Vaccinex (VCNX) 10-K 31 Mar 23 2022 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Mar. 24, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2022
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	VCNX
Entity Registrant Name	Vaccinex, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001205922
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Seasoned Well Known Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Public Float			$ 25,255,087
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,880,761
Entity File Number	001-38624
Entity Tax Identification Number	16-1603202
Entity Address, Address Line One	1895 Mount Hope Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Rochester
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	14620
City Area Code	585
Local Phone Number	271-2700
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Auditor Firm ID	34
Auditor Name	Deloitte & Touche LLP
Auditor Location	Rochester, New York

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,391	$ 8,589
Accounts receivable	175
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	912	816
Total current assets	7,478	9,405
Property and equipment, net	189	297
Operating lease right-of-use asset	310	141
TOTAL ASSETS	7,977	9,843
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,518	1,061
Accrued expenses	781	980
Current portion of long-term debt	74	74
Operating lease liability	164	141
Total current liabilities	2,537	2,256
Long-term debt	101	175
Operating lease liability, net of current portion	146
TOTAL LIABILITIES	2,784	2,431
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021; 49,881,613 and 30,801,962 shares issued as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively; 49,880,761 and 30,801,110 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively	5	3
Additional paid-in capital	324,875	307,281
Treasury stock, at cost; 852 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively	(11)	(11)
Accumulated deficit	(319,676)	(299,861)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	5,193	7,412
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 7,977	$ 9,843

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	49,881,613	30,801,962
Common stock, shares outstanding	49,880,761	30,801,110
Treasury stock, common shares	852	852

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 275	$ 900
Costs and expenses:
Research and development	13,979	17,160
General and administrative	6,202	6,230
Total costs and expenses	20,181	23,390
Loss from operations	(19,906)	(22,490)
Interest expense	(2)	(809)
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan		876
Other income (expense), net	93	43
Loss before provision for income taxes	(19,815)	(22,380)
Provision for income taxes	0	0
Comprehensive loss	$ (19,815)	$ (22,380)
Net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders, basic	$ (0.47)	$ (0.78)
Net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders, diluted	$ (0.47)	$ (0.78)
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders, basic	42,437,225	28,849,197
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable toVaccinex, Inc. common stockholders, diluted	42,437,225	28,849,197

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Deficit	Total Vaccinex,Inc. Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ (2,612)	$ 3	$ 250,914	$ (11)	$ (277,481)	$ (26,575)	$ 23,963
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2020		22,388,027		852
Issuance of Common Shares	32,848		32,848			32,848
Issuance of Common Shares, Shares		5,937,900
Stock-based compensation	541		541			541
Shares issued for compensation, Shares		9,979
Exchange of partnership units for common shares			23,963			23,963	$ (23,963)
Exchange of partnership units for common shares, Shares		2,466,056
Common shares issuance costs	(985)		(985)			(985)
Net loss	(22,380)				(22,380)	(22,380)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	7,412	$ 3	307,281	$ (11)	(299,861)	7,412
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2021		30,801,962		852
Issuance of Common Shares	17,051	$ 2	17,049			17,051
Issuance of Common Shares, Shares		19,079,651
Stock-based compensation	545		545			545
Net loss	(19,815)				(19,815)	(19,815)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 5,193	$ 5	$ 324,875	$ (11)	$ (319,676)	$ 5,193
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2022		49,881,613		852

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (19,815,000)	$ (22,380,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	207,000	169,000
Debt related charges included in interest expense		458,000
Stock-based compensation	545,000	541,000
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan		(876,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(175,000)	157,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(94,000)	(302,000)
Accounts payable	457,000	(2,108,000)
Accrued expenses	(199,000)	(957,000)
Net cash used in operating activities	(19,074,000)	(25,298,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment	(99,000)	(32,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(99,000)	(32,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	3,560,000	32,848,000
Redemption of convertible debt		(8,531,000)
Payments of long-term debt	(75,000)	(9,000)
Proceeds from private offering of common stock	13,490,000
Payments of common stock issuance costs		(985,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,975,000	23,323,000
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(2,198,000)	(2,007,000)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS–Beginning of period	8,589,000	10,596,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS–End of period	$ 6,391,000	8,589,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment in prepaid assets		19,000
Forgiveness of PPP loan		$ 876,000

Company and Nature of Business

Company and Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Company and Nature of Business	1. COMPANY AND NATURE OF BUSINESS Vaccinex, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company) was incorporated in Delaware in April 2001 and is headquartered in Rochester, New York. The Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of targeted biotherapeutics to treat serious diseases and conditions with unmet medical needs, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Since its inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts toward product research and development, marketing development and raising capital. The Company is subject to a number of risks common to other early-stage biotechnology companies including, but not limited to, the successful development and commercialization of its product candidates, rapid technological change and competition, dependence on key personnel and collaborative partners, uncertainty of protection of proprietary technology and patents, clinical trial uncertainty, fluctuation in operating results and financial performance, the need to obtain additional funding, potential product liability, compliance with governmental regulations, technological and medical risks, customer demand, management of growth and effectiveness of marketing by the Company. If the Company does not successfully commercialize or partner any of its product candidates, it will be unable to generate product revenue or achieve profitability. Going Concern These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and expects to incur additional losses until such time that it can generate significant revenue from the commercialization of its product candidates. The Company had losses from operations of $ 19.8 million and $ 22.4 million and negative cash flows from operating activities of $ 19.1 million and $ 25.3 million f or the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and an accumulated deficit of $ 319.7 million and $ 299.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Given the Company’s projected operating requirements and its existing cash and cash equivalents, the Company is projecting insufficient liquidity to sustain its operations through one year following the date that the financial statements are issued. These conditions and events raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In response to these conditions, management is currently evaluating different strategies to obtain the required funding of future operations. Financing strategies may include, but are not limited to, the public or private sale of equity, debt financings or funds from other capital sources, such as government funding, collaborations, strategic alliances, divestment of non-core assets, or licensing arrangements with third parties. There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to secure additional financing, or if available, that it will be sufficient to meet its needs or on favorable terms. Because management’s plans have not yet been finalized and are not within the Company’s control, the implementation of such plans cannot be considered probable. As a result, the Company has concluded that management’s plans do not alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. COVID-19 Pandemic In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, governments have at times imposed unprecedented restrictions on business operations, travel, and gatherings, resulting in a global economic downturn and other adverse economic and societal impacts. The Company has complied with state reopening guidance and has allowed research and development staff to begin working in the laboratory when necessary and using recommended health and safety precautions. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the expected timing of the Company’s clinical trials, the economy, the biotechnology industry, and the Company’s business. For example, the Company previously anticipated initiating a trial of pepinemab in Alzheimer’s disease in mid-2020, but the initial enrollment date was delayed until the first half of 2021. In addition, to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts on the Company’s ability to raise capital and to maintain its personnel, the Company applied for and received the PPP Loan (See Note 9). The Company may experience further disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that could adversely impact its business, including disruption of research and clinical development activities, plans for release of data, manufacturing, supply, and interactions with regulators and other third parties, and difficulties in raising additional capital. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact the Company’s business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated application of certain significant accounting policies, as described below and elsewhere in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation These consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts and operations of the Company. However, prior to September 3, 2021, the Company’s accounts included Vaccinex Products, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Vaccinex Products”), and VX3 (DE) LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“VX3”). Subsequently, on September 3, 2021, Vaccinex Products and VX3 were dissolved when all remaining partnership interests were exchanged for shares of our common stock. Use of Estimates These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. Such management estimates include those relating to assumptions used in the valuation of stock option awards, the valuation of derivative instruments, and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company deposits its cash primarily in checking and money market accounts. Concentration of Credit Risk, Other Risks and Uncertainties Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are deposited in interest-bearing money market accounts. Although the Company deposits its cash with multiple financial institutions, cash balances may occasionally be in excess of the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Management believes the financial risk associated with these balances is minimal and has not experienced any losses to date. The Company has historically raised capital in transactions with investors that include members of its board of directors and entities controlled by certain board members. As such, the Company's directors, directly and indirectly, control a significant ownership percentage of the Company. The Company can provide no assurances that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to it or that its directors or entities controlled by certain board members will be willing or able to participate in future capital raises by the Company. The Company depends on third-party manufacturers for the manufacture of drug substance and drug product for clinical trials. The Company also relies on certain third parties for its supply chain. Disputes with these third - party manufacturers or shortages in goods or services from third-party suppliers could delay the manufacturing of the Company’s product candidates and adversely impact its results of operations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and long-term debt. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and debt, are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short time to the expected receipt or payment date of such amounts. Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company completed private placements of our common stock to various investors for gross proceeds of $ 13.5 million. On March 27, 2020, we announced that we had (i) entered into an open market sale agreement (the “Open Market Sale Agreement” or “ATM”) with Jefferies, LLC (“Jefferies”) and filed a prospectus supplement pursuant to which we were able to issue and sell up to $ 11.5 million of shares of our common stock. In September 2020, we filed a replacement prospectus supplement related to the Open Market Sale Agreement pursuant to which we may sell up to $ 113 million of shares of our common stock through Jefferies. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company sold 3,189,411 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, at a weighted average price of $ 1.12 through the Open Market Sale Agreement, for total net proceeds of $ 3.6 million, net of commissions and discounts. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold 5,937,900 shares of the Company’s common stock at a weighted average price of $ 5.37 through the Open Market Sale Agreement, for total net proceeds of $ 31.9 million, net of commissions and discounts. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed over estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life or term of the lease. Upon retirement or disposal, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and the resulting gain or loss is recorded to general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Routine expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Estimated useful lives for property and equipment are as follows: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Life Research equipment 5 years Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer equipment 3 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on the ability to recover the carrying value of the assets from the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest expense) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such assets, an impairment loss for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value is recorded. There was no impairment loss recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Convertible Instruments The Company applies the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging and for distinguishing liabilities from equity when accounting for hybrid contracts that contain conversion options and other embedded features. The accounting standards require companies to bifurcate embedded features from their host instruments and account for them as free-standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria include circumstances in which (i) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (ii) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (iii) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. The Company’s derivative instrument related to certain features embedded within the Debenture is discussed in Note 10. The derivative is accounted for as a derivative liability and remeasured to fair value as of each balance sheet date and the related remeasurement adjustments are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Treasury Stock The Company records treasury stock activities under the cost method whereby the cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct the par value from common stock and to reflect any excess of cost over par value as a reduction to additional paid-in capital (to the extent created by previous issuances of the shares) and then retained earnings. There was no treasury stock repurchased for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are generated primarily through collaborative research, license, development and commercialization agreements. We recognize revenue when our customers obtain control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of ASC 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Arrangements that include rights to additional goods or services that are exercisable at a customer’s discretion are generally considered options. We assess if these options provide a material right to the customer and if so, they are considered performance obligations. The exercise of a material right is accounted for as a contract modification for accounting purposes. The Company recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time or over time, and if over time this is based on the use of an output or input method. Amounts received prior to revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. Amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within the 12 months following the balance sheet date are classified as current portion of deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts not expected to be recognized as revenue within the 12 months following the balance sheet date are classified as deferred revenue, net of current portion. Amounts recognized as revenue, but not yet received or invoiced are generally recognized as contract assets in the Other Assets line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Collaborative Arrangements – The Company has entered into collaboration agreements, which are within the scope of ASC 606, to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize product candidates. The terms of these agreements typically contain multiple promises or obligations, which may include: (1) licenses, or options to obtain licenses, to use the Company’s research program materials, and (2) research and development activities to be performed on behalf of the collaboration partner. Payments the Company receives under these arrangements typically include one or more of the following: non-refundable, upfront license fees; option exercise fees; funding of research and/or development efforts; clinical and development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments; and royalties on future product sales. The Company also analyzes its collaboration arrangements to assess whether they are within the scope of ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”) to determine whether such arrangements involve joint operating activities performed by parties that are both active participants in the activities and exposed to significant risks and rewards dependent on the commercial success of such activities. This assessment is performed throughout the life of the arrangement based on changes in the responsibilities of all parties in the arrangement. For collaboration arrangements within the scope of ASC 808 that contain multiple elements, the Company first determines which elements of the collaboration are deemed to be within the scope of ASC 808 and those that are more reflective of a vendor-customer relationship and, therefore, are within the scope of ASC 606. For elements of collaboration arrangements that are accounted for pursuant to ASC 808, an appropriate recognition method is determined and applied consistently, generally by analogy to ASC 606. For those elements of the arrangement that are accounted for pursuant to ASC 606, the Company applies the five-step model described above. For a complete discussion of accounting for collaboration revenues, see Note 6, “Collaboration Agreements”. Grant Revenue From time to time, the Company receives certain grant award funding to support its continuing research and development efforts. The Company considers these grants to be operating revenue as they support the Company’s primary operating activities. We recognize revenue from these contracts as we perform services under these arrangements when the funding is received. Revenues and related expenses are presented gross in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as we have determined we control the arrangement as the primary obligor under the arrangements relative to the research and development services we perform. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company recorded grant revenue related to funds received from the Alzheimer’s Association of $ 175,000 . No grant revenue was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021. Research and Development Costs Expenditures, including payroll, contractor expenses and supplies, for research and development of products are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial and other development costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development arrangements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are probable of being achieved. Stock-Based Compensation The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model as the method for estimating the grant date fair value of its stock option awards. The Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the stock options’ expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The grant date fair value of the portion of the stock option award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as compensation expense over the stock option awards’ requisite service periods. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation to expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. If there are any modifications or cancelations of stock option awards, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or decrease any remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities, which relate primarily to the carrying amount of the Company’s property and equipment and its net operating loss carryforward, are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets where, based upon the available evidence, management concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating its ability to recover deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including its operating results, ongoing tax planning and forecasts of future taxable income on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. Because of the uncertainty of the realization of the deferred tax assets, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Reserves are provided for tax benefits for which realization is uncertain. Such benefits are only recognized when the underlying tax position is considered more likely than not to be sustained on examination by a taxing authority, assuming they possess full knowledge of the position and facts. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes; however, the Company currently has no interest or penalties related to income taxes. Segment and Geographic Information The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, reviews its operating results on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The Company has one business activity, the discovery and development of targeted biotherapeutics to treat serious diseases and conditions with unmet medical needs, and there are no segment managers who are held accountable for operations or operating results. Accordingly, the Company operates in one segment. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, all long-lived assets are located in the United States. Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. Common Stockholders The Company calculates its basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares plus common equivalent shares for the period, including any dilutive effect from such shares. Since the Company was in a net loss position for all periods presented, net loss per share attributable to common stockholders was the same on a basic and diluted basis, as the inclusion of all potential common equivalent shares outstanding would have been anti-dilutive. For purposes of this calculation, stock options to purchase common stock are considered common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders as their effect is anti-dilutive. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02), which requires a lessee to recognize in its consolidated balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and also a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, requiring the use of a modified retrospective transition approach. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, Leases, (“ASU 2018-11”), which contains certain amendments to ASU 2016-02 intended to provide relief in implementing the new standard. ASU 2018-11 provides registrants with an option to not restate comparative periods presented in the financial statements. The Company has elected this new transition approach using the effective date of the standard, of which comparative periods will be presented in accordance with the previous guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases. The Company adopted his standard on January 1, 2021. The Company elected to utilize the available package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which does not require the reassessment of the following: (i) whether existing or expired arrangements are or contain a lease, (ii) the lease classification of existing or expired leases, and (iii) whether previous initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the new lease standard. Additionally, the Company made accounting policy elections to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of its balance sheet and not separating lease components from non-lease components for the lease of the Company’s headquarters. The largest impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, as the Company’s lease portfolio primarily consists of an operating lease for its corporate headquarters in Rochester, New York. The Company recognized right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities of approximately $ 0.3 million at the date of adoption. The results of operations were not changed significantly as a result of adopting the new standard. In the normal course of business, the Company evaluates all new Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") and other accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not expect any of the recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Balance Sheet Components

Balance Sheet Components	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	3. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS Property and Equipment Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Leasehold improvements $ 3,259 $ 3,213 Research equipment 3,515 3,499 Furniture and fixtures 350 350 Computer equipment 321 284 Property and equipment, gross 7,445 7,346 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ( 7,256 ) ( 7,049 ) Property and equipment, net $ 189 $ 297 Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $ 207,000 and $ 169,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accrued clinical trial cost $ 335 $ 468 Accrued payroll and related benefits 308 409 Accrued consulting and legal 127 74 Accrued other 11 29 Accrued expenses $ 781 $ 980

Fair Value of Financial Measure

Fair Value of Financial Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Measurements	4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and long-term debt. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and debt, are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short time to the expected receipt or payment date of such amounts. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fair value measurement standards also apply to certain financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (each reporting period). For the Company, these financial assets and liabilities include its cash equivalents deposited in money market funds and derivative instruments. The Company does not have any nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The assets’ or liabilities’ fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands): As of December 31, 2022 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market fund $ 3,975 $ 3,975 $ - $ - Total Financial Assets $ 3,975 $ 3,975 $ - $ - As of December 31, 2021 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market fund $ 426 $ 426 $ - $ - Total Financial Assets $ 426 $ 426 $ - $ - The Company did no t transfer any assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis to or from Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

License and Services Agreement

License and Services Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Research and Development [Abstract]
License and Services Agreement	5. LICENSE AND SERVICES AGREEMENT In November 2017, the Company entered into a license agreement (the “VX3 License Agreement”) with VX3, which was formed by a group of Canadian investors including the Company’s majority stockholder, FCMI Parent Co. (“FCMI Parent”). VX3 was created for the purpose of funding the Company’s research and development activities for pepinemab, the Company’s most advanced product candidate. Under the VX3 License Agreement, the Company granted VX3 the license to use, make, have made, sell, offer and import pepinemab for the treatment of Huntington’s disease in the U.S. and Canada. In return, VX3 agreed to fund research and development activities with up to an aggregate of $ 32.0 million in milestone payments to the Company and to share any pepinemab profits and sublicensing revenue under the agreement in an amount based on a calculation set forth in the agreement. The Company also entered into a services agreement with VX3 (the “Services Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company would carry out development activities for pepinemab for the treatment of Huntington’s disease in the U.S. and Canada in exchange for services payments from VX3. The VX3 License Agreement expires upon the last to expire licensed patent and may be terminated by either party upon uncured material breach, the occurrence of certain transactions or financings, uncured failure of VX3 to make payment due under the Services Agreement, or upon written notice after November 6, 2020. The Services Agreement may be terminated by either party upon an uncured material breach and is automatically terminated upon termination of the VX3 License Agreement. The VX3 License Agreement provides that upon termination, the Company will issue to VX3 or its designees the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the lesser of (1) the aggregate of all payments made to VX3 by its partners divided by $ 18.20 and (2) the then fair market value of VX3 divided by the then fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock . The Company entered into an exchange agreement on August 13, 2018 with VX3 and its partners, including FCMI Parent, that provides each VX3 partner with the right to exchange all, but not less than all, of its partnership interests in VX3 for shares of the Company’s common stock. The exchange agreement also provides that FCMI Parent’s exercise of its option to exchange its VX3 partnership interests for shares of Company common stock, would trigger the exchange of all VX3 partnership interests for shares of Company common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, exchange transactions were effected whereby all remaining limited partnership interests in VX3 were exchanged for 1,318797 shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms of the respective exchange agreement and Vaccinex Products and VX3 were dissolved as of September 3, 2021 (See Note 11 and Note 16). Prior to the exchanges, the Company had a variable interest in VX3 through FCMI Parent, which is majority owned and controlled by the Company’s chairman, and it controlled 90 % of VX3’s voting interest as of December 31, 2020. VX3 did not have any business operations or generate any income or expenses and was primarily a funding mechanism specifically for the benefit of the Company, as its only activities consisted of the receipt of funding and the contribution of such funding to the Company. Therefore, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of VX3 and that the operating results of VX3 should be incorporated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements accordingly. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did no t receive any amounts from VX3 or record any related capital contributions from noncontrolling interests on the consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling equity interests did not participate in a proportionate share of the Company’s net losses for the year ended December 31, 2021 pursuant to the aforementioned partnership, license, services and exchange agreements.

Collaboration Agreements

Collaboration Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Collaboration Agreements [Abstract]
Collaboration Agreements	6. COLLABORATION AGREEMENTS Surface Oncology, Inc. In November 2017, the Company entered into a research collaboration and license option agreement with Surface Oncology, Inc. (“Surface”) to identify and select antibodies against two target antigens, using the Company’s proprietary technology as described in the agreement. Under the agreement, Surface may purchase exclusive options, exercisable by providing a written notice to the Company, to obtain (i) an exclusive product license to make, use, sell and import products incorporating antibodies targeting the first antigen and (ii) an exclusive research tool license to use antibodies targeting the second antigen to perform research. Surface purchased the first option and exercised the second option and entered into an exclusive research tool license agreement with Surface in the third quarter of 2019. Under the research collaboration and license option agreement, Surface paid an upfront technology access fee of $ 250,000 and makes milestone payments upon completion of each of four designated milestones for the first target antigen specified in the agreement. For the second target antigen, Surface is obligated to make payments to the Company based on time incurred by the Company in the conduct of the work plan described in the agreement. Surface is required to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred (i) in the conduct of the work plan as detailed in the research funding budget and (ii) for patent filings and prosecution of the Company’s program intellectual property as described in the agreement. The exercise of each option would also entail a license fee and annual maintenance fees, and in the case of the product license, royalties and additional milestone payments. This agreement will expire upon the latest of the expiration of both research programs and all evaluation and testing periods. During the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company recorded $ 850,000 of revenue for a product license for the first target. During each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded $ 50,000 of revenue for an annual maintenance fee for the exclusive product license.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Nasdaq Deficiency Notice On October 10, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it is no longer in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires listed companies to maintain a minimum bid price of $ 1.00 per share. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has 180 days, or until April 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If our common stock maintains a closing bid price of at least $ 1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the 180-day compliance period, we will automatically regain compliance. In the event we do not regain compliance with the $ 1.00 bid price requirement by April 10, 2023, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify, the Company would be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market with the exception of the minimum bid price requirement and provide Nasdaq with written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. However, if it appears to Listing Qualifications staff that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if the Company does not meet the other listing standards, Nasdaq could provide notice that the Company’s common stock will become subject to delisting. In the event the Company receives notice that its common stock is being delisted, Nasdaq rules permit the Company to appeal any delisting determination by the Nasdaq staff to a Hearings Panel. Sublicense Termination Payments In 2006, the Company licensed certain technology to EUSA Pharma SAS (“EUSA”) and in 2008, this technology was sublicensed by EUSA to Glaxo Group Limited (“GSK”) for development. GSK terminated its sub-license with EUSA in March 2010 and ownership of the technology reverted back to the Company. The Company may be required to pay EUSA up to $ 25.5 million plus ongoing royalty payments of 1 % of net sales upon the occurrence of certain events involving the previously licensed technology, including Phase 3 clinical trial, FDA acceptance and approval and product sales. The Company is not planning any further commercialization efforts related to the previously licensed technology, and therefore does not anticipate any of the above-described amounts will be paid. Contingencies The Company is subject to claims and assessments from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company records a provision for a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings. The Company will accrue a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of possible loss can be established, the most probable amount in the range is accrued. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. The accrual for a litigation loss contingency might include, for example, estimates of potential damages, outside legal fees and other directly related costs expected to be incurred. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company was not involved in any material legal proceedings.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	8. LEASES The Company leases its facilities from 1895 Management, Ltd., a New York corporation controlled by an entity affiliated with a director of the Company, under non-cancellable operating leases. Following entry into a lease extension agreement in August 2022, the lease agreement requires monthly rental payments of $ 15,048 through October 31, 2024. The Company is responsible for all maintenance, utilities, insurance and taxes related to the facility. The Company has elected the practical expedient on not separating lease components from non-lease components. The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The leases do not provide an implicit rate so in determining the present value of lease payments, the Company utilized its incremental borrowing rate for the applicable lease, which was 7.0 %. The Company recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. Under the guidance prescribed in ASC 842, the Company elected the practical expedient which does not require re-evaluation of the lease classification upon adoption, therefore, the Company’s conclusion that the 1895 Mt Hope Ave Lease was an operating lease, remains. As such, the Company recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and corresponding operating lease liability on the consolidated balance sheets of $ 0.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the future minimum payments for the operating leases total $ 331,060 , less imputed interest of $ 21,210 , for an operating lease liability of $ 309,850 as of December 31, 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $ 175,000 and $ 174,000 , respectively. Rent expense incurred under the operating lease for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $ 175,000 and $ 174,000 respectively and is a component of general and administrative expense.

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	9. LONG-TERM DEBT On May 8, 2020, the Company received the PPP Loan in the amount of $ 1,133,600 . The PPP Loan originally matured on May 8, 2022 , with no principal payments required prior to the maturity date, and bears interest at an annual rate of 1.0 %, with interest payments commencing on November 8, 2020 , less the amount of any potential forgiveness. On November 8, 2021, the Company was awarded loan forgiveness of $ 876,171 and the remaining balance of the loan was refinanced. The loan has a maturity date of May 8, 2025 , bears interest of 1 %, and will be repaid in monthly payments of $ 6,334 . The Company had been accruing interest of the original amount of the PPP loan until forgiveness was granted, and was the related interest accrual was adjusted resulting in a reduction of interest expense of $ 4,000 in 2021 within its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss,

Convertible Debenture

Convertible Debenture	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Debenture	10. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE On July 30, 2020, the Company consummated the Convertible Debt Financing pursuant to which the Company issued its Senior Secured Convertible Debenture in the principal amount of $ 8,640,000 for a purchase price of $ 8,000,000 , which reflects an original issue discount of approximately 8 % (the “Debenture”), issued pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2020, with 3i as collateral; agent (the “SPA”). The maturity date of the Debenture was August 3, 2021 , and the sale of the Debenture occurred on August 3, 2020. As of August 3, 2021, the Company repaid the Debenture in full, by making a payment of $ 2,755,895 , representing all principal and interest due at maturity. The Company has no further obligation under the Debenture and incurred no early termination or prepayment penalties in connection with the repayment. As a result of the repayment of the Debenture, (i) the Security Agreement dated as of July 31, 2020, between the Company and 3i, LP, as collateral agent, pursuant to which the Company granted a security interest in certain assets of the Company as collateral to secure the Debenture, (ii) the stock underlying the Debenture, and (iii) the SPA, were terminated. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, at any time, the Company could have elected to redeem all or any portion of the Debenture for an amount equal to 115 % of the outstanding principal balance being redeemed plus all accrued unpaid interest on the amount being redeemed and an amount due under the Interest Make-Whole (the “Optional Redemption”). The Debenture also provided that in connection with future capital raising transactions (subject to certain exceptions), the Company must offer to use 20 % of the funds raised to redeem amounts outstanding under the Debenture (“Mandatory Redemption”). Any redemption in this circumstance will be at the election of the holder. Consistent with the Optional Conversion or Optional Redemption provisions, the Mandatory Redemption is subject to the Interest Make-Whole. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made payments under the Mandatory Redemption provision totaling $ 6,372,575 consisting of $ 5,955,678 for principal repayments and $ 416,897 for accrued and make-whole interest. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded amortization expense of the original issue discount on the Debenture of $ 457,737 , which is reflected in interest expense on its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company incurred $ 50,000 in fees paid to 3i in connection with the issuance of the Debenture. These costs were primarily allocated to the debt component and recognized as additional debt discount. The Company amortized the debt discount, including the initial value of the derivative liability of $ 65,000 , allocated fees of $ 50,000 and the original issuance discount of $ 640,000 , over the term of the Debenture using the effective interest method. The annual effective interest rate was 16.54 %. Total interest expense under the Senior Secured Convertible Debenture for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $ 358,105 .

Common Stock Reserved For Issua

Common Stock Reserved For Issuance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Reserved For Issuance	11. COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE Common stock has been reserved for the following potential future issuances: As of As of Shares underlying outstanding stock options 1,784,093 1,154,563 Shares available for future stock option grants 382,816 396,324 Total shares of common stock reserved 2,166,909 1,550,887

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 2011 Employee Equity Plan The Company’s 2011 Employee Equity Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was terminated in connection with the adoption of the Company’s 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) in August 2018, and the Company will not grant any additional stock options under the 2011 Plan. However, the 2011 Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of the outstanding stock options previously granted thereunder. Stock options granted under the 2011 Plan expire in five or ten years from the date of grant. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan In August 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and its stockholders approved, the 2018 Plan, which allows for the granting of stock, stock option, and stock appreciation rights awards to employees, advisors and consultants. Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan may be either incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted to employees, advisors and consultants at exercise prices of no less than the fair value of the common stock on the grant date. If at the time of grant, the optionee owns stock representing more than 10 % of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, the exercise price must be at least 110 % of the fair value of the common stock on the grant date as determined by the board of directors. Non-statutory stock options may be granted to employees, advisors and consultants at exercise prices of less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the non-statutory stock option is granted but shall under no circumstances be less than adequate consideration as determined by the board of directors for such a share. The vesting period of stock option grants is determined by the board of directors, ranging from zero to eight years . Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan expire in five or ten years from the date of grant. The Company reserved 425,000 shares of common stock for issuance, subject to certain adjustments, pursuant to awards under the 2018 Plan. Any shares of common stock related to awards outstanding under the 2011 Plan as of the effective date of the 2018 Plan, which thereafter terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, will be added to, and included in, the number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2018 Plan. In addition, effective January 1, 2020 and continuing until the expiration of the 2018 Plan, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2018 Plan will automatically increase annually by 2 % of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as of December 31 st of the immediately preceding year or such lesser number as the Company’s board of directors may decide, which may be zero. Accordingly, on January 1, 2022, 616,022 add itional shares of common stock became available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows: Stock Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Balance as of January 1, 2021 832,868 $ 6.83 6.9 $ 2 Granted 346,944 2.47 Exercised - - $ - Forfeited ( 25,249 ) 5.62 Balance as of December 31, 2021 1,154,563 5.55 6.9 $ - Granted 642,478 1.15 9.4 Exercised - - $ - Forfeited ( 12,948 ) 3.20 Balance as of December 31, 2022 1,784,093 $ 3.98 7.1 $ 4 Exercisable as of December 31, 2022 1,013,751 $ 5.60 5.9 $ 4 The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $ 0.78 and $ 1.60 per share, respectively. The aggregate grant date fair value of stock options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $ 615,378 and $ 322,067 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options vested and expected to vest and exercisable is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the fair value of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The intrinsic value of exercised stock options is the difference between the fair value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price as of the exercise date. The intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2022 was $ 4.00 . As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted to employees was $ 561,198 and $ 621,996 , respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Determination of Fair Value The determination of the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock, as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables that are complex, subjective and generally require significant judgment to determine. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options were: Fair Value of Common Stock Prior to the IPO, the fair value of the common stock underlying the stock options was determined by the Company’s board of directors, with input from management and third-party valuations. Subsequent to the IPO, the fair value of the Company’s common stock was based on its publicly traded price per share. Expected Term The expected term represents the period that the Company’s stock option awards are expected to be outstanding. Stock options granted have a maximum contractual life of 10 years. The Company estimates the expected term of the stock option to be 6.0 years based on historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. Expected Volatility As the Company does not have a trading history for its common stock, the expected stock price volatility for the Company’s common stock was estimated by taking the average historic price volatility for industry peers based on daily price observations over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants. Industry peers consist of several public companies in the Company’s industry which are of similar size, complexity and stage of development. The Company intends to continue to consistently apply this process using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of its own share price becomes available, or unless circumstances change such that the identified companies are no longer similar to the Company, in which case, more suitable companies whose share prices are publicly available would be used in the calculation. Risk-Free Interest Rate The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate, with maturities similar to the expected term of the stock options. Expected Dividend Yield The Company does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, uses an expected dividend yield of zero . The grant date fair value of employee stock options was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Expected term (in years) 6.0 6.0 Expected volatility 75 % 75 % Risk-free interest rate 2.4 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield - % - % Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Research and development $ 205 $ 160 General and administrative 340 381 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 545 $ 541

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. INCOME TAXES No provision for income taxes was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company remains in a cumulative loss position with a full valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2022. The reconciliation of federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Expected income tax benefit at the federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 5.1 5.3 Research and development credit, net 5.2 5.5 Non-deductible items and others ( 0.3 ) 0.6 Change in valuation allowance ( 31.0 ) ( 32.4 ) Total 0.0 % 0.0 % Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands): As of December 31, 2022 2021 Deferred tax assets: Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards $ 75,795 $ 73,802 Research and development tax credits 22,721 21,717 Depreciation and amortization 3,627 394 Reserves and accruals 84 96 Other 510 449 Total deferred tax assets 102,737 96,458 Less: valuation allowance ( 102,737 ) ( 96,458 ) Net deferred tax assets - - Deferred tax liability: Net deferred tax assets and liability $ - $ - The Company’s valuation allowance increased by $ 6.3 million and by $ 7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in order to maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Based on the Company’s history of losses, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support a reversal of the valuation allowance and the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had federal and state operating loss carryforwards of $ 287.8 million and $ 298.9 million, which begin to expire in the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2034 , respectively. The Company had federal research and development tax credit carryforwards of $ 22.7 million as of December 31, 2022. This credit began expiring in the year ending December 31, 2021 . Under the provisions of Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code (the IRC), net operating loss and credit carryforwards and other tax attributes may be subject to limitation if there has been a significant change in ownership of the Company, as defined by the IRC. Future owner or equity shifts could result in limitations on net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as many U.S. state jurisdictions. The tax years from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 remain open to examination by the major jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to tax. Fiscal years outside the normal statute of limitations remain open to audit by tax authorities due to tax attributes generated in those early years, which have been carried forward and may be audited in subsequent years when utilized. The Company evaluates tax positions for recognition using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, and those tax positions eligible for recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon the effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company had no unrecognized income tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.

Net Loss Per Share Attributable

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders	14. NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS The following weighted-average common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented as they had an anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Options to purchase common stock 1,561,707 1,042,877 Contingently issuable common stock prior to exchange of - 557,029 Contingently issuable common stock prior to exchange of - 612,876

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan that stipulates that eligible employees can elect to contribute to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limitations, up to the lesser of the statutory maximum or 100 % of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. Through December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has not elected to match employee contributions as permitted by the plan. The Company pays the administrative costs for the plan.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS As discussed in Note 9, the Company leases its facility from 1895 Management, Ltd., a New York corporation controlled by an entity affiliated with the Company’s chairman and major stockholder of the Company. Rent expense incurred under this operating lease was $ 175,000 and $ 174,000 , respectively, for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. As discussed in Note 6, in November 2017, the Company entered into a research collaboration and license option agreement with Surface to identify and select antibodies against two target antigens, using the Company’s proprietary technology as described in the agreement. At that time, J. Jeffrey Goater served as a member of the Company’s board of directors and the Chief Business Officer of Surface, Mr. Goater's term as a member of our board ended at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Surface. This agreement will expire upon the latest of the expiration of both research programs and all evaluation and testing periods. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the Company recorded $ 50,000 of revenue per year as an annual maintenance fee for the exclusive product license. During the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company recorded $ 850,000 of revenue for a product license for the first target. On January 31, 2022 , the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to certain investors 8,747,744 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $ 1.11 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 9.7 million (“the January 2022 Private Placement”). FCMI Parent Co. and Friedberg Global-Macro Hedge Fund Ltd. each purchased 1,801,801 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $ 3,999,998 . Albert D. Friedberg, the Company’s chairman and beneficial owner of a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock, controls FCMI Parent Co., the Company's majority stockholder, and Friedberg Mercantile Group, the investment manager of the Friedberg Global-Macro Hedge Fund Ltd., which exercises voting and dispositive power over shares held directly by Friedberg Global-Macro Hedge Fund Ltd. Vaccinex (Rochester) L.L.C., which is majority owned and controlled by Dr. Maurice Zauderer, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of its board of directors, and Benbow Estates, which is controlled by Jacob Frieberg, a member of the Company’s board of directors, purchased 1,801,801 and 90,090 shares of our common stock for aggregate purchase prices of $ 1,999,999 and $ 100,000 , respectively, in the January 2022 Private Placement. In connection with the January 2022 Private Placement, on January 31, 2022, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors pursuant to which the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-264236), declared effective on April 27, 2022, to register the resale of the shares acquired by the investors in the January 2022 Private Placement. On November 18, 2022 and November 22, 2022 , the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement and joinder thereto pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to certain investors 7,142,496 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $ 0.53 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 3.8 million (“the November 2022 Private Placement”). FCMI Parent Co., the Company's majority stockholder, which is controlled by Albert D. Friedberg, the chairman of the Company’s board of directors, Vaccinex (Rochester) L.L.C., which is majority owned and controlled by Dr. Maurice Zauderer, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of its board of directors, Gee Eff Services Limited, which is controlled by Jacob Frieberg, a member of the Company's board of directors, and Gerald Van Strydonck, a member of the Company’s board of directors, purchased 3,778,575 , 1,511,430 , 188,928 , and 47,232 shares of our common stock for aggregate purchase prices of $ 2,000,000 , $ 800,000 , $ 100,000 , and $ 25,000 , respectively, in the November 2022 Private Placement. In connection with the November 2022 Private Placement, on November 22, 2022, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors pursuant to which the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-269385), declared effective on January 31, 2023, to register the resale of the shares acquired by the investors in the November 2022 Private Placement.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT On March 30, 2023 , the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 4,975,608 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $ 0.41 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 2.04 million (“the March 2023 Private Placement”). Two of the investors in the March 2023 Private Placement were affiliated with directors or officers of the Company: FCMI Parent Co. (“FCMI”), which is controlled by Albert D. Friedberg, the chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and Vaccinex (Rochester) L.L.C., which is majority owned and controlled by Dr. Maurice Zauderer, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of its board of directors. In addition, FCMI made a binding commitment in the Stock Purchase Agreement to purchase, on or prior to May 15, 2023, up to an additional $ 2.96 million of shares of the Company's common stock, less the aggregate purchase price of securities of the Company other than the shares sold by the Company to investors other than FCMI and its affiliates after the closing and on or prior to May 15, 2023, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation These consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts and operations of the Company. However, prior to September 3, 2021, the Company’s accounts included Vaccinex Products, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Vaccinex Products”), and VX3 (DE) LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“VX3”). Subsequently, on September 3, 2021, Vaccinex Products and VX3 were dissolved when all remaining partnership interests were exchanged for shares of our common stock.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. Such management estimates include those relating to assumptions used in the valuation of stock option awards, the valuation of derivative instruments, and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company deposits its cash primarily in checking and money market accounts.
Concentration of Credit Risk, Other Risks and Uncertainties	Concentration of Credit Risk, Other Risks and Uncertainties Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are deposited in interest-bearing money market accounts. Although the Company deposits its cash with multiple financial institutions, cash balances may occasionally be in excess of the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Management believes the financial risk associated with these balances is minimal and has not experienced any losses to date. The Company has historically raised capital in transactions with investors that include members of its board of directors and entities controlled by certain board members. As such, the Company's directors, directly and indirectly, control a significant ownership percentage of the Company. The Company can provide no assurances that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to it or that its directors or entities controlled by certain board members will be willing or able to participate in future capital raises by the Company. The Company depends on third-party manufacturers for the manufacture of drug substance and drug product for clinical trials. The Company also relies on certain third parties for its supply chain. Disputes with these third - party manufacturers or shortages in goods or services from third-party suppliers could delay the manufacturing of the Company’s product candidates and adversely impact its results of operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and long-term debt. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and debt, are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short time to the expected receipt or payment date of such amounts.
Financing Activities	Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company completed private placements of our common stock to various investors for gross proceeds of $ 13.5 million. On March 27, 2020, we announced that we had (i) entered into an open market sale agreement (the “Open Market Sale Agreement” or “ATM”) with Jefferies, LLC (“Jefferies”) and filed a prospectus supplement pursuant to which we were able to issue and sell up to $ 11.5 million of shares of our common stock. In September 2020, we filed a replacement prospectus supplement related to the Open Market Sale Agreement pursuant to which we may sell up to $ 113 million of shares of our common stock through Jefferies. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company sold 3,189,411 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, at a weighted average price of $ 1.12 through the Open Market Sale Agreement, for total net proceeds of $ 3.6 million, net of commissions and discounts. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold 5,937,900 shares of the Company’s common stock at a weighted average price of $ 5.37 through the Open Market Sale Agreement, for total net proceeds of $ 31.9 million, net of commissions and discounts.
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed over estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life or term of the lease. Upon retirement or disposal, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and the resulting gain or loss is recorded to general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Routine expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Estimated useful lives for property and equipment are as follows: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Life Research equipment 5 years Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer equipment 3 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on the ability to recover the carrying value of the assets from the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest expense) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such assets, an impairment loss for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value is recorded. There was no impairment loss recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Convertible Instruments	Convertible Instruments The Company applies the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging and for distinguishing liabilities from equity when accounting for hybrid contracts that contain conversion options and other embedded features. The accounting standards require companies to bifurcate embedded features from their host instruments and account for them as free-standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria include circumstances in which (i) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (ii) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (iii) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. The Company’s derivative instrument related to certain features embedded within the Debenture is discussed in Note 10. The derivative is accounted for as a derivative liability and remeasured to fair value as of each balance sheet date and the related remeasurement adjustments are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company records treasury stock activities under the cost method whereby the cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct the par value from common stock and to reflect any excess of cost over par value as a reduction to additional paid-in capital (to the extent created by previous issuances of the shares) and then retained earnings. There was no treasury stock repurchased for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are generated primarily through collaborative research, license, development and commercialization agreements. We recognize revenue when our customers obtain control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of ASC 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Arrangements that include rights to additional goods or services that are exercisable at a customer’s discretion are generally considered options. We assess if these options provide a material right to the customer and if so, they are considered performance obligations. The exercise of a material right is accounted for as a contract modification for accounting purposes. The Company recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time or over time, and if over time this is based on the use of an output or input method. Amounts received prior to revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. Amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within the 12 months following the balance sheet date are classified as current portion of deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts not expected to be recognized as revenue within the 12 months following the balance sheet date are classified as deferred revenue, net of current portion. Amounts recognized as revenue, but not yet received or invoiced are generally recognized as contract assets in the Other Assets line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Collaborative Arrangements – The Company has entered into collaboration agreements, which are within the scope of ASC 606, to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize product candidates. The terms of these agreements typically contain multiple promises or obligations, which may include: (1) licenses, or options to obtain licenses, to use the Company’s research program materials, and (2) research and development activities to be performed on behalf of the collaboration partner. Payments the Company receives under these arrangements typically include one or more of the following: non-refundable, upfront license fees; option exercise fees; funding of research and/or development efforts; clinical and development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments; and royalties on future product sales. The Company also analyzes its collaboration arrangements to assess whether they are within the scope of ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”) to determine whether such arrangements involve joint operating activities performed by parties that are both active participants in the activities and exposed to significant risks and rewards dependent on the commercial success of such activities. This assessment is performed throughout the life of the arrangement based on changes in the responsibilities of all parties in the arrangement. For collaboration arrangements within the scope of ASC 808 that contain multiple elements, the Company first determines which elements of the collaboration are deemed to be within the scope of ASC 808 and those that are more reflective of a vendor-customer relationship and, therefore, are within the scope of ASC 606. For elements of collaboration arrangements that are accounted for pursuant to ASC 808, an appropriate recognition method is determined and applied consistently, generally by analogy to ASC 606. For those elements of the arrangement that are accounted for pursuant to ASC 606, the Company applies the five-step model described above. For a complete discussion of accounting for collaboration revenues, see Note 6, “Collaboration Agreements”.
Grant Revenue	Grant Revenue From time to time, the Company receives certain grant award funding to support its continuing research and development efforts. The Company considers these grants to be operating revenue as they support the Company’s primary operating activities. We recognize revenue from these contracts as we perform services under these arrangements when the funding is received. Revenues and related expenses are presented gross in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as we have determined we control the arrangement as the primary obligor under the arrangements relative to the research and development services we perform. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company recorded grant revenue related to funds received from the Alzheimer’s Association of $ 175,000 . No grant revenue was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Expenditures, including payroll, contractor expenses and supplies, for research and development of products are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial and other development costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development arrangements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are probable of being achieved.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model as the method for estimating the grant date fair value of its stock option awards. The Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the stock options’ expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The grant date fair value of the portion of the stock option award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as compensation expense over the stock option awards’ requisite service periods. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation to expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. If there are any modifications or cancelations of stock option awards, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or decrease any remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities, which relate primarily to the carrying amount of the Company’s property and equipment and its net operating loss carryforward, are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets where, based upon the available evidence, management concludes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating its ability to recover deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including its operating results, ongoing tax planning and forecasts of future taxable income on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. Because of the uncertainty of the realization of the deferred tax assets, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Reserves are provided for tax benefits for which realization is uncertain. Such benefits are only recognized when the underlying tax position is considered more likely than not to be sustained on examination by a taxing authority, assuming they possess full knowledge of the position and facts. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes; however, the Company currently has no interest or penalties related to income taxes.
Segment and Geographic Information	Segment and Geographic Information The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, reviews its operating results on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The Company has one business activity, the discovery and development of targeted biotherapeutics to treat serious diseases and conditions with unmet medical needs, and there are no segment managers who are held accountable for operations or operating results. Accordingly, the Company operates in one segment. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, all long-lived assets are located in the United States.
Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. Common Stockholders	Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. Common Stockholders The Company calculates its basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares plus common equivalent shares for the period, including any dilutive effect from such shares. Since the Company was in a net loss position for all periods presented, net loss per share attributable to common stockholders was the same on a basic and diluted basis, as the inclusion of all potential common equivalent shares outstanding would have been anti-dilutive. For purposes of this calculation, stock options to purchase common stock are considered common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to Vaccinex, Inc. common stockholders as their effect is anti-dilutive.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02), which requires a lessee to recognize in its consolidated balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and also a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, requiring the use of a modified retrospective transition approach. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, Leases, (“ASU 2018-11”), which contains certain amendments to ASU 2016-02 intended to provide relief in implementing the new standard. ASU 2018-11 provides registrants with an option to not restate comparative periods presented in the financial statements. The Company has elected this new transition approach using the effective date of the standard, of which comparative periods will be presented in accordance with the previous guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases. The Company adopted his standard on January 1, 2021. The Company elected to utilize the available package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which does not require the reassessment of the following: (i) whether existing or expired arrangements are or contain a lease, (ii) the lease classification of existing or expired leases, and (iii) whether previous initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the new lease standard. Additionally, the Company made accounting policy elections to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of its balance sheet and not separating lease components from non-lease components for the lease of the Company’s headquarters. The largest impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, as the Company’s lease portfolio primarily consists of an operating lease for its corporate headquarters in Rochester, New York. The Company recognized right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities of approximately $ 0.3 million at the date of adoption. The results of operations were not changed significantly as a result of adopting the new standard. In the normal course of business, the Company evaluates all new Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") and other accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not expect any of the recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Useful Lives for Property and Equipment	Estimated useful lives for property and equipment are as follows: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Life Research equipment 5 years Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer equipment 3 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term

Balance Sheet Components (Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Leasehold improvements $ 3,259 $ 3,213 Research equipment 3,515 3,499 Furniture and fixtures 350 350 Computer equipment 321 284 Property and equipment, gross 7,445 7,346 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ( 7,256 ) ( 7,049 ) Property and equipment, net $ 189 $ 297
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accrued clinical trial cost $ 335 $ 468 Accrued payroll and related benefits 308 409 Accrued consulting and legal 127 74 Accrued other 11 29 Accrued expenses $ 781 $ 980

Fair Value of Financial Measu_2

Fair Value of Financial Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Value of Financial Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy	The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands): As of December 31, 2022 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market fund $ 3,975 $ 3,975 $ - $ - Total Financial Assets $ 3,975 $ 3,975 $ - $ - As of December 31, 2021 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market fund $ 426 $ 426 $ - $ - Total Financial Assets $ 426 $ 426 $ - $ -

Common Stock Reserved For Iss_2

Common Stock Reserved For Issuance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Reserved for Potential Future Issuances	Common stock has been reserved for the following potential future issuances: As of As of Shares underlying outstanding stock options 1,784,093 1,154,563 Shares available for future stock option grants 382,816 396,324 Total shares of common stock reserved 2,166,909 1,550,887

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows: Stock Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Balance as of January 1, 2021 832,868 $ 6.83 6.9 $ 2 Granted 346,944 2.47 Exercised - - $ - Forfeited ( 25,249 ) 5.62 Balance as of December 31, 2021 1,154,563 5.55 6.9 $ - Granted 642,478 1.15 9.4 Exercised - - $ - Forfeited ( 12,948 ) 3.20 Balance as of December 31, 2022 1,784,093 $ 3.98 7.1 $ 4 Exercisable as of December 31, 2022 1,013,751 $ 5.60 5.9 $ 4
Grant Date Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model with Weighted-Average Assumptions	The grant date fair value of employee stock options was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Expected term (in years) 6.0 6.0 Expected volatility 75 % 75 % Risk-free interest rate 2.4 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield - % - %
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss	Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Research and development $ 205 $ 160 General and administrative 340 381 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 545 $ 541

Income Tax (Tables)

Income Tax (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Expected income tax benefit at the federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 5.1 5.3 Research and development credit, net 5.2 5.5 Non-deductible items and others ( 0.3 ) 0.6 Change in valuation allowance ( 31.0 ) ( 32.4 ) Total 0.0 % 0.0 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands): As of December 31, 2022 2021 Deferred tax assets: Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards $ 75,795 $ 73,802 Research and development tax credits 22,721 21,717 Depreciation and amortization 3,627 394 Reserves and accruals 84 96 Other 510 449 Total deferred tax assets 102,737 96,458 Less: valuation allowance ( 102,737 ) ( 96,458 ) Net deferred tax assets - - Deferred tax liability: Net deferred tax assets and liability $ - $ -

Net Loss Per Share Attributab_2

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share as They Had Anti-Dilutive Effect	The following weighted-average common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented as they had an anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Options to purchase common stock 1,561,707 1,042,877 Contingently issuable common stock prior to exchange of - 557,029 Contingently issuable common stock prior to exchange of - 612,876

Company and Nature of Business

Company and Nature of Business - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Loss from operations	$ (19,815)	$ (22,380)
Cash flow from operations	(19,074)	(25,298)
Accumulated deficit	$ 319,676	$ 299,861

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) Segment $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from private offering of common stock				$ 13,490,000
Proceeds from capital contribution		$ 11,500,000
Asset impairment charges				$ 0	$ 0
Treasury stock repurchased | shares				0	0
Interest related to income taxes				$ 0
Penalties related to income taxes				$ 0
Number of operating segments | Segment				1
Right of use assets and corresponding lease liabilities	$ 300,000
Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sale of stock, consideration received			$ 113,000,000
Alzheimers Association
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Grant revenue				$ 175,000	$ 0
Common Stock
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from private offering of common stock				$ 13,500,000
Open Market Sale Agreement | Common Stock
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares issued and sell | shares				3,189,411	5,937,900
Shares issued, price per share | $ / shares				$ 1.12	$ 5.37
Proceeds from the sale of shares				$ 3,600,000	$ 31,900,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Estimated Useful Lives for Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Leasehold Improvements, Useful Life	Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term
Research Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Computer Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years

Balance Sheet Components - Prop

Balance Sheet Components - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,445	$ 7,346
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,256)	(7,049)
Property and equipment, net	189	297
Leasehold Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,259	3,213
Research Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,515	3,499
Furniture and Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	350	350
Computer Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 321	$ 284

Balance Sheet Components - Addi

Balance Sheet Components - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 207,000	$ 169,000

Balance Sheet Components - Sche

Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued clinical trial cost	$ 335	$ 468
Accrued payroll and related benefits	308	409
Accrued consulting and legal	127	74
Accrued other	11	29
Accrued expenses	$ 781	$ 980

Fair Value of Financial Measu_3

Fair Value of Financial Measurements - Summary of Fair Value of Financial Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - Fair Value Measurements Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Assets:
Total Financial Assets	$ 3,975	$ 426
Money Market Funds
Financial Assets:
Cash equivalents, Fair value disclosure	3,975	426
Level 1
Financial Assets:
Total Financial Assets	3,975	426
Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Financial Assets:
Cash equivalents, Fair value disclosure	$ 3,975	$ 426

Fair Value of Financial Measu_4

Fair Value of Financial Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - Fair Value Measurements Recurring - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial assets, level 1 to level 2 transfer, amount	$ 0	$ 0
Financial assets, level 2 to level 1 transfer, amount	$ 0	$ 0

License and Services Agreement

License and Services Agreement - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2020	Nov. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
License And Services Agreement [Line Items]
Proceeds from capital contribution	$ 11,500,000
VX3 Interests | Common Stock
License And Services Agreement [Line Items]
Limited partnership interests exchanged				1,318,797
VX3 License Agreement
License And Services Agreement [Line Items]
Research and development, milestone payments to company		$ 32,000,000
Terms of license agreement upon termination			the Company will issue to VX3 or its designees the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the lesser of (1) the aggregate of all payments made to VX3 by its partners divided by $18.20 and (2) the then fair market value of VX3 divided by the then fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock
Base amount to determine issuance of common stock upon termination		$ 18.20
VX3
License And Services Agreement [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest					90%
Proceeds from capital contribution				$ 0

Collaboration Agreements - Addi

Collaboration Agreements - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017 USD ($) Milestone TargetAntigen	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of target antigens against which antibodies are to be identified and selected | TargetAntigen	2
Revenue		$ 275,000	$ 900,000
Surface Oncology, Inc.
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of target antigens against which antibodies are to be identified and selected | TargetAntigen	2
Upfront payments fee received	$ 250,000
Number of designated milestones | Milestone	4
Revenue			850,000
Annual maintenance fee		50,000	50,000
Surface Oncology, Inc. | Exclusive Product License
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue			850,000
Annual maintenance fee		$ 50,000	$ 50,000

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 10, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Nasdaq stock trading price description		In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has 180 days, or until April 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If our common stock maintains a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the 180-day compliance period, we will automatically regain compliance. In the event we do not regain compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement by April 10, 2023, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period.
Minimum bid price requirement	$ 1
Minimum bid price requirement threshold consecutive business days to regain compliance	180 days
Minimum consecutive business days for which closing bid price must be maintained at least 1.00 per share to regain compliance	10 days
Additional compliance period eligible to regain compliance	180 days
Royalty payments, percent of net sales		1%
Contract Termination
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Termination payment		$ 25.5

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended		27 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 31, 2024
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, incremental borrowing rate	7%
Lessee, operating lease, discount rate, description	The leases do not provide an implicit rate so in determining the present value of lease payments, the Company utilized its incremental borrowing rate for the applicable lease, which was 7.0%.
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 310,000	$ 141,000
Operating lease liability	309,850
Future minimum operating leases payment in 2022	331,060
Imputed interest	21,210
Cash paid for amount included in measurement of lease liabilities	175,000	174,000
Rent expense incurred under operating lease	175,000	$ 174,000
ASC 842
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	300,000
Operating lease liability	$ 300,000
Scenario Forecast
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Monthly rental payments			$ 15,048

Long-term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)			12 Months Ended
	Nov. 08, 2021	May 08, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense			$ 458,000
PPP Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of loan received		$ 1,133,600
Maturity date	May 08, 2025	May 08, 2022
Debt instrument interest rate	1%	1%
Payments commencement date		Nov. 08, 2020
Accrued interest			4,000
Interest expense			$ 4,000
CARES Act of 2020 aid forgiveness amount	$ 876,171
Monthly repayment	$ 6,334

Convertible Debenture - Additio

Convertible Debenture - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2021	Aug. 03, 2020	Jul. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Senior secured convertible debt, net	$ 0
Early termination or prepayment penalties	0
Interest expense				$ 458,000
Principal Repayments
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Repayments of convertible debt	$ 2,755,895
Senior Secured Convertible Debenture
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount			$ 8,640,000
Purchase price of convertible debentures			$ 8,000,000
Debt instrument, discount rate			8%
Maturity date		Aug. 03, 2021
Debenture redemption percentage		115%
Percentage of funds used to redeem outstanding debentures		20%
Payments under mandatory redemption provision				6,372,575
Amortization expense of the original issue discount				457,737
Annual effective interest rate		16.54%
Interest expense				358,105
Senior Secured Convertible Debenture | 3i
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Fees paid in connection with issuance of debentures		$ 50,000
Senior Secured Convertible Debenture | Effective Interest Method
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Embedded derivative liability		65,000
Fees paid in connection with issuance of debentures		50,000
Original issuance discount		$ 640,000
Senior Secured Convertible Debenture | Principal Repayments
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Payments under mandatory redemption provision				5,955,678
Senior Secured Convertible Debenture | Accrued and Make-whole Interest
Short Term Debt [Line Items]
Payments under mandatory redemption provision				$ 416,897

Common Stock Reserved For Iss_3

Common Stock Reserved For Issuance - Common Stock Reserved For Potential Future Issuances (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock reserved	2,166,909	1,550,887
Shares Underlying Outstanding Stock Options
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock reserved	1,784,093	1,154,563
Shares Available For Future Stock Option Grants
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock reserved	382,816	396,324

Common Stock Reserved For Iss_4

Common Stock Reserved For Issuance - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock reserved		2,166,909	1,550,887
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors		$ 0.78	$ 1.60
Aggregate grant date fair value of stock options vested		$ 615,378	$ 322,067
Intrinsic value of outstanding awards		4,000		$ 2,000
Intrinsic value of exercisable awards		4,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted to employees		$ 561,198	$ 621,996
Maximum contractual life for options granted		10 years
Expected dividend yield		0%
2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock reserved		425,000
Percentage of total shares of common stock reserved		2%
Additional shares of common stock	616,022
2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of voting power of all classes of stock to be owned by optionee to determine the exercise price		10%
Exercise price as a percentage of fair value of common stock on grant date if optionee owns stock representing more than 10 percent of voting power of all classes of stock		110%
Employee Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted to employees, weighted-average recognition period		2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 1 month 6 days
Expected term of stock option		6 years	6 years
Employee Stock Options | 2011 Employee Equity Plan | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted, expiration year		5 years
Employee Stock Options | 2011 Employee Equity Plan | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted, expiration year		10 years
Employee Stock Options | 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted, expiration year		5 years
Employee Stock Options | 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Minimum | Board of Directors
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock option grants		0 years
Employee Stock Options | 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted, expiration year		10 years
Employee Stock Options | 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Maximum | Board of Directors
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock option grants		8 years

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock Options, Balance	1,154,563	832,868
Stock Options, Granted	642,478	346,944
Stock Options, Forfeited	(12,948)	(25,249)
Stock Options, Balance	1,784,093	1,154,563	832,868
Stock Options, Exercisable	1,013,751
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Balance	$ 5.55	$ 6.83
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	1.15	2.47
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	3.20	5.62
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Balance	3.98	$ 5.55	$ 6.83
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 5.60
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Balance	7 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Granted	9 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable	5 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Balance	$ 4,000		$ 2,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 4,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Gran

Stock-Based Compensation - Grant Date Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model with Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0%
Employee Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)	6 years	6 years
Expected volatility	75%	75%
Risk-free interest rate	2.40%	0.70%

Stock-Based Compensation - Tota

Stock-Based Compensation - Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 545	$ 541
Research and Development
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	205	160
General and Administrative
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 340	$ 381

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance for deferred tax asset	$ 6,300,000	7,200,000
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2021
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 0	$ 0
Description of tax years open to examination by major jurisdictions	from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 287,800,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2024
Federal | Research
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 22,700,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 298,900,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2034

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income tax benefit at the federal statutory rate	21%	21%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	5.10%	5.30%
Research and development credit, net	5.20%	5.50%
Non-deductible items and others	(0.30%)	0.60%
Change in valuation allowance	(31.00%)	(32.40%)
Total	0%	0%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Deferred tax assets:
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	$ 75,795	$ 73,802
Research and development tax credits	22,721	21,717
Depreciation and amortization	3,627	394
Reserves and accruals	84	96
Other	510	449
Total deferred tax assets	102,737	96,458
Less: valuation allowance	(102,737)	(96,458)
Deferred tax liability:
Net deferred tax assets and liability	$ 0	$ 0

Net Loss Per Share Attributab_3

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Weighted-Average Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share as They Had Anti-Dilutive Effect (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share	1,561,707	1,042,877
Vaccinex Products, LP Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share		557,029
VX3
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share		612,876

Employee Benefit Plan - Additio

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Maximum employee contribution to plan	100%	100%

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details)				1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 22, 2022	Nov. 18, 2022	Jan. 31, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Nov. 30, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Nov. 30, 2017 TargetAntigen	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rent expense incurred under operating lease						$ 175,000	$ 174,000
Number of target antigens against which antibodies are to be identified and selected | TargetAntigen					2
Revenue						275,000	900,000
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock						$ 3,560,000	$ 32,848,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares						49,881,613	30,801,962
January 2022 Private Placement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, transaction date			Jan. 31, 2022
January 2022 Private Placement | FCMI Parent Co.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued | shares			1,801,801
January 2022 Private Placement | Friedberg Global-Macro Hedge Fund Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued | shares			1,801,801
January 2022 Private Placement | FCMI Parent Co. and Friedberg Global-Macro Hedge Fund Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 3,999,998
January 2022 Private Placement | Dr. Maurice Zauderer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 1,999,999
Common stock, shares issued | shares			1,801,801
January 2022 Private Placement | Board of Directors
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 100,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares			90,090
November 2022 Private Placement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, transaction date	Nov. 22, 2022	Nov. 18, 2022
November 2022 Private Placement | Albert D. Friedberg
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 2,000,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares				3,778,575
November 2022 Private Placement | Dr. Maurice Zauderer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 800,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares				1,511,430
November 2022 Private Placement | Jacob Frieberg
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 100,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares				188,928
November 2022 Private Placement | Gerald Van Strydonck
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 25,000
Common stock, shares issued | shares				47,232
Common Stock | January 2022 Private Placement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares issued and sold | shares			8,747,744
Shares issued, price per share | $ / shares			$ 1.11
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 9,700,000
Common Stock | November 2022 Private Placement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares issued and sold | shares				7,142,496
Shares issued, price per share | $ / shares				$ 0.53
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 3,800,000
Surface Oncology, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of target antigens against which antibodies are to be identified and selected | TargetAntigen					2
Annual maintenance fee						$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Revenue							$ 850,000

Subsequent Event - Additional I

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	May 15, 2023	Mar. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 3,560	$ 32,848
Common stock, shares issued			49,881,613	30,801,962
March 2023 Private Placement | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of stock, transaction date		Mar. 30, 2023
Common Stock | March 2023 Private Placement | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares issued and sell		4,975,608
Shares issued, price per share		$ 0.41
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 2,040
Common Stock | May 2023 Private Placement | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 2,960