gains and losses are included in other comprehensive loss.
	The Company had $0 of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2013. Available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	December 31, 2012—
	Corporate debt securities	$	21,525	$	10	$	—	$	21,535
	Treasury money market funds		8,524		—		—		8,524
		$	30,049	$	10	$	—	$	30,059
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities, which excludes money market funds, at December 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
		December 31, 2012
		Cost		Estimated
				Fair Value
	Maturing in one year or less	$	21,525	$	21,535
	Maturing in more than one year	$	—	$	—
	The cost of securities sold is determined based on the specific identification method for purposes of recording realized gains and losses. Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investments have not been material to the Company’s results of operations for all periods presented. As a matter of investment policy, the Company does not invest in auction rate securities.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	4	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
		Estimated Useful Life (Years)	December 31,
			2013			2012
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or life of lease	$	5,596		$	5,571
	Laboratory equipment	5		5,949			6,036
	Computer equipment	3		843			805
	Construction in progress	—		39			5
	Capitalized software	5		815			815
	Furniture and fixtures	3		497			496
				13,739			13,728
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(11,376	)		(10,193	)
			$	2,363		$	3,535
	Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1,326, $1,481 and $2,064, respectively.

Intangible_Asset

Intangible Asset	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Asset	'
	5	Intangible Asset
	The intangible asset relates to rights to receive milestone payments and royalties from Mallinckrodt Inc. for the commercial rights to Exalgo that were acquired as part of the merger with Neuromed Pharmaceuticals Ltd., or Neuromed (see Note 8). The intangible asset was initially recorded on December 21, 2009 at a value of $45,943 with an ongoing useful life of five years, representing the remaining patent life of Exalgo. The intangible asset was being amortized in a manner which reflected estimates of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from Exalgo. At December 31, 2011, the Company evaluated the Exalgo intangible asset based on estimates of future undiscounted cash flows and determined that the remaining useful life should be increased to four years. The Company recorded amortization expense of $8,722, $3,892 and $5,141 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	On January 31, 2014, Zalicus Canada and Mallinckrodt Medical Imaging – Ireland, an affiliate of Mallinckrodt plc, entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement (the “Royalty Purchase Agreement”) relating to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2009, between Zalicus and Mallinckrodt Inc. (collectively with Mallinckrodt Medical Imaging – Ireland and Mallinckrodt plc, “Mallinckrodt”), as amended (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Royalty Purchase Agreement, in exchange for the payment of $7,200 from Mallinckrodt to the Company on January 31, 2014, the Company has terminated any further rights it has to the payment of royalties on net sales of Exalgo by Mallinckrodt for any period subsequent to December 31, 2013.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company concluded that facts and circumstances existed which indicated that the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeded its estimated fair value. The Company determined the estimated fair value of the intangible asset as of December 31, 2013 based on the $7,200 in proceeds from the Royalty Purchase Agreement. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,732 in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the gross carrying amount of the intangible asset was $7,200 and $45,943, respectively and accumulated amortization was $0 and $28,289, respectively.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring	'
	6	Restructuring
	On February 8, 2012, the Company committed to closing its discovery research operations in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Company closed its Vancouver discovery research operations to conserve capital while still advancing the Company’s preclinical ion channel modulator program. The closing of the Vancouver operations resulted in a workforce reduction of 16 employees. The Company completed the restructuring during the fourth quarter of 2012.
	As a result of the closing of its Vancouver operations, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $1,094 in the year ended December 31, 2012. The restructuring charge was primarily associated with cash payments for severance and other personnel-related expenses. Severance payments continued into the first quarter of 2013. Costs associated with the restructuring are included in operating expenses in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in current liabilities on the balance sheet at December 31, 2012.
	The following table summarizes the activity of accrued restructuring expense as of December 31, 2013 related to the closing of the Company’s Vancouver discovery research operations:
		Balance at		Charges			Payments			Other		Balance at		Payments			Balance at
		December 31, 2011										December 31, 2012					December 31, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,101		$	(1,067	)	$	—	$	34	$	(34	)	$	—
	Facilities		—		(7	)		—			7		—		—			—
	Total	$	—	$	1,094		$	(1,067	)	$	7	$	34	$	(34	)	$	—

Term_Loan_Payable

Term Loan Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Term Loan Payable	'
	7	Term Loan Payable
	On December 22, 2010, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Oxford Finance Corporation (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender agreed to lend the Company up to $20,000. Upon entering into the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company borrowed $3,000 from the Lender (“Term Loan A”). Under the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company was eligible, in its sole discretion, borrow from the Lender up to an additional $8,500, at any time on or before July 15, 2011 (“Term Loan B”) and up to an additional $8,500, at any time on or before January 15, 2012 (“Term Loan C”, collectively with Term Loan A and Term Loan B, the “Term Loans”). The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Zalicus Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), is also a party to the Loan and Security Agreement as a co-borrower. The Company’s obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Subsidiary, other than intellectual property. The Company borrowed $8,500 under Term Loan B on June 27, 2011 and borrowed $8,500 under Term Loan C on December 16, 2011.
	The Company was required to make interest only payments on the Term Loans on a monthly basis for the first six full calendar months subsequent to the funding of the applicable Term Loan. After the interest only period, the Company was required to make payments of outstanding principal and interest on each Term Loan in 36 equal monthly installments. Each Term Loan becomes due and payable 42 months after the date of the funding of each Term Loan. Interest on each Term Loan accrued at an annual fixed rate equal to 10.26%, 10.25% and 10.51% for Term Loan A, Term Loan B and Term Loan C, respectively.
	Upon the last payment date of the amounts borrowed under the Loan and Security Agreement, whether on the maturity date of one of the Term Loans, on the date of any prepayment or on the date of acceleration in the event of a default, the Company was required to pay the Lender a final payment fee equal to 1.5% of any of the Term Loans borrowed. The Company recorded the final payment fee as interest expense over the term of the loan.
	Upon the occurrence of an event of default, including payment defaults, breaches of covenants, a material adverse change in the collateral, the Company’s business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) and certain levies, attachments and other restraints on the Company’s business, the interest rate will be increased by five percentage points and all outstanding obligations will become immediately due and payable. The Loan and Security Agreement also contains a subjective acceleration clause, which provides the Lender the ability to demand repayment of the loan early upon a material adverse change, as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement. The portion of the Term Loans that is not due within 12 months of December 31, 2013 has been classified as long-term, as the Company believed a material adverse change is remote.
	In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement with Oxford, the Company issued to Oxford warrants to purchase its common stock each time the Company borrowed funds under the loan and security agreement. Specifically, on December 22, 2010, the Company issued Oxford a warrant to purchase 10,791 shares of its common stock with a per share exercise price of $8.34; on June 27, 2011, the Company issued Oxford a warrant to purchase 18,876 shares of its common stock with a per share exercise price of $13.50; and on December 16, 2011, the Company issued to Oxford a warrant to purchase 37,373 shares of its common stock with a per share exercise price of $6.84. The warrants are exercisable, in whole or in part, immediately, upon issuance and may be exercised on a cashless basis. The warrants will terminate on the earlier of December 22, 2017 and the closing of a merger or consolidation transaction in which Zalicus is not the surviving entity.
	The fair values of the warrants issued in connection with Term Loan A, Term Loan B and Term Loan C were $81, $231 and $209, respectively and were recorded as a discount to the respective Term Loan. The Company also reimbursed the Lender certain costs associated with the Loan and Security Agreement of $42 which was also recorded as a discount to the respective Term Loans. The discounts are being amortized to interest expense over the 42 month period that applicable Term Loans are outstanding using the effective interest method.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company prepaid its outstanding indebtedness of $8,647, including accrued interest, to the Lender under the Loan and Security Agreement. The proceeds from the Royalty Purchase Agreement of $7,200, along with the royalty payment of approximately $2,006 from Mallinckrodt for royalties earned on net sales of Exalgo for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, were sufficient to prepay the remaining balance of $8,647 under the Loan and Security Agreement. As a result, the Loan and Security Agreement is terminated effective January 31, 2014, and the Lender has released all security interests in the Company’s tangible and intangible property.

Research_and_Development_Agree

Research and Development Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Research And Development [Abstract]	'
Research and Development Agreements	'
	8		Research and Development Agreements
	Mallinckrodt Inc., a subsidiary of Covidien plc
	In June 2009, Neuromed entered into the Asset Purchase Agreement with Mallinckrodt, then a subsidiary of Covidien plc, to sell all of the tangible and intangible assets associated with Exalgo, including the rights to develop and commercialize the product candidate in the United States. As part of the agreement, Neuromed received upfront payments of $15,000. The Company received a milestone payment of $40,000 following FDA approval of Exalgo in March 2010 and was eligible for tiered royalties on Mallinckrodt’s net sales of Exalgo. Mallinckrodt was obligated to pay these royalties on net sales for as long as it sold Exalgo although the royalty rate will be reduced upon the earlier to occur of generic competition or June 11, 2024. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, total revenue recognized from Mallinckrodt represented 45.2%, 42.0% and 35.0% of total revenue, respectively.
	Mallinckrodt launched the commercial sale of Exalgo in the second quarter of 2010. The Company recognized $6,661, $5,220 and $2,521 of revenue related to royalties from Mallinckrodt’s sale of Exalgo during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company received payments related to Exalgo royalties totaling $6,120, $4,593 and $2,058 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Pursuant to the Royalty Purchase Agreement between the Company and Mallinckrodt, in exchange for the payment of $7,200 from Mallinckrodt to the Company on January 31, 2014, the Company has terminated any further rights it has to the payment of royalties on net sales of Exalgo by Mallinckrodt for any period subsequent to December 31, 2013.
	Neuromed also entered into a development and transition services agreement with Mallinckrodt, pursuant to which the Company performed development and regulatory activities relating to the FDA approval of Exalgo and some post-approval activities. These activities were at Mallinckrodt’s cost and expense, capped at $16,000. Under the development and transition services agreement, which expired in November 2011, $8,763 was billed and received. The Company recorded $56 and $340 of revenue and received payments related to development and transition services totaling $100 and $371 during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA
	On January 30, 2006, the Company entered into a research and license agreement with Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA (“Fovea”). Under the terms of the agreement, Fovea agreed to conduct, at its own expense, preclinical and clinical development of combination drug candidates it selected from the Company’s portfolio of product candidates for certain ophthalmic indications, including creating ophthalmic formulations for these selected drug candidates. Fovea was acquired by Sanofi SA in October 2009 and is now a subsidiary of Sanofi.
	On July 22, 2009, the Company and Fovea amended and restated the research and license agreement. Under the amended and restated agreement, the Company granted Fovea an exclusive worldwide license to certain drug combinations to treat allergic and inflammatory diseases of the front of the eye. Fovea has advanced one such combination, Prednisporin (FOV1101), through Phase 2b clinical development for allergic conjunctivitis and is currently seeking to continue the development of Prednisporin (FOV1101) through a sublicense.
	The Company has received payments totaling $1.5 million related to Prednisporin (FOV1101) and is eligible to receive up to an additional $39.0 million from Fovea upon achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones for Prednisporin (FOV1101) and each other product candidate subject to the research and license agreement as follows:
		•		Up to $3.0 million in clinical development milestones.
		•		Up to $21.0 million in regulatory milestones.
		•		A $15.0 million milestone for the FDA approval of a product candidate to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye syndrome.
	The most advanced product candidate subject to the Fovea agreement, Prednisporin (FOV1101), is not currently being developed, or planned to be developed, to treat dry eye syndrome, nor are there any other product candidates subject to the Fovea agreement that are currently being developed for dry eye syndrome. As a result, the Company believes that there is a remote likelihood that this milestone will be achieved. The Company did not recognize any milestone payments under this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Novartis
	In May 2009, Zalicus entered into a research collaboration and license agreement (“Collaboration Agreement”) with Novartis Institutes of BioMedical Research, Inc., (“Novartis”), focused on the discovery of novel anti-cancer combinations. Through the collaboration, the Company is using its proprietary cHTS platform to screen a unique library of molecules, including Novartis compounds, in multiple cell lines representing a broad spectrum of cancers to potentially discover novel single agent and combination therapies to treat various cancers.
	Under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement, the Company received an initial payment of $4,000 and will receive annual research support payments of up to $3,000, plus certain expenses. In addition, the Collaboration Agreement may provide the Company with up to $58,000 for each combination product candidate advanced by Novartis upon achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones as follows:
		•		Up to $5,000 in clinical development milestones.
		•		Up to $23,000 in regulatory milestones.
		•		Up to $30,000 in commercial milestones.
	The Company did not recognize any milestone payments under this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	The Collaboration Agreement had an initial two-year term that could be extended by Novartis for three additional one-year periods. In January 2011, Novartis elected to extend the research program for an additional contract year, into May 2012. The Company also entered into a software license agreement with Novartis (“Software License”), where the Company provided Novartis with a non-exclusive license to use its proprietary Chalice™ software in connection with the collaboration and other Novartis research programs for approximately five years.
	In April, 2012, Novartis and the Company entered into an amendment to the Collaboration Agreement to extend the funded research program pursuant to the Collaboration Agreement for an additional year until May 1, 2013. The amendment also changed the basis for up to $3,000 of annual research support payments under the Collaboration Agreement from payments to fund the Company’s full-time equivalent employees to payments based on the Company’s combination screening deliverables. The amendment was not a material modification of the arrangement pursuant to the accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements.
	In April 2013, Novartis and the Company entered into a second amendment to the Collaboration Agreement, to extend the funded research program under the Collaboration Agreement until October 31, 2014. The second amendment provides for up to an additional $3,000 in funded research payments under the Collaboration Agreement.
	In April 2013, Novartis and the Company entered into an amendment to the Software License, to extend the term of the license until October 31, 2014, and to amend Novartis’ option to extend the term of the Software License to a single, one-year option, exercisable upon the payment of amended additional software licensing fees.
	The library to be screened under the collaboration will consist of certain Novartis oncology compounds and compounds from the Company’s library of approved drugs and other molecules. Novartis will own and have an exclusive license to intellectual property generated under the collaboration to research, develop and commercialize their approved or active development-stage compounds. The Company will own and have an exclusive license to intellectual property generated under the collaboration to research, develop and commercialize compounds from the Company’s library. Intellectual property generated under the collaboration using certain compounds from the Novartis library will be jointly owned by Novartis and the Company and non-exclusively licensed to allow each party to research, develop and commercialize product candidates. Under the Collaboration Agreement, Novartis retains an option, exercisable once per year of the Collaboration Agreement, to exclusively license a portion of this jointly owned intellectual property if certain conditions are met. Novartis also has a right of first negotiation to exclusively license the intellectual property owned by the Company that was discovered as a part of the collaboration, under terms to be negotiated by the parties at such time.
	The Collaboration Agreement may be terminated by either party after ninety days’ notice upon an unremedied material breach and upon thirty days’ notice in the event of bankruptcy of the other party. Novartis may terminate the Collaboration Agreement after sixty days’ notice in the event of a change in control or liquidation of the Company, as defined in the Collaboration Agreement.
	The Company is recognizing the total consideration under the agreement ratably over the extended Software License term. The Company recorded $4,833, $4,000 and $2,667 of revenue related to the research and license agreement for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, representing 32.8%, 31.9% and 32.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company received payments related to the research and license agreement totaling $2,190 and $3,400 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had unbilled receivables for this agreement totaling $263 and $450, respectively.
	Amgen Inc.
	In December 2009, Zalicus entered into a research collaboration agreement with Amgen Inc. (“Amgen”), focused on identifying synergistic combinations for two oncology targets of interest to Amgen. Under the agreement, the Company received a $750 payment in January 2010 to fund the initial research plan, and Amgen also agreed to reimburse the Company for laboratory supplies consumed. The initial research plan ended in September 2010, and Amgen elected for the Company to do follow-up research at an annual rate of $300 per full-time employee equivalent, plus the reimbursement of laboratory supplies. Amgen will also pay the Company a $1,000 milestone payment for each investigational new drug application filing by Amgen for a product candidate with new intellectual property generated by the collaboration. The Company did not recognize any milestone payments under this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. The Company also entered into a software license agreement with Amgen in May 2011, pursuant to which the Company provided Amgen with a non-exclusive license to use its proprietary Chalice software in connection with the collaboration and other Amgen research programs for one year. The Company entered into an amendment to this software license agreement with Amgen in August 2012, pursuant to which the Company provided Amgen with the same non-exclusive license for an additional year. Through December 31, 2013, the Company has received $2,855 in funding, expense reimbursement and software license fees under these agreements.
	The Company recorded $1,183, $285 and $347 of revenue related to the agreements with Amgen for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company received payments related to the agreements with Amgen totaling $1,349, $153 and $378 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	USAMRIID
	In December 2008, the Company entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, or USAMRIID, focused on discovering agents to prevent or treat Ebola, Marburg and Lassa virus infections, which was extended in October 2010. Under the agreement, which expired in September 2011, the Company and USAMRIID undertook a joint research project, and the Company was eligible to receive up to $1,387 in funding. The Company received approximately $1,364 in funding from this agreement.
	In May 2010, Zalicus entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with USAMRIID focused on discovering agents to prevent or treat Alphavirus infections. Under the agreement, which expired in April 2013, the Company and USAMRIID undertook a joint research project, and the Company was eligible to receive up to approximately $1,056 in funding. The Company received approximately $1,056 in funding from this agreement.
	In September 2012, the Company entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with USAMRIID focused on discovering chemotherapeutic interventions to prevent and/or treat encephalitic and viral hemorrhagic fever virus infections. This agreement had an initial one-year term that was extended by USAMRIID for an additional one-year period. Zalicus and USAMRIID have mutually agreed to terminate the activities under the cooperative research and development agreement as of February 28, 2014. Under this agreement, the Company and USAMRIID undertook a joint research project, and the Company was eligible to receive up to approximately $353 in funding in the first year and $382 in funding in the second year. Through December 31, 2013, the Company has received approximately $458 in funding from this agreement.
	The Company recorded $596, $453 and $560 of revenue related to the cooperative research and development agreements with USAMRIID for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company received payments related to the agreements totaling $557, $443 and $638 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had unbilled receivables for these agreements totaling $19 and $59, respectively.
	Other Research Agreements
	The Company recorded revenue of $1,458, $2,536 and $1,749 related to other cHTS research agreements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company received payments related to these agreements totaling $1,923, $1,870 and $1,770 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme

Research Collaboration Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Research Collaboration Agreement	'
	9	Research Collaboration Agreement
	In February 2012, the Company entered into a research collaboration agreement with Hydra Biosciences, Inc. (“Hydra”) to advance the development of its preclinical ion channel modulator product candidates for the treatment of pain. The collaboration brings together the Company’s portfolio of novel, preclinical ion channel product candidates, with Hydra’s expertise in novel ion channel discovery and preclinical drug development with the goal of advancing ion channel drug candidates into clinical development for the treatment of pain. Under the terms of the research collaboration agreement, the Company funded research and development activities at Hydra for a two-year period until February 2014, during which time Hydra performed the discovery and preclinical development work necessary to advance the Company’s preclinical ion channel product candidates toward clinical development. In addition, the Company will retain all intellectual property and commercial rights to its ion channel product candidates that are studied under the research collaboration agreement. The Company recorded research and development expense of $2,775 and $2,477 in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, relating to this agreement and anticipates incurring payments of $1,313 over the remaining term of the agreement. The research collaboration agreement with Hydra expired in February 2014 in accordance with its terms.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Common Stock	'
	10	Common Stock
	Each share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), is entitled to one vote. The holders of common stock are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes of stock outstanding.
	Equity Financings
	Equity Distribution Agreements
	On February 9, 2011, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with Wedbush Securities Inc. (“Wedbush”), pursuant to which the Company could issue and sell shares of its Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $20,000 from time to time through Wedbush acting as agent and/or principal. The Company agreed to pay Wedbush a commission, or allow a discount, of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale. On March 31, 2011, the Company terminated its equity distribution agreement with Wedbush. The Company sold an aggregate of 1,480,800 shares of Common Stock for net proceeds of approximately $19,199.
	On January 10, 2012, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with Wedbush, pursuant to which the Company could issue and sell shares of its Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,000 from time to time through Wedbush acting as agent and/or principal. The Company agreed to pay Wedbush a commission, or allow a discount, of 2.5% of the gross proceeds from each sale. On March 28, 2012, the Company terminated its equity distribution agreement with Wedbush. The Company sold an aggregate of 2,342,996 shares of Common Stock for net proceeds of approximately $14,484.
	On June 19, 2012, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with Wedbush, pursuant to which the Company could issue and sell shares of its Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15,000 from time to time through Wedbush acting as agent and/or principal. The Company agreed to pay Wedbush a commission, or allow a discount, of 2.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale. In August 2012, the Company terminated its equity distribution agreement with Wedbush. The Company sold an aggregate of 2,181,993 shares of Common Stock for net proceeds of approximately $14,628.
	Purchase Agreement
	On May 8, 2013, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“LPC”), pursuant to which the Company has the right to sell to LPC up to $25,000 of shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, over the period from May 8, 2013 to May 1, 2015.
	As consideration for entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company also issued LPC 133,333 shares of Common Stock. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of these 133,333 shares. Under the Purchase Agreement, on any business day and as often as every other business day over the 24-month term of the Purchase Agreement, and up to an aggregate amount of an additional $23,000 (subject to certain limitations) in shares of Common Stock, the Company has the right, from time to time, at its sole discretion and subject to certain conditions to direct LPC to purchase up to 83,333 shares of Common Stock. The purchase price of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Purchase Agreement will be based on prevailing market prices of Common Stock at the time of sales without any fixed discount, and the Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of Common Stock to LPC, but in no event will shares be sold to LPC on a day the Common Stock closing price is less than $1.00 per share, subject to adjustment. In addition, the Company may direct LPC to purchase additional amounts as accelerated purchases if on the date of a regular purchase the closing sale price of the Common Stock is not below $3.00 per share. There is no upper limit on the price per share that LPC could be obligated to pay for Common Stock under the Purchase Agreement. The Company has the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement at any time, at no cost or penalty
	From the effective date of the Purchase Agreement through December 31, 2013, the Company issued a total of 4,876,186 shares of Common Stock to LPC, including the 133,333 shares of Common Stock issued to LPC as consideration for entering into the Purchase Agreement, for aggregate gross proceeds of $19,811.
	Between January 1 and March 13, 2014, the Company did not issue any additional shares of Common Stock to LPC under the Purchase Agreement.
	Reserved Shares
	The Company has reserved a total of 2,960,818 shares of common stock for the exercise of stock options and warrants at December 31, 2013. The Company issued warrants to purchase 1,560 shares of common stock to General Electric Capital Corporation with an exercise price of $40.50 per share that expire on September 15, 2014 and June 28, 2015; and warrants to purchase 10,791, 18,876 and 37,373 shares of common stock to Oxford at exercise prices of $8.34, $13.50 and $6.84 per share, respectively. The Oxford warrants expire on December 22, 2017.

Stock_Compensation_Plans

Stock Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Compensation Plans	'
	11	Stock Compensation Plans
	Summary of Stock Compensation Plans
	In 2000, the Company adopted the 2000 Stock Plan (“2000 Plan”), as amended, under which 504,761 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, officers, directors, advisors and consultants. Options granted under the 2000 Plan may be incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options. As of December 31, 2013, there were no options available for future issuance under the 2000 Plan.
	In December 2004, the Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2004 Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”), which was effective upon the Company’s initial public offering on November 9, 2005. On December 21, 2009, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Meeting, authorized an increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance. As of December 21, 2009, 3,333,333 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The 2004 Plan includes an “evergreen provision” that allows for an annual increase in the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, which annual increase will be added on the first day of each fiscal year from 2011 through 2015, inclusive, and will be equal to the least of (i) 666,667 shares of common stock, (ii) 4% of the outstanding shares on that date or (iii) such lesser amount determined by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors elected not to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issue under the 2004 Plan in each of the years subsequent to 2009. The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock and unrestricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, cash awards, performance awards and restricted stock units. Awards under the 2004 Plan may be granted to employees, directors, consultants and advisors. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1,137,977 shares available for future issuance under the 2004 plan.
	The Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, administers the 2000 Plan and the 2004 Plan and has sole discretion to grant options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock and other stock-based awards or to delegate to certain officers of the Company the ability to make specified grants. The Compensation Committee or the respective officers of the Company determine the exercise price and the period over which options become exercisable. However, incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, or for a term in excess of ten years. For holders of more than 10% of the Company’s total combined voting power of all classes of stock, incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant, and for a term not to exceed five years.
	The Company recognized stock compensation expense of $2,001, $1,832 and $2,196 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Stock Options
	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended are presented in the table and narrative below:
		Options			Weighted-			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price			Remaining
								Contractual
								Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,314,196		$	9.37
	Granted		604,901			4.53
	Exercised		(2,916	)		2.46
	Cancelled		(234,856	)		9.44
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,681,325		$	7.63			7.19		$	—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		1,376,512		$	8.29			6.8		$	—
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		854,469		$	9.5			5.82		$	—
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the value (the difference between the Company’s closing common stock price on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 2013 and the exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, there was $1,892 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted under the plans. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.88 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3.69, $5.32 and $11.47, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3, $43 and $1,381, respectively, and represents the difference between the exercise price of the option and the market price of the Company’s common stock on the dates exercised.
	Stock-based compensation expense for stock options with performance-based vesting criteria is only recognized when it is probable that the vesting criteria will be achieved. On February 8, 2011, the Company issued 235,000 stock options, which are included in the table above, with performance-based vesting criteria. The fair value of the options granted was determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. On April 7, 2011, the performance-based vesting criteria were modified by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company calculated the fair value of the stock options at the modification date using the Black-Sholes pricing model. During 2012, 166,666 of these stock options were cancelled upon the termination of an executive. Also included in the cancelled options in the table above are 34,167 stock options that expired on January 1, 2013 as a result of performance-based vesting criteria not being achieved, and an additional 34,167 stock options that expired on July 1, 2013 as a result of separate performance-based vesting criteria not being achieved. Accordingly, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not recognize any stock compensation expense related to these stock options.
	The table above also includes 297,500 stock options issued on January 3, 2013 with performance-based vesting criteria. The fair value of the options granted was determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. In November 2013, the Company learned that the vesting criteria would not be achieved with respect to these outstanding performance-based options, which was confirmed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, so the stock options would expire on July 1, 2014. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not recognize any stock compensation expense related to these stock options.
	Valuation of Stock Options
	The Company calculates the grant date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the Company to make certain assumptions and estimates concerning its stock price volatility, the expected term of the awards, the rate of return of risk-free investments, and anticipated dividends. The Company determined that it has sufficient trading history as a public company to estimate stock price volatility and began to use its own historical volatility to develop such estimate. The Company utilizes the expected terms from an analysis of peer group companies to support the expected term used in the Black-Scholes model, as it does not believe it has sufficient historical data to support this assumption. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect for periods corresponding with the expected life of the stock option. The Company has estimated forfeitures based upon an average of its historical data of option cancellations and employee turnover rates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative true-up adjustment in the period of change. The resulting grant date fair value is recorded as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which generally equals the option vesting period.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Volatility factor		106.47	%		102.4	%		102.93	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.03	%		1.3	%		2.21	%
	Dividend yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
	Expected term (in years)		6			6			5.6
	Restricted Stock Units
	During 2010, the Company issued performance-based Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and RSUs with time-based vesting criteria to certain employees and directors. During 2013, the Company issued RSUs with time-based vesting criteria to its Chief Executive Officer. The fair value of RSUs is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the award date. Expense for performance-based RSUs is recognized when it is probable the performance goal will be achieved. On March 1, 2010, the performance goal was achieved for the RSUs granted in 2010 such that all of the awards are expected to ultimately vest. The expense for this grant will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting period. A summary of the status of non-vested RSUs as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock			Weighted-			Weighted			Aggregate
		Units			Average			Average			Intrinsic Value
					Grant Date Fair			Remaining
					Value			Contractual
								Term
	Non-vested at December 31, 2012		62,500		$	5.7
	Granted		41,666			4.56
	Vested		(31,250	)		5.7
	Cancelled		—			—
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2013		72,916		$	5.05			1.17		$	81
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $129 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs granted under the 2004 Plan. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of one year. The total fair value of RSUs vested for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $139, $219 and $403, respectively.
	On February 22, 2012, the Company granted 58,333 shares of common stock to a former executive as part of a separation agreement. The shares were granted from the 2004 Plan. The shares were issued over the period from September 4, 2012 through February 1, 2013. The grant date fair value of the shares was $354 and was recorded as a settlement of a previously accrued liability.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Geographic Information	'
	12	Segment and Geographic Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment. The Company operates in two geographic segments: the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2013, $2,363 and $0 of the Company’s property and equipment was located in the United States and Canada, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, $3,535 and $0 of the Company’s property and equipment assets was located in the United States and Canada, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, none of the Company’s revenues were generated from customers located outside the United States.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	13	Income Taxes
	The benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows, in thousands:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S.:
	Current	$	—		$	—		$	34
	Deferred		—			—			—
	Total U.S.		—			—			34
	Foreign:
	Current		—			441			1,394
	Deferred		—			—			—
	Total foreign		—			441			1,394
	Benefit for income taxes	$	—		$	441		$	1,428
	A reconciliation of the expected income tax benefit computed using the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax computed at federal statutory tax rate		34	%		34	%		34	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		0.9	%		2.6	%		2.4	%
	Change in valuation allowance		(35.7	)%		(36.5	)%		(36.2	)%
	Stock-based compensation		(0.8	)%		(0.6	)%		(5.0	)%
	Research and development credits		0.2	%		0.7	%		1.6	%
	Permanent differences		(0.2	)%		(0.2	)%		0.1	%
	Impact of state rate change		—	%		—	%		0.1	%
	Other		1.6	%		1	%		6.2	%
	Total		—	%		1	%		3.2	%
	The Company has incurred net operating losses since inception. At December 31, 2013, the Company had domestic federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $91,469 and $63,554, respectively, available to reduce future taxable income, which expire at various dates through 2033. At December 31, 2013, the Company also had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1,518 and $1,068, respectively, available to reduce future tax liabilities and which expire at various dates through 2033 and 2028, respectively. The Company also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards, subject to certain limitations on use, of approximately $105,921, which expire at various dates through 2033. The Company also has foreign research and development tax credit carryforwards of $7,277, which never expire. The domestic net operating loss carryforwards included $3,349 of federal and $308 of state net operating losses that are attributable to stock option exercises which will be recorded as an increase in additional paid-in-capital once they are “realized”. Utilization of the domestic federal net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 due to ownership change limitations that could occur in the future.
	Deferred taxes consist of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	60,839		$	47,924
	Research and development credits/Investment tax credits		14,224			13,306
	Capitalized research and development costs		5,630			6,940
	Stock-based compensation		4,127			3,733
	Depreciation and amortization		1,164			1,150
	Accrued expenses		58			205
	Deferred revenue		236			1,178
	Other		(583	)		(493	)
	Deferred tax asset		85,695			73,943
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(85,695	)		(73,943	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—		$	—
	Management of the Company has evaluated the positive and negative evidence bearing upon the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Management has determined at this time that it is more likely than not that the Company will not recognize the benefits of its federal and state deferred tax assets and, as a result, a valuation allowance of $85,695 and $73,943 has been established at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance was $11,752 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	As a result of the acquisition of Neuromed, the Company recorded a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $2,685 and interest and penalties of $560 in other long-term liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company reversed $0, $441 and $1,395 of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, and $0, $65 and $379 of related accrued interest and penalties, respectively, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax years. The Company has not, as yet, conducted a study of its domestic research and development credit carryforwards. This study may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s research and development credit carryforwards; however, until a study is completed and any adjustment is known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax position. A full valuation allowance has been provided against the Company’s research and development credits, and if an adjustment is required, this adjustment would be offset by an adjustment to the valuation allowance. As a result, there would be no impact to the consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and comprehensive loss or cash flows if an adjustment were required.
	There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2013. The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s gross uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
	December 31, 2010	$	1,878
	Decrease related to positions taken in prior years		—
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,395	)
	Foreign exchange revaluation		(52	)
	December 31, 2011	$	431
	Decrease related to positions taken in prior years		—
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(441	)
	Foreign exchange revaluation		10
	December 31, 2012	$	—
	The tax years 2000 through 2013 remain open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject, which are primarily in the United States and Canada, as carryforward attributes generated in years past may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Canada or state or provincial tax authorities if they have or will be used in a future period. The Company is currently not under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any other jurisdictions for any tax years. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized $0, $0 and $74 of interest expense, respectively, related to uncertain tax positions.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	14	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
			As of December 31,
			2013		2012
	Accrued clinical trial costs		$	803	$	1,535
	Accrued payroll and related benefits			656		1,696
	Accrued professional fees			290		179
	Accrued research collaboration expense			1,015		515
	Accrued other expenses			575		916
			$	3,339	$	4,841

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments	'
	15	Commitments
	On October 18, 2005, the Company entered into a lease agreement for approximately 40,000 square feet of office and laboratory space located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The initial term of the lease commenced on September 1, 2006 for the office space and December 1, 2006 for the laboratory space and was to extend until November 30, 2016 with two five-year renewal options. The Company had the right to use and controlled physical access to the leased premises beginning on December 6, 2005. Thus, the effective lease term began on that date. In March 2006, the Company amended (the “First Amendment”) the October 18, 2005 operating lease agreement. The First Amendment provided for 23,199 square feet of additional laboratory space. The Company committed to lease this additional laboratory space through January 2017. In addition, the First Amendment extended the original lease term of the existing space an additional two months through January 2017.
	Additionally, the lease, as amended, contains rent escalation, rent holiday, and leasehold improvement incentives. Rent escalation and rent holiday are being accounted for as rent expense under the straight-line method. In connection with the lease, the Company received approximately $6,900 in leasehold improvement incentives from the landlord. These leasehold improvement incentives are being accounted for as a reduction in rent expense ratably over the lease term. The balance from these leasehold improvement incentives is included in current portion of lease incentive obligation and lease incentive obligation, net of current portion in the balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.
	On August 3, 2009, the Company entered into a Second Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Office and Laboratory Lease Agreement (the “Lease”). Prior to the Amendment of the Lease, which, as amended, expires in January 2017, the Company leased approximately 63,000 square feet of office and laboratory space.
	In accordance with the terms of the Amendment, the Company and the landlord agreed that the Company’s occupancy of approximately 18,000 square feet of leased premises (the “Office Premises”) would cease as of June 16, 2009, and that the Company would be liable for rent payments and occupancy costs on the Office Premises through September 30, 2009. In addition, the Company and the Landlord agreed that the Company’s occupancy and liability for rent payments and occupancy costs of approximately 22,000 square feet of leased premises (the “Lab Premises”) would cease as of September 15, 2009.
	Under the terms of the Lease, as amended by the Amendment, the Company continues to lease and occupy approximately 23,000 square feet of office and laboratory space with a lease term until January 2017. Under the Amendment, as consideration for the right to cease occupancy of the Office Premises and Lab Premises, the Company paid the Landlord $500 on October 1, 2009 and $1,000 in the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively.
	In connection with the Amendment, the Company’s Letter of Credit for the benefit of the Landlord was reduced from $4,000 to $2,500, effective December 1, 2009 and was reduced to $1,800 effective as of December 1, 2010. The certificate of deposit that secures the letter of credit is included in restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet in the amount of $1,800 for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	In connection with the merger with Neuromed in 2009, the Company assumed a sublease renewal and amendment agreement relating to the Company’s office and laboratory facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Under the terms of this sublease the Company leased approximately 24,600 square feet of office and laboratory space, which was reduced to approximately 12,000 square feet. The Company renewed the sublease on December 14, 2011 through December 31, 2012. On February 9, 2012, the Company terminated the sublease, effective August 9, 2012.
	The Company also leases certain office equipment under various operating leases. Total rent expense was $1,082, $1,322 and $1,486 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	2014	$	1,229
	2015		1,230
	2016		1,230
	2017		102
	2018		—
	Thereafter		—
	Total	$	3,791
	On May 31, 2011 the Company entered into a capital lease for certain information technology equipment. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $159 was recorded in equipment, and $142 and $89 was recorded in accumulated depreciation, respectively, related to this capital lease. A liability of $14 and $68 was recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum payments are as follows:
	2014	$	14
	Total		14
	Less interest		—
	Capital lease obligation	$	14

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss Per Share	'
	16	Net Loss Per Share
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. The Company’s potentially dilutive shares, which include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock units, warrants and stock issuance commitments, are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive.
	The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding prior to the use of the treasury stock method have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, as they would be anti-dilutive.
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Options outstanding		1,681,325		1,314,196		1,262,231
	Unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units		72,916		62,500		94,792
	Warrants outstanding		68,600		68,600		68,600
	Outstanding stock issuance commitments (See Note 11)		—		9,722		—

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	17	Employee Benefit Plans
	In May 2001, the Company adopted the Zalicus Inc. 401(k) Plan (“401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan allows employees to make pre-tax contributions up to the maximum allowable amount set by the IRS. Under the 401(k) Plan, the Company may make discretionary contributions as approved by the Board of Directors. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company made contributions of $200, $237 and $240, respectively.
	Effective December 1, 2007, the Company approved the Zalicus Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “NQ Plan”), a non-qualified tax-deferred compensation plan in which certain senior managers and officers of the Company may participate. The NQ Plan provides a tax-favorable vehicle for deferring cash compensation, including base salary and bonus awards. Under the NQ Plan, each year a participant may defer up to 25% of his or her base salary and up to 100% of his or her annual cash bonus pay. The participant will at all times be vested in the portion of his or her account attributable to the compensation the participant has elected to defer under the NQ Plan. The Company has established a special account for each participant, however, the Company’s obligation to pay the balance credited to such account will at all times be an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company and rank on parity with other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company from time to time outstanding.
	The Company may also credit to the account of each eligible participant who makes deferrals a matching contribution in an amount equal to 100% of the deferrals contributed by the participant for such plan year, up to a maximum amount equal to: (i) four percent (4%) of each such participant’s cash compensation for such year, less (ii) the amount of matching contributions made to the Company’s qualified 401(k) Plan for such year on behalf of such participant. In order to be eligible for a matching contribution for a given year, a participant must be employed by the Company on the date the matching contribution is credited to the NQ Plan, which is currently planned to be the January following a participant’s election, and have deferred the maximum amount permitted under the Company’s tax-qualified Section 401(k) Plan for such year. A participant will become 100% vested in any employer contributions credited to his or her account upon the participant’s death, disability or a change in control (as defined in the NQ Plan). Deferred balances are credited to each participant’s account under the NQ Plan and will be credited, at periodic intervals, with earnings that track the actual rate of return for such period realized by the investment fund or funds or index or indices selected by such participant from the range of investment vehicles offered under the NQ Plan. Deferred amounts are paid, at the participant’s option, either in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period of up to ten years upon separation from service or up to five years for scheduled in-service withdrawals. The Company contributed approximately $89 to the NQ Plan as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, there were no participants enrolled in the NQ Plan.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'
	18	Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
		First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Revenue	$	3,674		$	3,891		$	3,400		$	3,766
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		7,079			9,845			9,343			7,697
	General and administrative		2,042			2,059			2,077			1,345
	Amortization of intangible asset		2,181			2,180			2,180			2,181
	Impairment charge		—			—			—			1,732
	Total operating expenses		11,302			14,084			13,600			12,955
	Loss from operations		(7,628	)		(10,193	)		(10,200	)		(9,189	)
	Interest income		23			14			6			3
	Interest expense		(440	)		(393	)		(342	)		(292	)
	Other (expense) income		(2	)		10			7			(1	)
	Net loss before benefit for income taxes		(8,047	)		(10,562	)		(10,529	)		(9,479	)
	Benefit for income taxes		—			—			—			—
	Net loss	$	(8,047	)	$	(10,562	)	$	(10,529	)	$	(9,479	)
	Net loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.37	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation—basic and diluted		21,204,220			21,704,432			22,931,109			25,840,014
	Comprehensive loss	$	(8,053	)	$	(10,567	)	$	(10,528	)	$	(9,479	)
		First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
	Revenue	$	2,320		$	2,924		$	3,518		$	3,788
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		10,582			9,861			12,050			8,930
	General and administrative		2,663			2,308			2,201			1,805
	Amortization of intangible asset		973			973			974			972
	Restructuring		1,101			28			(17	)		(18	)
	Total operating expenses		15,319			13,170			15,208			11,689
	Loss from operations		(12,999	)		(10,246	)		(11,690	)		(7,901	)
	Interest income		41			44			35			30
	Interest expense		(591	)		(563	)		(532	)		(487	)
	Other income		7			—			13			71
	Net loss before benefit for income taxes		(13,542	)		(10,765	)		(12,174	)		(8,287	)
	Benefit for income taxes		—			441			—			—
	Net loss	$	(13,542	)	$	(10,324	)	$	(12,174	)	$	(8,287	)
	Net loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.78	)	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.39	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation—basic and diluted		17,298,345			18,955,010			20,760,483			21,164,974
	Comprehensive loss	$	(13,520	)	$	(10,331	)	$	(12,171	)	$	(8,287	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, controlled subsidiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Reverse Stock Split
	The Company effected a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock on October 3, 2013. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the reverse stock split for all periods presented. The shares of common stock retained a par value of $0.001 per share. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity reflects the reverse stock split by reclassifying from common stock to additional paid-in capital an amount equal to the par value of the decreased shares resulting from the reverse stock split. As a result of the reverse stock split, the Company regained compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market, effective October 14, 2013.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. During 2013, the Company changed its presentation of revenue to present royalty income separately from collaboration revenue and to combine government grant revenue with collaboration revenue. As a result, the Company reclassified (i) $5,220 and $2,521 from collaboration revenue to royalties for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and (ii) $453 and $589 from government contracts and grants to cHTS services and other collaborations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 or statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Key estimates include the timing of clinical trial expenditures, estimates of the fair value of an intangible asset and stock compensation expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Transactions	'
	Foreign Currency Transactions
	The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary is the United States dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. Net foreign exchange losses of $0 and $7 were recorded in other expense in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and a gain of $53 was recorded in other expense in the year ended December 31, 2011.
Comprehensive Loss	'
	Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive loss is the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive loss includes net loss and unrealized gain on investments for all periods presented.
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued amended accounting guidance for reporting accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amendments require a company to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, a company is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013. The Company did not recognize any realized gains or losses from sales of its available-for-sale securities and did not reclassify any amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Multiple-Element Arrangements
	Under the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition related to multiple-element revenue arrangements, each deliverable within a multiple-element revenue arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the Company’s control. The Company considers a deliverable to have standalone value if the Company sells this item separately or if the item is sold by another vendor or could be resold by the customer. Deliverables not meeting the criteria for being a separate unit of accounting are accounted for on a combined basis.
	In the event the Company enters into a contract in which the deliverables are required to be separated, the Company will allocate arrangement consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. The Company determines selling price using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if it exists; otherwise, the Company uses third-party evidence (“TPE”). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses estimated selling price (“ESP”) to allocate the arrangement consideration. The Company applies appropriate revenue recognition guidance to each unit of accounting.
	Milestones
	Contingent consideration from research and development activities that is earned upon the achievement of a substantive milestone is recognized in its entirety in the period in which the milestone is achieved. At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (a) the consideration is commensurate with either (1) the entity’s performance to achieve the milestone, or (2) the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from the entity’s performance to achieve the milestone, (b) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (c) the consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the respective milestone, the level of effort and investment required and whether the milestone consideration is reasonable relative to all deliverables and payment terms in the arrangement in making this assessment.
	Collaborative Research and Development and Service Agreements
	The Company has entered into collaborative research and development agreements and service agreements with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and charitable foundations. These agreements are generally in the form of research and development and license agreements. The agreements are primarily for early-stage compounds and are generally focused on specific disease areas. The agreements generally provide for nonrefundable up-front payments, milestone payments upon achieving significant milestone events and in some cases ongoing research funding. The agreements also contemplate royalty payments on sales if and when the product receives marketing approval by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
	The Company’s collaboration agreements typically include one or more of the following deliverables: research and development services, screening services, licenses to the Company’s high throughput screening analysis software and licenses to specific pharmaceutical compounds. The arrangements do not contain any substantive performance conditions or refund rights. The Company evaluates its arrangements with software license components in order to determine whether the arrangement should be accounted for under revenue recognition guidance for software or if other applicable revenue guidance should be applied. Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Consideration allocated to licenses that do not have standalone value or amounts allocated to units of accounting that will be delivered or provided over a period of time, where the Company has a continuing obligation to perform services, are deferred and recognized over the performance period. Revenues for research and development and screening services are recognized as services are performed. Royalty revenue is recognized based upon net sales of licensed products as provided by the relevant license and is recognized in the period the sales occur. The periods over which revenue is recognized are subject to estimates by management and may change over the course of a collaborative agreement.
	Government Contracts and Grants
	Revenue under government grants or cost reimbursement contracts is recognized as the Company performs the underlying research and development activities.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at high-quality financial institutions. The Company limits the amount of investment in any one type of investment, thereby reducing credit risk concentrations. The Company does not believe there is significant concentration of credit risk related to accounts receivable since its customers are primarily large well-capitalized pharmaceutical companies, foundations or government agencies.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents, except for those funds managed by the Company’s investment manager, which are classified as short-term investments. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market instruments.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying values of the Company’s cash equivalents and term loan payable approximate their fair values.
	The Company has certain assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, which have been classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements.
		•		Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include money market funds, U.S. government securities and bank deposits.
		•		Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted market prices, interest rates and yield curves. Assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include U.S. agency securities, including direct issuance bonds and corporate bonds.
		•		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the Company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers between levels.
	The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012:
			Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2012
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments		$	8,524	$	21,535	$	—	$	30,059
	The Company’s Level 2 securities are valued using third-party pricing sources. These sources generally use interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals of similar assets as observable inputs for pricing.
	The disclosed fair value of the Company’s term loan payable is determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date. The carrying value of the Company’s term loan payable approximates fair value because of the length of the remaining term of the loan and an interest rate yield that is near current market rate yields. The disclosed fair value of the Company’s term loan payable is a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,732 in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss to reduce the carrying amount of the Exalgo intangible asset to its estimated fair value of $7,200 at December 31, 2013, which is based upon the sale of the asset in January 2014 (see Note 5). The estimated fair value of the Exalgo intangible asset as of December 31, 2013is a Level 3 measurement and was determined after considering the proceeds from the sale of the asset in January 2014 of $7,200.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to the statement of operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Accrued Clinical Expenses	'
	Accrued Clinical Expenses
	As part of the process of preparing the Company’s financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its accrued expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with Company personnel to identify services that have been performed on its behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when the Company has not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual cost. Payments under some of the contracts the Company has with third parties depend on factors, such as the milestones accomplished, successful enrollment of certain numbers of patients, site initiation and the completion of clinical trial milestones. Examples of estimated accrued clinical expenses include:
		•		fees paid to investigative sites and laboratories in connection with clinical studies;
		•		fees paid to clinical research organizations, or CROs, in connection with clinical studies, if CROs are used; and
		•		fees paid to contract manufacturers in connection with the production of clinical study materials.
	In accruing clinical expenses, the Company estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If possible, the Company obtains information regarding unbilled services directly from the service providers. However, the Company may be required to estimate the cost of these services based on information available to it. If the Company underestimates or overestimates the cost associated with a trial or service at a given point in time, adjustments to research and development expenses may be necessary in future periods. Historically, the Company’s estimated accrued clinical expenses have approximated actual expenses incurred.
Research and Development Expenses	'
	Research and Development Expenses
	Research and development expenses include all direct costs, including cash compensation, stock-based compensation and benefits for research and development personnel, supplies and materials, external costs including costs of clinical trials, formulation, manufacturing, preclinical programs, collaboration expenses, external consultants, infrastructure costs and overhead related to the development of drug candidates. These costs have been charged to research and development expense as incurred.
	Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are deferred and recorded as a prepaid expense. The prepaid amounts are expensed as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed. If expectations change such that the Company does not expect it will need the goods to be delivered or the services to be rendered, prepaid nonrefundable advance payments would be charged to expense.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company continually monitors whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets, including property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, may no longer be recoverable or that the estimated remaining useful life of these assets may warrant revision. The carrying value for long-lived assets is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than the asset’s carrying value. Any write-downs are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying value of the assets.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes as expense the estimated grant date fair value of all share-based payments to employees. The Company accounts for transactions in which services are received from non-employees in exchange for equity instruments based on the fair value of such services received or of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred taxes are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided, if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company’s evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2000 through December 31, 2013, the tax years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2013. The Company may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have not impacted the financial results of the Company. In the event the Company would receive an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it would be classified as general and administrative expense in the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update clarifying the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The updated guidance requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward when settlement of the liability for an unrecognized tax benefit in this manner is available. The update is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption and retrospective adoption are permitted. Because the guidance relates only to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, the Company does not expect the adoption in January 2014 to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012:
		Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments	$	8,524	$	21,535	$	—	$	30,059

ShortTerm_Investments_Tables

Short-Term Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Investments	'
	Available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
	December 31, 2012—
	Corporate debt securities	$	21,525	$	10	$	—	$	21,535
	Treasury money market funds		8,524		—		—		8,524
		$	30,049	$	10	$	—	$	30,059
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities Excluding Money Market Funds	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities, which excludes money market funds, at December 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
		December 31, 2012
		Cost		Estimated
				Fair Value
	Maturing in one year or less	$	21,525	$	21,535
	Maturing in more than one year	$	—	$	—

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Components of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
		Estimated Useful Life (Years)	December 31,
			2013			2012
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or life of lease	$	5,596		$	5,571
	Laboratory equipment	5		5,949			6,036
	Computer equipment	3		843			805
	Construction in progress	—		39			5
	Capitalized software	5		815			815
	Furniture and fixtures	3		497			496
				13,739			13,728
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(11,376	)		(10,193	)
			$	2,363		$	3,535

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Activity of Accrued Restructuring Expenses	'
	The following table summarizes the activity of accrued restructuring expense as of December 31, 2013 related to the closing of the Company’s Vancouver discovery research operations:
		Balance at		Charges			Payments			Other		Balance at		Payments			Balance at
		December 31, 2011										December 31, 2012					December 31, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,101		$	(1,067	)	$	—	$	34	$	(34	)	$	—
	Facilities		—		(7	)		—			7		—		—			—
	Total	$	—	$	1,094		$	(1,067	)	$	7	$	34	$	(34	)	$	—

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Table

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended are presented in the table and narrative below:
		Options			Weighted-			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price			Remaining
								Contractual
								Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,314,196		$	9.37
	Granted		604,901			4.53
	Exercised		(2,916	)		2.46
	Cancelled		(234,856	)		9.44
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,681,325		$	7.63			7.19		$	—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		1,376,512		$	8.29			6.8		$	—
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		854,469		$	9.5			5.82		$	—
Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Pricing Model	'
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Volatility factor		106.47	%		102.4	%		102.93	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.03	%		1.3	%		2.21	%
	Dividend yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
	Expected term (in years)		6			6			5.6
Non-vested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
	A summary of the status of non-vested RSUs as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock			Weighted-			Weighted			Aggregate
		Units			Average			Average			Intrinsic Value
					Grant Date Fair			Remaining
					Value			Contractual
								Term
	Non-vested at December 31, 2012		62,500		$	5.7
	Granted		41,666			4.56
	Vested		(31,250	)		5.7
	Cancelled		—			—
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2013		72,916		$	5.05			1.17		$	81

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of the Benefit for Income Taxes	'
	The benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows, in thousands:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S.:
	Current	$	—		$	—		$	34
	Deferred		—			—			—
	Total U.S.		—			—			34
	Foreign:
	Current		—			441			1,394
	Deferred		—			—			—
	Total foreign		—			441			1,394
	Benefit for income taxes	$	—		$	441		$	1,428
Summary of the Reconciliation of the Expected Income Tax Benefit	'
	A reconciliation of the expected income tax benefit computed using the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax computed at federal statutory tax rate		34	%		34	%		34	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		0.9	%		2.6	%		2.4	%
	Change in valuation allowance		(35.7	)%		(36.5	)%		(36.2	)%
	Stock-based compensation		(0.8	)%		(0.6	)%		(5.0	)%
	Research and development credits		0.2	%		0.7	%		1.6	%
	Permanent differences		(0.2	)%		(0.2	)%		0.1	%
	Impact of state rate change		—	%		—	%		0.1	%
	Other		1.6	%		1	%		6.2	%
	Total		—	%		1	%		3.2	%
Summary of Deferred Taxes	'
	Deferred taxes consist of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	60,839		$	47,924
	Research and development credits/Investment tax credits		14,224			13,306
	Capitalized research and development costs		5,630			6,940
	Stock-based compensation		4,127			3,733
	Depreciation and amortization		1,164			1,150
	Accrued expenses		58			205
	Deferred revenue		236			1,178
	Other		(583	)		(493	)
	Deferred tax asset		85,695			73,943
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(85,695	)		(73,943	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—		$	—
Summary of the Reconciliation of Company's Gross Uncertain Tax Positions	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s gross uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
	December 31, 2010	$	1,878
	Decrease related to positions taken in prior years		—
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,395	)
	Foreign exchange revaluation		(52	)
	December 31, 2011	$	431
	Decrease related to positions taken in prior years		—
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(441	)
	Foreign exchange revaluation		10
	December 31, 2012	$	—

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued clinical trial costs	$	803	$	1,535
	Accrued payroll and related benefits		656		1,696
	Accrued professional fees		290		179
	Accrued research collaboration expense		1,015		515
	Accrued other expenses		575		916
		$	3,339	$	4,841

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	2014	$	1,229
	2015		1,230
	2016		1,230
	2017		102
	2018		—
	Thereafter		—
	Total	$	3,791
Future Minimum Payments	'
	Future minimum payments are as follows:
	2014	$	14
	Total		14
	Less interest		—
	Capital lease obligation	$	14

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding	'
	The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding prior to the use of the treasury stock method have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, as they would be anti-dilutive.
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Options outstanding		1,681,325		1,314,196		1,262,231
	Unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units		72,916		62,500		94,792
	Warrants outstanding		68,600		68,600		68,600
	Outstanding stock issuance commitments (See Note 11)		—		9,722		—

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
		Ended				Ended				Ended				Ended
		March 31,				June 30,				September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2013				2013				2013
	Revenue		$	3,674			$	3,891			$	3,400			$	3,766
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development			7,079				9,845				9,343				7,697
	General and administrative			2,042				2,059				2,077				1,345
	Amortization of intangible asset			2,181				2,180				2,180				2,181
	Impairment charge			—				—				—				1,732
	Total operating expenses			11,302				14,084				13,600				12,955
	Loss from operations			(7,628	)			(10,193	)			(10,200	)			(9,189	)
	Interest income			23				14				6				3
	Interest expense			(440	)			(393	)			(342	)			(292	)
	Other (expense) income			(2	)			10				7				(1	)
	Net loss before benefit for income taxes			(8,047	)			(10,562	)			(10,529	)			(9,479	)
	Benefit for income taxes			—				—				—				—
	Net loss		$	(8,047	)		$	(10,562	)		$	(10,529	)		$	(9,479	)
	Net loss per share—basic and diluted		$	(0.38	)		$	(0.49	)		$	(0.46	)		$	(0.37	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation—basic and diluted			21,204,220				21,704,432				22,931,109				25,840,014
	Comprehensive loss		$	(8,053	)		$	(10,567	)		$	(10,528	)		$	(9,479	)
			First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
			Ended				Ended				Ended				Ended
			March 31,				June 30,				September 30,				December 31,
			2012				2012				2012				2012
	Revenue		$	2,320			$	2,924			$	3,518			$	3,788
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development			10,582				9,861				12,050				8,930
	General and administrative			2,663				2,308				2,201				1,805
	Amortization of intangible asset			973				973				974				972
	Restructuring			1,101				28				(17	)			(18	)
	Total operating expenses			15,319				13,170				15,208				11,689
	Loss from operations			(12,999	)			(10,246	)			(11,690	)			(7,901	)
	Interest income			41				44				35				30
	Interest expense			(591	)			(563	)			(532	)			(487	)
	Other income			7				—				13				71
	Net loss before benefit for income taxes			(13,542	)			(10,765	)			(12,174	)			(8,287	)
	Benefit for income taxes			—				441				—				—
	Net loss		$	(13,542	)		$	(10,324	)		$	(12,174	)		$	(8,287	)
	Net loss per share—basic and diluted		$	(0.78	)		$	(0.54	)		$	(0.59	)		$	(0.39	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation—basic and diluted			17,298,345				18,955,010				20,760,483				21,164,974
	Comprehensive loss		$	(13,520	)		$	(10,331	)		$	(12,171	)		$	(8,287	)

Nature_of_the_Business_Additio

Nature of the Business - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated deficit	($379,640)	($341,023)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments maturity date	'At least December 31, 2014	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 14, 2013	Oct. 03, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 21, 2009
Regulatory Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	'	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	'	'
Reverse stock split ratio	'	0.17	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum bid price	$1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification of revenue from collaboration revenue to royalty income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,220	$2,521	'
Reclassification of revenue from grant revenue to collaboration revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	453	589	'
Loss (gain) on foreign exchange	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	7	-53	'
Impairment charge	'	'	'	1,732	'	'	'	1,732	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of intangible asset	'	'	'	7,200	'	'	'	7,200	45,943	'	45,943
Proceeds from sale of asset	'	'	$7,200	'	'	'	'	$7,200	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'
Short-term investments	$30,059
Level 1 [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Short-term investments	8,524
Level 2 [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Short-term investments	21,535
Level 3 [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Short-term investments	'

ShortTerm_Investments_Addition

Short-Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale securities	0
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Short term investment period	'90 days
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Short term investment period	'1 year

ShortTerm_Investments_ShortTer

Short-Term Investments - Short-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	$30,049
Unrealized Gains	10
Unrealized Losses	'
Fair Value	30,059
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	21,525
Unrealized Gains	10
Unrealized Losses	'
Fair Value	21,535
Treasury Money Market Funds [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	8,524
Unrealized Gains	'
Unrealized Losses	'
Fair Value	$8,524

ShortTerm_Investments_Amortize

Short-Term Investments- Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities Excluding Money Market Funds (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost And Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract]	'
Maturing in one year or less, Cost	$21,525
Maturing in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	21,535
Maturing in more than one year, Cost	'
Maturing in more than one year, Estimated Fair Value	'

Property_and_Equipment_Compone

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, Gross	$13,739	$13,728
Less: accumulated depreciation	-11,376	-10,193
Property and equipment	2,363	3,535
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements	'Lesser of useful life or life of lease	'
Property and equipment, Gross	5,596	5,571
Laboratory Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'5 years	'
Property and equipment, Gross	5,949	6,036
Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years	'
Property and equipment, Gross	843	805
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'
Property and equipment, Gross	39	5
Capitalized Software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'5 years	'
Property and equipment, Gross	815	815
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years	'
Property and equipment, Gross	$497	$496

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense including amortization of assets recorded under capital leases	$1,326	$1,481	$2,064

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 21, 2009

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible asset, value

'

$7,200

'

'

'

$45,943

'

'

'

$7,200

$45,943

'

$45,943

Intangible asset, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

Intangible asset, remaining useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

Intangible assets, amortization expense

'

2,181

2,180

2,180

2,181

972

974

973

973

8,722

3,892

5,141

'

Royalty Purchase exchange payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200

'

'

'

Impairment charge

'

1,732

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,732

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets

7,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200

'

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization

'

$0

'

'

'

$28,289

'

'

'

$0

$28,289

'

'

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
					Employees
Reorganizations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Workforce reduction	'	'	'	'	16
Restructuring	($18)	($17)	$28	$1,101	$1,094

Restructuring_Activity_of_Accr

Restructuring - Activity of Accrued Restructuring Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Current, Beginning balance	'	'	'	'	$34	'
Charges	-18	-17	28	1,101	'	1,094
Payments	'	'	'	'	-34	-1,067
Other	'	'	'	'	'	7
Restructuring Reserve Current, Ending balance	34	'	'	'	'	34
Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Current, Beginning balance	'	'	'	'	34	'
Charges	'	'	'	'	'	1,101
Payments	'	'	'	'	-34	-1,067
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Current, Ending balance	34	'	'	'	'	34
Facilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Current, Beginning balance	'	'	'	'	'	'
Charges	'	'	'	'	'	-7
Payments	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	7
Restructuring Reserve Current, Ending balance	'	'	'	'	'	'

Term_Loan_Payable_Additional_I

Term Loan Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 22, 2010

Jun. 27, 2011

Dec. 16, 2011

Dec. 22, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 27, 2011

Jan. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 16, 2011

Installment

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Warrant One [Member]

Warrant Two [Member]

Warrant Three [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan C [Member]

Term Loan C [Member]

Term Loan C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount borrowed under term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

8,500

'

'

8,500

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500

'

'

8,500

Due date period of loans after date of funding

'42 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of installments for payment of term loan

36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest on each term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.26%

'

10.25%

'

'

10.51%

'

Percentage of Final payment fee to Lender

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in interest rate on occurrence of any default

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of warrant

22-Dec-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares that can be purchased for warrant issued

1,560

'

'

10,791

18,876

37,373

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per unit)

40.5

'

'

8.34

13.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of the warrants issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81

'

231

'

'

209

'

Reimbursed lender costs recorded as a discount to the respective Term Loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42

'

42

'

'

42

'

Term of amortization to interest expense

'42 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment of outstanding indebtedness

8,647

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Royalty Purchase exchange payment

'

$2,006

$7,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research_and_Development_Agree1

Research and Development Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-12

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2010

Jun. 30, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Novartis [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Mallinckrodt Inc [Member]

Amgen Inc [Member]

Amgen Inc [Member]

Amgen Inc [Member]

Amgen Inc [Member]

USAMRIID [Member]

USAMRIID [Member]

USAMRIID [Member]

USAMRIID [Member]

Collaborative Arrangement [Member]

Clinical Development Milestones [Member]

Regulatory Milestones [Member]

FDA Approval Milestones [Member]

Extension

Collaborative Arrangement [Member]

Clinical Development Milestones [Member]

Regulatory Milestones [Member]

Commercial Milestones [Member]

Research and Development Arrangement [Member]

Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenue recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32.80%

31.90%

32.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

45.20%

42.00%

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Up front payment received as part of the Asset Purchase Agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Milestone payment

'

'

'

0

0

0

39,000

3,000

21,000

15,000

'

0

0

0

58,000

5,000

23,000

30,000

40,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Royalty revenue recognized

6,661

5,220

2,521

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,661

5,220

2,521

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Royalty payments received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,120

4,593

2,058

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchange payment

7,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Clinical development and regulatory activities expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Billed and received related to the development and transition services agreement

'

'

'

1,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,833

4,000

2,667

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,763

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Development and transition services agreement expired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2011-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue related to development and transition services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56

340

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Received payments related to development and transition services totaling

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

371

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial payment received for collaboration agreement received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Funded research payments under collaboration agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial term period for research program under collaboration agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional extension periods

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research program additional extended period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

Software License Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaborative Arrangement Extension Date of Research Program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-May-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaboration agreement termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extended period of software license

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaborative Arrangement Extension Date of Software License

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Apr-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaboration agreement termination notice period on unremedied material breach

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaboration agreement termination notice period on bankruptcy

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaboration agreement termination notice period on change in control or liquidation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments related to the research and license agreement totaling

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,190

3,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unbilled receivables totaling

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

263

450

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19

59

'

'

Proceeds under research collaboration agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research and development collaboration agreement revenue follow up rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursement and software license fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,855

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue related to agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,183

285

347

596

453

560

'

Payment received on collaboration agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,349

153

378

'

'

'

'

Funding receivable from cooperative research and development agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,387

'

'

'

Funding received from cooperative research and development agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,364

'

'

'

Amount of funding the Company is eligible to receive

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,056

'

'

'

Funding from agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,056

'

'

'

Revenue receivable, First year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

353

'

'

'

Revenue receivable, Second year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

382

'

'

'

Termination date of agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Feb-14

Additional funding received from cooperative research and development agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

458

'

'

'

Received payments related to the research and development agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

557

443

638

'

Revenue from other research agreements

1,458

2,536

1,749

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments related to other research agreements

$1,923

$1,870

$1,770

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme1

Research Collaboration Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Research and development	$7,697	$9,343	$9,845	$7,079	$8,930	$12,050	$9,861	$10,582	$33,964	$41,423	$35,294
Payments for the remaining period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,313	'	'
Hydra Biosciences Inc [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial term period for research program under collaboration agreement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years	'	'
Research and development	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,775	$2,477	'
Termination date of agreement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2014-02	'	'

Common_Stock_Additional_Inform

Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 19, 2012

Jan. 10, 2012

Feb. 09, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 22, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 27, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 16, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

8-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Warrant One [Member]

Warrant One [Member]

Warrant Two [Member]

Warrant Two [Member]

Warrant Three [Member]

Warrant Three [Member]

LPC [Member]

LPC [Member]

Oxford [Member]

Oxford [Member]

Oxford [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vote entitled common stock

'

'

'

'One vote

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

'

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate offering price of common stock

$15,000

$15,000

$20,000

$26

'

$21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commission payable of the gross proceeds from each sale

2.00%

2.50%

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued

2,181,993

2,342,996

1,480,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,876,186

Net proceeds from the sale of common stock

14,628

14,484

19,199

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity purchase agreement date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8-May-13

'

Common stock, maximum value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

'

Number of shares issued under equity purchase agreement for no cash proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

133,333

Purchase agreement period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'24 months

Common stock, remaining value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,000

Common stock, maximum number of shares that may be sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,333

Closing price of common stock below which shares cannot be sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1

Price limit of common stock per shares for accelerated purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3

Gross proceeds from sale of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19,811

Reserved common stock

'

'

'

2,960,818

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants to purchase shares of common stock

'

'

'

1,560

'

'

10,791

10,791

18,876

18,876

37,373

37,373

'

'

Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per unit)

'

'

'

40.5

'

'

8.34

8.34

13.5

13.5

'

6.84

'

'

Maturity date of Oxford warrants

'

'

'

22-Dec-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Addit

Stock Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 03, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 22, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 21, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 08, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

2000 Plan [Member]

2004 Plan [Member]

2004 Plan [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

10% voting power [Member]

Options Outstanding [Member]

Options Outstanding [Member]

Options Outstanding [Member]

Stock Option Expired 1 January 2013 [Member]

Stock Option Expired 1 January 2013 [Member]

Stock Option Expired 1 July 2013 [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Minimum [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, officers, directors, advisors and consultants

'

2,960,818

'

'

'

504,761

1,137,977

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options available for future issuance under 2000 plan

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock available for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,333,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial public offering date

'

9-Nov-05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in common stock available for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

666,667

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condition for granting for incentive stock options

'

'Stock options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, or for a term in excess of ten years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Holders of more than 10% of the Company's total combined voting power of all classes of stock, incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant, and for a term not to exceed five years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of fair market value at which incentive stock option must be granted

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of fair market value at which incentive stock option must be granted

'

110.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum term of a stock option

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock based compensation expense

'

$2,001

$1,832

$2,196

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,892

'

'

'

'

'

129

'

'

Unrecognized stock based compensation expense, weighted average recognition period, years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 10 months 17 days

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options

'

$3.69

$5.32

$11.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

'

3

43

1,381

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options issued

297,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

235,000

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options cancelled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

166,666

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cancelled stock options

'

234,856

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,167

34,167

'

'

'

Stock options expired

'

1-Jul-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jul-13

1-Jul-13

'

'

'

Vesting period over which expense will be recognized

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of RSUs vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139

219

403

Shares of common stock granted to a former executive

'

'

'

'

58,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair value of shares of common stock granted to a former executive

'

$354

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity issuance starting date

'

4-Sep-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity issuance ending date

'

1-Feb-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Summa

Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Outstanding, Options, Beginning Balance	1,314,196
Granted, Options	604,901
Exercised, Options	-2,916
Cancelled, Options	-234,856
Outstanding, Options, Ending Balance	1,681,325
Vested or expected to vest, Options, Ending Balance	1,376,512
Exercisable, Options, Ending Balance	854,469
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$9.37
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$4.53
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$2.46
Cancelled, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$9.44
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$7.63
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$8.29
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$9.50
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years), Ending Balance	'7 years 2 months 9 days
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years), Ending Balance	'6 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years), Ending Balance	'5 years 9 months 26 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	'
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	'
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	'

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Assum

Stock Compensation Plans - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Pricing Model (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Volatility factor	106.47%	102.40%	102.93%
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%	1.30%	2.21%
Dividend yield	'	'	'
Expected term (in years)	'6 years	'6 years	'5 years 7 months 6 days

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Nonve

Stock Compensation Plans - Non-vested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-vested, Restricted Stock Units/Awards, Beginning Balance	62,500
Granted, Restricted Stock Units	41,666
Vested, Restricted Stock Units	-31,250
Cancelled, Restricted Stock Units	'
Non-vested, Restricted Stock Units/Awards, Ending Balance	72,916
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$5.70
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$4.56
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$5.70
Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$5.05
Non-vested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending Balance	'1 year 2 months 1 day
Non-vested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance	$81

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									Segment
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Number of geographic segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Revenue from outside United States	$3,766	$3,400	$3,891	$3,674	$3,788	$3,518	$2,924	$2,320	$14,731	$12,550	$8,184
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	2,363	'	'	'	3,535	'	'	'	2,363	3,535	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from outside United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_the_Be

Income Taxes - Summary of the Benefit for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current Tax, U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$34
Deferred Tax, U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34
Current Tax, Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	441	1,394
Deferred tax, foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	441	1,394
Benefit for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	($441)	'	'	$441	$1,428

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_the_Re

Income Taxes - Summary of the Reconciliation of the Expected Income Tax Benefit (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income tax computed at federal statutory tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	0.90%	2.60%	2.40%
Change in valuation allowance	-35.70%	-36.50%	-36.20%
Stock-based compensation	-0.80%	-0.60%	-5.00%
Research and development credits	0.20%	0.70%	1.60%
Permanent differences	-0.20%	-0.20%	0.10%
Impact of state rate change	'	'	0.10%
Other	1.60%	1.00%	6.20%
Total	'	1.00%	3.20%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carry forwards various dates through Expiration Year	'2033	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	$85,695	$73,943	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	11,752	'	'	'
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit	'	'	431	1,878
Liability for interest and penalties	560	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits reversed	0	441	1,395	'
Accrued interest and penalties reversed	0	65	379	'
Uncertain tax position	0	'	'	'
Interest expense related to uncertain tax positions	0	0	74	'
Neuromed [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit	2,685	'	'	'
Domestic Country [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	91,469	'	'	'
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	1,518	'	'	'
Research and development tax credit carryforward expiration year	'2033	'	'	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	308	'	'	'
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	3,349	'	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	63,554	'	'	'
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	1,068	'	'	'
Research and development tax credit carryforward expiration year	'2028	'	'	'
Foreign Country [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	105,921	'	'	'
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$7,277	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Deferr

Income Taxes - Summary of Deferred Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$60,839	$47,924
Research and development credits/Investment tax credits	14,224	13,306
Capitalized research and development costs	5,630	6,940
Stock-based compensation	4,127	3,733
Depreciation and amortization	1,164	1,150
Accrued expenses	58	205
Deferred revenue	236	1,178
Other	-583	-493
Deferred tax asset	85,695	73,943
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-85,695	-73,943
Net deferred tax asset	'	'

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_the_Re1

Income Taxes - Summary of the Reconciliation of Company's Gross Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	'	$431	$1,878
Decrease related to positions taken in prior years	'	'	'
Expiration of statute of limitations	0	-441	-1,395
Foreign exchange revaluation	'	10	-52
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	'	'	$431

Accrued_Expenses_Accrued_Expen

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued clinical trial costs	$803	$1,535
Accrued payroll and related benefits	656	1,696
Accrued professional fees	290	179
Accrued research collaboration expense	1,015	515
Accrued other expenses	575	916
Accrued expenses	$3,339	$4,841

Commitments_Additional_Informa

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 01, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 14, 2011

Aug. 03, 2009

Mar. 31, 2006

Oct. 18, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 01, 2010

Dec. 01, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Renewals

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Office Premises [Member]

Laboratory Space [Member]

Capital Lease [Member]

Lab Premises [Member]

Laboratory Equipment [Member]

Laboratory Equipment [Member]

sqft

Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of leased office and laboratory space

'

23,000

'

'

'

'

63,000

'

40,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date on lease commenced

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2006-09-01

'2006-12-01

'2005-12-06

'

'

'

Number of renewal options

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of renewal option

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional area of leased laboratory space

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,199

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leasehold improvement incentives from the landlord

'

$6,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of cease of agreement

'

'2017-01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of leased office premises

'

18,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of leased laboratory premises

'

22,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of cease of agreement

'

31-Dec-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16-Jun-09

'

'

15-Sep-09

'

'

Consideration paid for right to cease

500

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original company's letter of credit for the benefit of the Landlord

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000

1,800

2,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letter of credit included in restricted cash

'

1,800

1,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of subleased office and laboratory space

'

'

'

24,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduced area of subleased office and laboratory space

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of renewal

'

14-Dec-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total rent expense

'

1,082

1,322

1,486

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equipment for capital lease

'

159

159

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated depreciation

'

142

89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued expense and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities

'

$575

$916

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14

$68

Commitments_Future_Minimum_Lea

Commitments - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
2014	$1,229
2015	1,230
2016	1,230
2017	102
2018	'
Thereafter	'
Total	$3,791

Commitments_Future_Minimum_Pay

Commitments - Future Minimum Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
2014	$14
Total	14
Less interest	'
Capital lease obligation	$14

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Net Loss Per Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Options Outstanding [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	1,681,325	1,314,196	1,262,231
Unvested Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units[Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	72,916	62,500	94,792
Warrants Outstanding [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	68,600	68,600	68,600
Outstanding Stock Issuance Commitments [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	'	9,722	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Sale Of Subsidiary [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discretionary Contributions by Company	$200	$237	$240
Base salary	25.00%	'	'
Annual cash bonus pay	100.00%	'	'
Company's matching contribution	100.00%	'	'
Percentage of participants cash compensation	4.00%	'	'
Percentage of vested	100.00%	'	'
Period of annual installments	'10 years	'	'
Scheduled in-service withdrawals, years	'5 years	'	'
Company contribution to NQ Plan	$89	'	'
Number Of Participants Enrolled In NQ Plan	'0	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$3,766	$3,400	$3,891	$3,674	$3,788	$3,518	$2,924	$2,320	$14,731	$12,550	$8,184
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Research and development	7,697	9,343	9,845	7,079	8,930	12,050	9,861	10,582	33,964	41,423	35,294
General and administrative	1,345	2,077	2,059	2,042	1,805	2,201	2,308	2,663	7,523	8,977	10,400
Amortization of intangible asset	2,181	2,180	2,180	2,181	972	974	973	973	8,722	3,892	5,141
Impairment charge	1,732	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,732	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'	'	-18	-17	28	1,101	'	1,094	'
Total operating expenses	12,955	13,600	14,084	11,302	11,689	15,208	13,170	15,319	51,941	55,386	50,835
Loss from operations	-9,189	-10,200	-10,193	-7,628	-7,901	-11,690	-10,246	-12,999	-37,210	-42,836	-42,651
Interest income	3	6	14	23	30	35	44	41	46	150	136
Interest expense	-292	-342	-393	-440	-487	-532	-563	-591	-1,467	-2,173	-976
Other (expense) income	-1	7	10	-2	71	13	'	7	14	91	20
Net loss before benefit for income taxes	-9,479	-10,529	-10,562	-8,047	-8,287	-12,174	-10,765	-13,542	-38,617	-44,768	-43,471
Benefit for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	441	'	'	-441	-1,428
Net loss	-9,479	-10,529	-10,562	-8,047	-8,287	-12,174	-10,324	-13,542	-38,617	-44,327	-42,043
Net loss per share - basic and diluted	($0.37)	($0.46)	($0.49)	($0.38)	($0.39)	($0.59)	($0.54)	($0.78)	($1.68)	($2.27)	($2.59)
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation - basic and diluted	25,840,014	22,931,109	21,704,432	21,204,220	21,164,974	20,760,483	18,955,010	17,298,345	22,932,675	19,552,828	16,224,532
Comprehensive loss	($9,479)	($10,528)	($10,567)	($8,053)	($8,287)	($12,171)	($10,331)	($13,520)	($38,627)	($44,309)	($42,031)