Kubota Pharmaceutical (KBBTF) 10-K 30 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ACUCELA INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1400482
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		35,809,467
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$138,370,000

BALANCE_SHEETS

BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,778	$13,994
Investments	85,008	14,947
Accounts receivable from collaborations	5,285	10,262
Deferred tax asset	61	1,114
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,582	1,964
Total current assets	111,714	42,281
Property and equipment, net	742	1,112
Long-term investments	84,033	3,478
Long-term deferred tax asset	42	1,280
Deferred offering costs	0	5,548
Other assets	435	349
Total assets	196,966	54,048
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of contingently convertible debt, related party	0	12,000
Accounts payable	441	754
Accrued liabilities	4,176	6,579
Accrued compensation	1,683	3,269
Deferred revenue from collaborations	6,231	0
Deferred rent and lease incentives	25	267
Total current liabilities	12,556	22,869
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Long-term deferred rent, lease incentives, and others	47	55
Total long-term liabilities	47	55
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2014 and 60,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2013; issued and outstanding, 35,809 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 11,971 shares as of December 31, 2013	186,589	3,654
Additional paid-in capital	3,601	2,728
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-361	-7
Accumulated deficit	-5,466	-3,460
Total shareholders’ equity	184,363	31,124
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	196,966	54,048
Preferred Stock | Series A
Shareholders’ equity:
Convertible preferred stock	0	2,051
Preferred Stock | Series B
Shareholders’ equity:
Convertible preferred stock	0	13,387
Preferred Stock | Series C
Shareholders’ equity:
Convertible preferred stock	$0	$12,771

BALANCE_SHEETS_Parenthetical

BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	60,000
Common stock, shares issued	35,809	11,971
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,809	11,971
Preferred Stock | Series A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	0	2,734
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	2,734
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	2,734
Preferred Stock | Series B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	0	17,900
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	17,900
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	17,900
Preferred Stock | Series C
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	0	31,818
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	11,807
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	11,807

STATEMENTS_OF_OPERATIONS

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue from collaborations	$35,396	$52,947	$46,424
Expenses:
Research and development	25,582	36,405	31,604
General and administrative	10,002	9,548	7,787
Total expenses	35,584	45,953	39,391
Income (loss) from operations	-188	6,994	7,033
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	519	122	27
Interest expense	-15	-116	-138
Other income (expense), net	37	182	-97
Total other income (expense), net	541	188	-208
Income before income tax	353	7,182	6,825
Income tax expense	-2,359	-2,883	-2,647
Net income (loss)	-2,006	4,299	4,178
Net income attributable to participating securities	0	3,138	3,056
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	($2,006)	$1,161	$1,122
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.10	$0.09
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.09
Weighted average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic (shares)	32,869	11,964	11,901
Diluted (shares)	32,869	12,355	12,158

STATEMENTS_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_IN

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($2,006)	$4,299	$4,178
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of $48, $3 and $0	-354	-7	6
Comprehensive income (loss)	($2,360)	$4,292	$4,184

STATEMENTS_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_IN1

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities, tax expense (benefit)	$48	$3	$0

STATEMENTS_OF_SHAREHOLDERS_EQU

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified		Series A	Series B	Series C
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$20,840	$2,051	$13,387	$12,771	$3,133	$1,441	($6)	($11,937)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		2,734,000	17,900,000	11,807,000	11,899,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	524					524
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises (in shares)					5,000
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises	2				2
Common stock issued in connection with the restricted stock purchase agreement (in shares)					6,000
Common stock issued in connection with the restricted stock purchase agreement	57				57
Net income (loss)	4,178							4,178
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities available for sale	6						6
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	25,607	2,051	13,387	12,771	3,192	1,965		-7,759
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		2,734,000	17,900,000	11,807,000	11,910,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	667					667
Excess net tax benefit related to share-based awards	96					96
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises (in shares)					30,000
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises	6				6
Common stock issued in connection with the restricted stock purchase agreement (in shares)					31,000
Common stock issued in connection with the restricted stock purchase agreement	456				456
Net income (loss)	4,299							4,299
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities available for sale	-7						-7
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	31,124	2,051	13,387	12,771	3,654	2,728	-7	-3,460
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		2,734,000	17,900,000	11,807,000	11,971,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	516					516
Excess net tax benefit related to IPO costs	421					421
Excess net tax benefit related to share-based awards	-64					-64
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises (in shares)					188,000
Common stock issued in connection with stock option exercises	682				682
Net income (loss)	-2,006							-2,006
Common stock issued in connection with IPO offering, net of issuance costs of $7,093 (in shares)					9,200,000
Common stock issued in connection with IPO offering, net of issuance costs of $7,093	142,044				142,044
Common stock issued in connection with conversion of convertible preferred stock upon IPO (in shares)		-2,734,000	-17,900,000	-11,807,000	10,814,000
Common stock issued in connection with conversion of convertible preferred stock upon IPO		-2,051	-13,387	-12,771	28,209
Common stock issued in connection with conversion of contingently convertible notes upon IPO (in shares)					3,636,000
Common stock issued in connection with conversion of contingently convertible notes upon IPO	12,000				12,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities available for sale	-354						-354
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$184,363	$0	$0	$0	$186,589	$3,601	($361)	($5,466)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		0	0	0	35,809,000

STATEMENTS_OF_SHAREHOLDERS_EQU1

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Issuance costs	$7,093

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	($2,006)	$4,299	$4,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	501	531	464
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	0	10
Loss from the disposal of fixed assets	0	0	79
Stock-based compensation	516	1,123	581
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities	1,175	332	107
Deferred taxes	2,349	2,274	2,434
Excess net tax provision related to share-based awards	-64	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable from collaborations	4,977	-1,562	3,551
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-197	-443	-1,037
Accounts payable	-313	-102	-1,949
Accrued liabilities	-2,403	2,650	1,315
Accrued compensation	-1,586	856	778
Deferred rent and lease incentives	-250	-264	48
Deferred revenue from collaborations	6,231	-2,570	570
Other assets	-86	122	117
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,844	7,246	11,246
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of marketable securities available for sale	-201,134	-23,217	-15,580
Maturities of marketable securities available for sale	48,931	17,136	12,163
Additions to property and equipment	-131	-500	-326
Net cash used in investing activities	-152,334	-6,581	-3,743
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	149,819	6	2
Restricted investments income	0	0	-13
Excess net tax benefit related to share-based awards	0	96	0
Payments for deferred offering costs	-1,545	-3,412	-613
Net cash used in financing activities	148,274	-3,310	-624
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,784	-2,645	6,879
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	13,994	16,639	9,760
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	18,778	13,994	16,639
Supplemental disclosure
Cash paid for interest	0	0	420
Cash paid for income taxes	60	828	151
Unpaid deferred offering costs	5,548	937	0
Restriction of investments as collateral	0	-5,759	5,750
Conversion of convertible preferred stock upon IPO	28,209	0	0
Conversion of contingently convertible debt, related party, upon IPO	$12,000	$0	$0

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta

Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	Business and Basis of Presentation
	Business
	Acucela Inc. (“we,” “our” and “us”) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in discovering and developing novel drug candidates to potentially treat and slow the progression of sight-threatening ophthalmic diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In 2008, we and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Otsuka”) entered into a definitive agreement to co-develop emixustat hydrochloride ("emixustat"), our lead compound for dry AMD. Emixustat is in Phase 2b/3 clinical development in the United States.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Segments
	We operate in one segment, pharmaceutical product development. All of our significant assets are located in the United States. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, all revenue was generated in the United States.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Revenue Recognition
	Our business strategy includes entering into collaboration agreements with pharmaceutical companies for the development and commercialization of our product candidates. The terms of the agreements may include nonrefundable license fees, funding of research and development activities, payments based upon achievement of development milestones, payments based upon achievement of revenue milestones, or royalties on product sales. We recognize revenue when four basic criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) delivery has occurred or services rendered; (c) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (d) collectability is reasonably assured.
	Revenue recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consists entirely of amounts derived from our collaboration agreements with Otsuka (See Note 11).
	Multiple Element Arrangements
	Our collaboration agreements are multiple element arrangements that must be analyzed to identify the deliverables included in the agreements and determine if the deliverables qualify as separate units of accounting. Deliverables are considered a separate unit of accounting when all of the following criteria are met: (i) the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially within our control. There are no rights of return in our collaboration agreements.
	Arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices. We follow a hierarchy to determine the selling price for each unit of accounting, determining first if there is vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value (the price at which the goods or services are regularly sold by us on a standalone basis). If VSOE of fair value is not available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) of vendors selling similar goods or services to similarly situated customers on a standalone basis is used to establish fair value. If neither VSOE nor TPE of fair value exists, we use our best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”) for that unit of accounting. Our BESP represents the price at which we would transact if we regularly sold the unit of accounting on a standalone basis.
	We consider market conditions and entity-specific factors when estimating the selling price. Once the selling price for each unit of accounting has been established, the consideration received is allocated among the units of accounting based on their relative selling price, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units. The amount of arrangement consideration allocable to a delivered item that is a separate unit of accounting is limited to arrangement consideration that is fixed or determinable. Payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of future events that are not exclusively within our control are excluded from the allocable arrangement consideration until the contingency is resolved.
	When we have continuing performance obligations, revenue is recognized using one of two methods. Where we are able to estimate the total amount of services under a unit of accounting and such performance obligations are provided on a best-efforts basis, revenue is recognized using a proportional performance model. Costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs are used to determine proportional performance, as this is considered to be representative of the delivery of outputs. Changes in estimates of total expected costs are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimates. When we cannot reasonably estimate the total amount of service that is to be performed, but can reasonably estimate when the performance obligation ceases or becomes inconsequential, a time-based method is used to recognize revenue. Under the time-based method, revenue is recognized ratably over the estimated performance period of the unit of accounting, but not before the removal of any contingencies. If we cannot reasonably estimate when our performance obligation either ceases or becomes inconsequential and perfunctory, then revenue is not recognized until we can reasonably estimate when the performance obligation ceases or becomes inconsequential and perfunctory. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance. Significant management judgment is required in determining the level of effort required and the period over which we are expected to complete our performance obligations under each unit of accounting.
	Substantive Milestone Payments
	Our collaboration agreements contain substantive milestones. A substantive milestone is defined as an event that meets the following conditions: (i) there is substantive uncertainty on the date the arrangement is entered into about whether the event will be achieved; (ii) achievement of the event is based in whole, or in part, on either our performance or a specific outcome resulting from our performance; and (iii) achievement of the event results in additional payment due to us. For a milestone to be considered substantive, the payment associated with our achievement must have all of the following characteristics: (i) relate solely to our past performance; (ii) be reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms in the arrangement; and (iii) be commensurate with either our effort required to achieve the milestone or the enhanced value of the delivered item(s) as a result of the milestone achievement.
	Substantive milestone payments are recognized as revenue upon achievement of the milestone only if all of the previous conditions are met and the milestone payments are nonrefundable. Determination as to whether a payment meets the aforementioned conditions involves management’s judgment. If any of the aforementioned conditions are not met, the resulting payment would not be considered a substantive milestone and, therefore, the resulting payment would be determined to be part of the allocable arrangement consideration and would be recognized as revenue as such performance obligations are performed under either the proportional performance or time-based methods, as applicable, and in accordance with the policies as described above.
	Deferred Revenue
	Amounts received prior to satisfying the above revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
	We consider investments in highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The amounts are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Our cash equivalents consist of money market funds and certificates of deposit, and money market funds and corporate debt securities, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We have classified our entire investment portfolio, which consists of corporate debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit, as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value as of each balance sheet date based on market quotes, and unrealized gains and losses are reflected as a net amount under the caption of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Premiums or discounts arising at acquisition are amortized into earnings.
	We periodically evaluate whether declines in fair values of our investments below their cost are other-than-temporary. This evaluation consists of several qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the severity and duration of the unrealized loss, as well as whether it is more likely than not that we will hold the investment until recovery of its amortized cost basis. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are recorded within the statements of income under the caption other income (expense).
	We consider an investment with a maturity greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date as long-term and a maturity less than twelve months as short-term at the balance sheet date.
	Accounts Receivable
	Our accounts receivable, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consist of amounts due from our collaborations with Otsuka. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented, as we believe all outstanding amounts will be paid based on our contractual arrangements with Otsuka and history of successful collections thereunder and collateral is not required.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We provide for depreciation of equipment on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of five years, except leasehold improvements which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the assets.
	Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	Long-lived assets held for use are subject to an impairment assessment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value is no longer recoverable based upon the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We have recorded no impairment charges for the periods presented.
	Fair Value
	We measure and report at fair value our cash equivalents and investment securities. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	The carrying amounts reflected in the balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value and is recognized on a straight line basis as expense, less estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The fair value of stock options under our equity-based incentive plans (the "Equity Plans") are calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option pricing model. The BSM model requires various judgmental assumptions regarding volatility and expected option life. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM model change significantly, stock-based compensation expense for new awards may differ materially from that recorded for existing awards.
	Equity awards to nonexecutive employees generally vest and become exercisable over a four-year period. Equity awards to executives generally vest and become exercisable over a five-year period. In 2014, we began granting restricted stock unit awards to employees.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs include salaries, fees paid to external service providers and contract research organizations to conduct research and development activities, laboratory supplies, license fees, consulting fees, and travel. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
	Deferred Offering Costs
	External costs we incurred directly attributable to our public offering were deferred and recorded as noncurrent assets and were offset against the proceeds of our 2014 initial public offering.
	401(k) Retirement Plan
	We sponsor an employee retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. All employees who meet minimum eligibility requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. Beginning in 2015, we match 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions made to the plan. In January 2015, the Board of Directors also authorized a non-elective discretionary employer contribution of $0.4 million which vests over a four-year period, based on employee hire dates.
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have already been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises and other equity awards are credited to stockholders' equity. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards and are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years the differences or carryforwards are anticipated to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established when we believe that it is more likely than not that benefits of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. Under the new revenue recognition model, a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendment may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the transition alternatives and impact on our financial statements.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash, cash equivalents and investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 include all cash, money market funds, corporate debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. We consider our investments as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
	Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities,
	Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, and
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires us to develop our own assumptions.
	We measure the fair value of money market funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. All other financial instruments were valued either based on recent trades of securities in inactive markets or based on quoted market prices of similar instruments and other significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. We did not hold any financial instruments categorized as Level 3 as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Cash and cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
		Cost		Holding		Holding			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Cash	$	767	$	—	$	—		$	767
	Level 1 Securities:
	Money market funds	17,771		—		—			17,771
	Level 2 Securities:
	Commercial paper	15,992		2		(1		)	15,993
	Corporate debt securities	131,586		—		(398		)	131,188
	Certificates of deposit	22,115		4		(19		)	22,100
		$	188,231	$	6	$	(418	)	$	187,819
		31-Dec-13
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
		Cost		Holding		Holding			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Cash	$	868	$	—	$	—		$	868
	Level 1 Securities:
	Money market funds	12,501		—		—			12,501
	Level 2 Securities:
	Commercial paper	1,099		1		—			1,100
	Corporate debt securities	12,101		—		(4		)	12,097
	Municipal bonds	625		—		—			625
	Certificates of deposit	5,235		2		(9		)	5,228
		$	32,429	$	3	$	(13	)	$	32,419
	As of December 31, 2014, $5.2 million of certificates of deposit and $78.8 million of corporate debt securities mature in greater than one year, but less than two years. There were no investments which were in an unrealized loss position for a period of twelve months or more. All other investment securities held at December 31, 2014 mature within 12 months.
	Market values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. The declines in value of certain of these investments are primarily related to changes in interest rates and are considered to be temporary in nature. We evaluate, among other things, the duration and extent to which the fair value of a security is less than its cost, the financial condition of the issuer, and our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Laboratory equipment	$	2,910		$	2,844
	Leasehold improvements	1,812			1,812
	Office furniture and equipment	497			457
		5,219			5,113
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,477		)	(4,001		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	742		$	1,112

Contingently_Convertible_Debt_

Contingently Convertible Debt with Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingently Convertible Debt with Related Party	Contingently Convertible Debt with Related Party
	The contingently convertible debt was automatically converted into 3,636,365 shares of common stock upon the closing of our 2014 IPO. The number of shares issued upon conversion was determined by dividing the principal of the note by $3.30, which was subject to adjustment for any subsequent recapitalizations, stock combinations, stock dividends, or stock splits.
	SBI Holdings, Inc. (a related party), the holder of the notes and one of our shareholders, received payment for interest, at approximately 1% average interest rate, on the unsecured promissory notes of $0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	Our articles of incorporation, as amended and restated, authorize us to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock without par value.
	In February 2014, upon the closing of our IPO, all shares of our outstanding convertible preferred stock automatically converted into 10,813,867 shares of common stock. We issued 9,200,000 shares of common stock for aggregate proceeds of $142.0 million from the IPO, net of underwriters’ discounts and commissions, and offering expenses. In addition, upon the closing of the IPO, $12.0 million of outstanding principal underlying convertible notes that we issued to affiliates of SBI Holdings, Inc. in May 2006 automatically converted into 3,636,365 shares of common stock, after an intermediate conversion into Series C preferred shares. The number of shares issued upon conversion was determined by dividing the principal of the note by $3.30.
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	(7	)	$	—		$	(6	)
	Current period other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax	(354		)	(7		)	6
	Ending balance	$	(361	)	$	(7	)	$	—
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss relate to unrealized holding gains and losses in available-for-sale securities.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Equity-Based Incentive Plan
	The Board has adopted and approved equity-based incentive plans (the “Equity Plans”) which provide for the issuance of nonqualified and incentive stock options to employees, board members, and consultants to acquire shares of common stock. The Equity Plans also allow for the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs").
	As of December 31, 2014, 2,329,629 shares of common stock were reserved to be issued in conjunction with the Equity Plans. On January 1, 2015, an additional 1,432,358 shares were reserved for issuance under the evergreen provision of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. On January 27, 2015, we granted 762,480 options, including 712,480 options to our CEO, and 414,060 RSUs, including 356,410 RSUs which were granted to our CEO. On February 24, 2015, we granted 7,100 RSUs. On March 24, 2015, we granted 40,000 options to our Vice President Finance and 31,400 RSUs, including 20,000 RSUs which were granted to our Vice President Finance. All equity awards were granted under our 2014 Equity Plan.
	The term of each option is ten years. Equity awards to nonexecutive employees generally vest and become exercisable over a four-year period, with 25% vesting after one year and 25% vesting annually thereafter. Equity awards to executives generally vest and become exercisable over a five-year period, with 20% vesting after one year and 20% vesting annually thereafter. The option agreements include restrictions on the sale of shares acquired by the exercise of options. We currently use authorized and unissued shares to satisfy share award exercises or restricted stock unit vesting events.
	Amendments to Equity Incentive Plans and Share-based Awards
	On March 24, 2015, our Board approved amendments to outstanding equity awards granted under our 2002 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, and our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan to our employees, executive officers and non-employee members of our Board. The amendments provide that for employees and executive officers, if we undergo a change in control and their employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the severance and change in control agreement), then any unvested portion of the awards held by employees and executives will become immediately vested.
	In addition, our employees, executive officers and non-employee members of our Board will be permitted to exercise their awards up to twelve months after their termination. We expect to recognize incremental stock-based compensation expense in the first quarter of 2015 related to the modification of these awards.
	Future grants under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan will include these provisions as well.
	During 2014, the following activity occurred under the Company's Equity Plans:
	Stock options:	Options			Weighted Average				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Intrinsic Value (in thousands)		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
					Exercise Price
	Unexercisable, December 31, 2013	284,779			$	10.92			$	5.87
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	696,878			7.21
	Granted	101,000			7.78				5
	Exercised	(187,007	)		3.64				2.24
	Forfeited	(167,699	)		8.27				4.86
	Expired	(67,216	)		8.42				4.86
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	375,956			$	8.45						$	397	6.5
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014	263,929			$	6.18						$	381	5.8
	Unexercisable, December 31, 2014	112,027			$	13.78			$	7.25
	RSUs:	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	—
	Granted	10,000			$	7.46
	Forfeited	—
	Expired	—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	10,000			$	7.46
	Supplemental information is presented below
	Supplemental Information	2014				2013				2012
	Stock options:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - granted	$	5			$	8.09			$	5.59
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - vested	$	5.26			$	4.52			$	3.48
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - forfeited	$	4.86			$	4.89			$	2.81
	Total fair value of options vested (in thousands)	$	482			$	625			$	482
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands)	$	886			$	307			$	47
	Scheduled vesting for outstanding restricted stock units at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	RSUs	2015			2016			2017			2018		2019	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled vesting (shares)	3,400			2,500			2,500			1,600		—	—	10,000
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.7 million and $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options and RSUs granted under the Equity Plans, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years and 3.4 years, respectively.
	The fair value of stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and applied the following assumptions:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5%–2.5%		1.2%–2.1%		1.00%
	Expected term	6.2 years		6.3 years		6.3 years
	Dividend yield	—%		—%		—%
	Expected volatility	70%		50%		50%–65%
	Risk-Free Interest Rate. We base the risk-free interest rate used in our option-pricing model on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issued with an equivalent term. Where the expected term of our stock-based awards does not correspond with the term for which an interest rate is quoted, we perform a straight-line interpolation to determine the rate from the available term maturities.
	Expected Term. The expected term used in our option-pricing model represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and is determined based on the simplified method. The simplified method uses a simple average of the vesting and original contractual terms of the option. We use the simplified method to determine the expected option term, since our stock option exercise experience does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected option term.
	Dividend Yield. We have never paid cash dividends and have no present intention to pay cash dividends in the future. Accordingly, the expected dividend used in our option-pricing model is zero.
	Expected Volatility. The volatility factor used in our option-pricing model is estimated using comparable public company stock volatility.
	Stock-based compensation is included in our statements of operations as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Research and development	$	221			$	414			$	247
	General and administrative	295				709				334
	Total	$	516			$	1,123			$	581
	Former CEO Equity Agreement
	We have an employment agreement with Dr. Ryo Kubota. Until our IPO, we were obligated pursuant to the employment agreement to grant stock options or allow Dr. Kubota to purchase restricted shares of common stock as often as necessary to maintain Dr. Kubota’s equity position in our company equal to at least 51% of our issued and outstanding voting common stock on an as-converted basis. The shares under these awards are subject to repurchase provisions that lapse quarterly over 36 months from the date of grant. The purchase price of each stock grant could be made by an interest-bearing full recourse promissory note. Per the terms of the employment agreement, we were obligated to periodically pay Dr. Kubota cash bonuses consisting of principal and interest amounts due under such promissory notes and additional taxes incurred by Dr. Kubota as a result of receiving such bonuses, if any. Compensation expense related to this arrangement is included in general and administrative expense.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, in connection with stock option exercises, we entered into a restricted stock purchase agreement with Dr. Kubota for the issuance of 31,452 and 5,504 shares, respectively, of our common stock in exchange for a three-year promissory note in the total amount of $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Concurrent with the execution of a restricted stock purchase agreement, we paid a bonus to Dr. Kubota, which was in turn used to repay the promissory note and as compensation for taxes associated with the award. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2013, we recorded approximately $0.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in compensation expense in connection with the award. This arrangement terminated with the completion of our IPO in 2014.

Strategic_Restructuring

Strategic Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Strategic Restructuring	Strategic Restructuring
	In October 2013, we announced a plan to reduce expenses, including a workforce reduction, as a result of the termination of the Rebamipide Agreement (see Note 11). The plan resulted in a reduction in force of approximately 35% of our total workforce, or approximately 30 employees, effective January 1, 2014.
	As a result of this workforce reduction, we recorded a $1.0 million charge in 2013 in general and administrative expense, related to severance, other termination benefits, and outplacement services. The cash outlays related to this charge primarily took place in the first six months of 2014 and activities were complete as of June 30, 2014. The following table summarizes the utilization of the restructuring liability (in thousands):
		Severance and Other Termination Benefits
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	966
	Adjustments	(8		)
	Cash payments	(958		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets arise from temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. We have established a valuation allowance because it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will expire before we are able to realize their benefits or the future deductibility is uncertain. Periodically, the valuation allowance is reviewed and adjusted based on management’s assessments the realizability of deferred tax assets. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $2.3 million against our deferred tax assets due to expected future losses as a result of our new strategic plan. Our Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that includes commencement of development of certain proprietary preclinical programs or in-license opportunities. Because these opportunities will be developed independently, our development expenditures on these programs will not be funded by collaborative partners and we expect that our total research and development expenses will increase and that we will incur net losses from our operating activities.
	Deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$	925			$	714
	Compensation	774				1,077
	Deferred rent	25				110
	Alternative minimum tax credits	334				363
	Property and equipment	224				124
	Unrealized losses	142				6
	Other	3				—
	Total deferred tax asset	$	2,427			$	2,394
	Less: Valuation allowance	(2,324		)		—
		$	103			$	2,394
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax asset	$	61			$	1,114
	Long-term deferred tax asset	42				1,280
		$	103			$	2,394
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had taxable income that was offset by the utilization of the NOL.
	The components of the tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal:
	Current	$	(79	)		$	575			$	169
	Deferred	2,400				2,295				2,478
		2,321				2,870				2,647
	State:
	Current	$	19			$	34			$	—
	Deferred	19				(21		)		—
		38				13				—
	Total	$	2,359			$	2,883			$	2,647
	The tax benefit associated with the utilization of loss carryforwards was $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $3.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	34	%		34	%		34	%
	State income taxes	6.8			—			—
	Stock compensation	(7.8	)		—			—
	Other permanent items	5.5			—			—
	Meals and entertainment	7.1			—			—
	Return to provision items	(6.0	)		—			—
	Valuation allowance	631.7			—			—
	Loss carryforward adjustment	—			3.7			—
	Other, net	(3.6	)		2.1			4.8
	Effective tax rate	667.7	%		39.8	%		38.8	%
	As of December 31, 2014, we had research and development tax credit carryforwards of $1.1 million. The carryforwards are available to offset future tax liabilities. The research and development tax credits begin to expire in 2027.
	Approximately $0.2 million of the research and development tax credit carryforward relates to tax deductible stock-based compensation in excess of amounts recognized for financial statement purposes. To the extent that research and development tax credit carryforwards, if realized, relate to stock-based compensation, the resulting tax benefits will be recorded to shareholders' equity, rather than to results of operations.
	We file our income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009. However, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could adjust certain unused tax attributes carried forward from tax years prior to 2009.
	We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. However, there are no material unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. Furthermore, we do not anticipate any significant changes in our unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.
	We recognize interest and penalties related to our liabilities for uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. However, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits.

Collaboration_and_License_Agre

Collaboration and License Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Collaboration and License Agreements	Collaboration and License Agreements
	Emixustat Collaboration
	In 2008, we entered into a definitive agreement with Otsuka to co-develop and commercialize emixustat, our compound, for the dry form of AMD and for other potential indications in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (“Shared Territory”). Under the agreement, we retained all rights in Europe, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa (“Acucela Territory”), and Otsuka acquired the exclusive development and commercialization rights to the compound in Asia, the Middle East, and selected markets in the rest of the world (“Otsuka Territory”). Otsuka paid us a $5.0 million nonrefundable up-front license fee upon its entry into the agreement.
	Under the agreement, Otsuka agreed to fund all development activities in the Shared Territory through Phase 2, up to $40.0 million. If the Phase 2 development costs exceed $40.0 million, Otsuka could have, at its sole discretion, either (i) terminated the agreement or (ii) continued the agreement and share equally with us all Phase 2 development costs in excess of $40.0 million. In 2012, the cost of development activities exceeded $40.0 million and Otsuka agreed to continue the agreement and equally share development costs with us. Phase 3 costs are to be shared equally by Otsuka and us under the agreement. In addition, under the agreement, we have the potential to receive development milestones totaling $82.5 million. The co-development portion of the agreement is governed by a Joint Development Committee (“JDC”). We may earn development milestones as follows:
	i.	Initial Indication—$55.0 million
	a.	$5.0 million upon initiation of a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in the United States (received in the year ending December 31, 2013)
	b.	$5.0 million upon initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial in the United States, or the filing of a New Drug Application (“NDA”) with the FDA in the United States, if a second Phase 3 clinical trial is not needed
	c.	$15.0 million upon filing of a NDA with the FDA in the United States
	d.	$20.0 million upon receipt of approval by the FDA of an NDA in the United States
	e.	$10.0 million upon receipt of approval by the regulatory authority of a marketing approval application in Japan
	ii.	Second Indication—$27.5 million
	a.	$5.0 million upon initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial in the United States
	b.	$7.5 million upon filing of an NDA with the FDA in the United States
	c.	$10.0 million upon receipt of approval by the FDA of an NDA in the United States
	d.	$5.0 million upon receipt of approval by the regulatory authority of a marketing approval application in Japan
	Under the agreement, Otsuka will fund our share of the Phase 2 and Phase 3 development costs in the form of a secured promissory note. The promissory note provides that (a) interest will accrue daily and be calculated on the basis of 360 days per year and be payable on all amounts advanced to us from the date of advance until paid in full; (b) unpaid interest will compound annually; and (c) the applicable interest rate will be adjusted quarterly to reflect the then-effective rate equal to the three-month London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) in the “Money Rates” column of The Wall Street Journal as of the first business day of each calendar quarter, plus 3%; and (d) all amounts are payable in U.S. dollars. The agreement includes a security interest agreement that grants Otsuka a first priority interest on our interests in net profits and royalty payments, and on our interests in ownership of the related collaboration compounds and collaboration products and the underlying intellectual property rights, both in the Shared Territory and the Acucela Territory.
	The loan is repayable only in the event that proceeds are generated by any future product sales under the collaboration agreement or by the sale or license of collaboration compounds and collaboration products developed under the agreement outside North America and Otsuka’s sole territory.
	As the agreement contains elements of funded development, we evaluated the agreement to determine if our obligation to Otsuka under the secured promissory note should be accounted for as a liability to repay a loan or as an obligation to perform contractual services. To conclude that a liability to repay a loan does not exist, the transfer of the financial risk involved with research and development from us to Otsuka must be substantive and genuine. We have determined that our obligation to Otsuka should be accounted for as an obligation to perform contractual services because repayment depends solely on the results of development having future economic benefit. Consequently, amounts received from Otsuka for our share of development costs under the agreement are recognized as revenue. Through the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we had recognized cumulative revenue of approximately $49.7 million, $32.4 million, and $15.4 million respectively, which is contingently repayable as described above. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the contingently repayable funding has accrued $2.5 million and $1.2 million of interest, respectively, which is contingently repayable along with the above.
	Upon commercialization, we may exercise our option to co-promote in the Shared Territory on a country-by-country basis. In markets where we opt to co-promote the product, Otsuka and we equally share all expenses and profits from sales of the product in the Shared Territory. If we do not elect to co-promote in a country or countries in the Shared Territory, Otsuka shall pay us royalties on the annual aggregate net sales of collaboration products in the country or countries in the Shared Territory for which we did not elect to participate in co-promotion. Each party shall pay the other party a royalty of 2% on annual aggregate net sales of collaboration products in their sole territories. In addition, we have the potential to receive net sales milestones totaling $175.0 million. The co-promotion arrangement is governed by a Joint Commercialization Committee (“JCC”). The milestones are as follows:
	i.	All Indications
	a.	$25.0 million upon reaching $250.0 million in aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products
	b.	$50.0 million upon reaching $500.0 million in aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products
	c.	$100.0 million upon reaching $1.0 billion in aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products
	The agreement also includes a three-year research program (the “Research Program”), the purpose of which was to identify a second indication for the lead collaborative compound and to conduct development on a backup compound for the collaborative compound. During the three years of the Research Program, which ended in 2011, Otsuka paid us $5.0 million per year, payable on a quarterly basis. The agreement also provides Otsuka with a right of first negotiation to license new compounds discovered or developed by us (independent of the collaboration activities) during the agreement term.
	Our agreement with Otsuka is a multiple element arrangement, and we have determined that the elements within the arrangement consist of the license, the Research Program, and research and development services.
	The license granted to Otsuka was determined to be a separate unit of accounting because it has value to Otsuka on a standalone basis. Because Otsuka may license and develop the intellectual property independent of the development or research program services that are to be provided by us, we conducted a net present value valuation of the license, and it was determined that the estimated standalone selling price for the license at inception of the agreement exceeded the arrangement consideration received for the license fee. Since the value assigned to a delivered element cannot exceed the arrangement consideration, the arrangement consideration of $5.0 million due and paid upon execution of the agreement was assigned to the license.
	We have determined that the activities associated with development meet the criterion for a separate unit of accounting, since these services have value to Otsuka on a standalone basis. BESP is based on the Company’s analysis of the value of the services provided and consideration of the fees charged by third party vendors for similar development services and represent our BESP. Revenue from development efforts is recognized as services are performed. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $35.4 million, $39.2 million and $19.3 million, respectively, of revenue associated with development activities.
	We have determined that the activities associated with the Research Program meet the criterion for a separate unit of accounting, since these services have value to Otsuka on a standalone basis. The types of services contemplated under the Research Program may be performed by a third party. We have determined that the fees charged for the research services are competitive with the price other third-party vendors charge for similar research services. Our BESP of the selling price for the Research Program was $15.0 million, which equals the agreement consideration. Revenue from the research activities was recognized under a proportional performance model.
	We evaluated the development and net sales milestones in the arrangement and determined that they each meet the criteria of a milestone under ASC 605-28, Revenue Recognition-Milestone Method. We recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a substantive milestone in its entirety in the period in which the milestone is achieved. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we received and recognized as revenue the $5.0 million milestone payment associated with the initiation of the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. No development or net sales milestones were achieved during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2012.
	OPA-6566 Collaboration
	In 2010, Otsuka and we entered into a definitive agreement to develop OPA-6566, Otsuka’s proprietary compound for the treatment of glaucoma. The agreement grants us an opt-in right to co-develop and co-promote OPA-6566 in the United States. Until we exercise our opt-in right, Otsuka will have responsibility for directing development activities and costs. Upon our exercise of the opt-in right, Otsuka will grant us additional opt-in rights, which include: (1) the right to co-develop and co-promote OPA-6566 for ophthalmological indications in the United States other than for glaucoma; (2) the right to co-develop and co-promote new formulations of OPA-6566 for glaucoma in the United States; and (3) a right of first negotiation to co-develop and co-promote other adenosine A2a receptor agonist compounds for the treatment of ophthalmologic diseases in the United States.
	We evaluated the agreement and determined that the development activities under the agreement represented the only deliverable under the arrangement. Revenue from development activities is recognized as services are performed. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $0, $1.5 million, and $8.1 million respectively, of revenues in performance of the agreement.
	Rebamipide Collaboration
	In 2008, Otsuka and we entered into a definitive agreement to co-develop rebamipide, Otsuka’s proprietary compound for the treatment of dry eye. Under the agreement, the parties agreed to collaborate in the clinical development efforts for rebamipide in the United States. Otsuka paid us a $2.0 million up-front payment and, under the agreement, we had the potential to receive clinical development milestones and royalties on net sales of the product in the United States and the European Union. Under the agreement, Otsuka was responsible for all clinical development and commercialization expenses.
	We evaluated the agreement and determined that the clinical development activities represented the only deliverable under the arrangement. Revenue from clinical development efforts is recognized as services are performed. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 we recognized $0, $12.3 million, and $14.0 million, respectively, of revenue associated with the rebamipide clinical development activities. We evaluated the development milestones under the agreement and determined that they each meet the criteria of a substantive milestone. We recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a substantive milestone in its entirety in the period in which the milestone is achieved. No development milestones were achieved during the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2012, we received and recognized as revenue the $5.0 million milestone payment associated with the initiation of the Phase 3 clinical trial.
	In September 2013, Otsuka elected to end its rebamipide co-development agreement with us. As a result, we recognized as revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2013, a $2.0 million upfront payment from Otsuka that had been deferred due to refund provisions. These refund provisions expired with the end of the co-development agreement.
	Continued Involvement of the Former CEO
	The Company’s two remaining collaboration arrangements with Otsuka require the continuing involvement of our Chairman and Founder and former CEO, Dr. Ryo Kubota. In the event of the departure of Dr. Kubota from the Company or a change in his role or responsibilities with the Company, the arrangements are subject to termination, at the option of Otsuka. The Company has consulted with Otsuka regarding its transition of the chief executive officer role from Dr. Kubota to Brian O'Callaghan. The Company is currently discussing with Otsuka to amend the Emixustat Agreement to remove the clauses permitting Otsuka to terminate the agreement due to one of the provisions relating to Dr. Kubota. Otsuka has given the Company verbal assurances that they do not intend to exercise their right to terminate the Emixustat Agreement based on Dr. Kubota's changed role. For each agreement, this provision expires upon the approval of the NDA for the first indication in the United States.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities for periods in which we have net income. Prior to the IPO, all series of convertible preferred stock were considered to be participating securities, as the holders were entitled to participate in any dividends prior and in preference to dividends declared or paid on the common stock. Undistributed earnings allocated to these participating securities were subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common shareholders.
	Immediately prior to the closing of our IPO, all outstanding shares of preferred stock were converted to common. We issued 9,200,000 shares of common stock in the IPO. In addition, 3,636,365 shares of common stock were issued upon the conversion of the contingently convertible debt held by a related party. As a result, as of December 31, 2014, common stock is our only outstanding class of capital stock.
	Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of the common stock outstanding and other dilutive securities outstanding during the period. The potential dilutive shares of our common stock include the exercise of outstanding stock options that are dilutive and restricted stock units.
	The following tables reconcile the numerator and denominator used to calculate diluted net income per share for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	(2,006	)	$	1,161	$	1,122
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic	32,869			11,964		11,901
	Dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs	—			391		257
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	32,869			12,355		12,158
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, 185,551 stock options and RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because the impact was anti-dilutive.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	We lease laboratory and corporate office space under operating leases. On June 26, 2014, we entered into an agreement for the lease of approximately 38,723 square feet of office space in our headquarters building in Seattle, Washington. The term of the lease commenced on January 1, 2015 and, subject to the terms of the lease, will expire on either November 30, 2021 or February 22, 2022. We received a tenant leasehold improvement allowance of $1.2 million in connection with the commencement of this lease in 2015.
	On September 19, 2014, we entered into an amendment of our lease agreement for the lease of approximately 17,488 square feet of laboratory and office space in Bothell, Washington. The amendment extended the expiration date of the original lease from February 28, 2015 to February 28, 2017 and reduced the basic annual rent to approximately $0.4 million, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the lease. The lease agreement includes an option to terminate the lease ten months early.
	Lease incentives are recognized as deferred rent liabilities and amortized to rent expense over the term of the lease. Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, including any periods of free rent and reduced rent.
	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments Due by Period
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating lease obligations	$	1,324	$	1,295	$	997	$	968	$	1,007	$	2,039	$	7,630
	Total	$	1,324	$	1,295	$	997	$	968	$	1,007	$	2,039	$	7,630
	Rent expense was $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $0.8 million, respectively, in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Litigation
	From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, and to our knowledge none is threatened. There can be no assurance that future legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions
	Peter Kresel, M.B.A., a member of the Board, received payments from us for consulting services and reimbursement of direct expenses. This consulting relationship terminated in January 2014. Mr. Kresel’s payments for consulting services and expense reimbursements were $0, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.
	SBI Holdings, Inc. (a related party), one of our shareholders, was the holder for our contingently convertible debt. In connection with our IPO, the contingently convertible debt automatically converted into 3,636,365 shares of common stock(see Note 6).

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
	The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly statement of operations data for each of the last eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2014. The unaudited quarterly statement of operations data below have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K and reflect all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we believe are necessary for a fair statement of this information. The results of historical quarters are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year or any future period:
		31-Mar		30-Jun			30-Sep				31-Dec
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Revenue from collaborations	$	10,546	$	9,086		$	8,119			$	7,645
	Net income (loss)	54		71			(1,536		)	(1)	(595		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	54		71			(1,536		)		(595		)
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	—	$	—		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	—	$	—		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)
	(1) In the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $1.6 million due to expected future losses as a result of our new strategic plan.
		31-Mar		30-Jun			30-Sep				31-Dec
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2013
	Revenue from collaborations	$	15,980	$	11,023		$	14,692			$	11,252
	Net income (loss)	3,711		(20		)	1,420				(812		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	999		(20		)	382				(812		)
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.08	$	—		$	0.04			$	(0.07	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.08	$	—		$	0.03			$	(0.07	)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Special Shareholders Meeting
	On January 28, 2015, we received a letter from SBI Holdings, Inc. (SBI), the parent company of several of our shareholders, demanding that we hold a special meeting of our shareholders for the purposes of removing our current board members, other than Dr. Kubota, and electing a slate of directors proposed by SBI. In connection with this demand, SBI granted Dr. Kubota an irrevocable proxy over the shares held collectively by SBI, giving Dr. Kubota voting authority over shares representing over 50% of our outstanding stock. On March 3, 2015, SBI and Dr. Kubota filed a lawsuit in Washington state court seeking an order compelling us to hold a special shareholder meeting on or before April 28, 2015, and to provide our shareholders written notice of that meeting as soon as practicable but no later than March 31, 2015. On March 13, 2015, the Washington state superior court presiding over this lawsuit, issued an order requiring us to hold a special shareholders meeting no later than May 1, 2015 and to give notice of such a meeting as soon as practicable. We have announced that we plan to hold the special shareholders meeting on May 1, 2015 (Pacific Daylight Time) at our headquarters and have set a record date for shareholders of record as March 19, 2015 (Pacific Daylight Time).
	CEO Bonus
	On March 24, 2015, our Board of Directors approved the February 24, 2015 resolutions of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Committee”) regarding the payment of a discretionary bonus of $515,520 to Mr. O’Callaghan, our CEO and President, on April 15, 2015, provided Mr. O’Callaghan remains chief executive officer as of March 31, 2015, in lieu of the performance-based bonus in the same amount provided for under his employment agreement, dated October 14, 2014.
	CEO Severance Escrow
	Under Mr. O'Callaghan's employment agreement, dated October 14, 2014, if Mr. O’Callaghan’s employment is terminated without Cause or terminates for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive 18 months of salary, up to 18 months of the premiums for him and his family to obtain health benefit coverage provided under our COBRA program, and a pro-rated portion of his annual bonus (“the CEO severance amounts”). On March 24, 2015, our Board of Directors approved the creation of a segregated interest-bearing account equal to the CEO severance amounts. The funds will remain the property of the Company until amounts are due to Mr. O’Callaghan under the terms of his amended employment agreement.
	Severance and Change in Effective Control Agreements
	On March 24, 2015, our Board of Directors approved the terms of a Severance and Change in Effective Control Agreement to be entered into with each member of our management team and certain other employees. The Severance and Change in Effective Control Agreement provides that if the employee terminates for any reason or for no reason (including disability), voluntarily resigns for good reason (as defined in the agreement), or the employee dies, and the termination occurs within the six month period following a Qualifying Change in Effective Control, the employee will be entitled to an amount equal to the sum of six months of his or her monthly base salary, plus 50% of the employee’s annual target bonus for 2015, plus the premiums required to continue the employee’s group health care coverage for a period of six months following termination, which will be “grossed up” to cover taxes. In addition, upon a qualifying termination, the employee will receive an additional 12 months of vesting on any outstanding equity awards. A “Qualifying Change in Effective Control” is defined to mean that a majority of members of our Board is replaced by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of our Board before the date of the appointment or election, which qualifies as a change in effective control under U.S. treasury regulations. The agreements terminate upon the earlier of December 31, 2015 or the employee’s termination (unless the termination is within six months following a Qualifying Change in Effective Control).
	Retention Pool
	On February 24, 2015, the Committee approved the creation of a pool of $600,000 to be distributed at the discretion of the Committee to employees who remain employed with us on December 31, 2015. Allocations of the pool will not be determined until the fourth quarter of 2015. All employees, other than Mr. O’Callaghan, are eligible to receive payments from this pool.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Segments	Segments
	We operate in one segment, pharmaceutical product development. All of our significant assets are located in the United States. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, all revenue was generated in the United States.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Our business strategy includes entering into collaboration agreements with pharmaceutical companies for the development and commercialization of our product candidates. The terms of the agreements may include nonrefundable license fees, funding of research and development activities, payments based upon achievement of development milestones, payments based upon achievement of revenue milestones, or royalties on product sales. We recognize revenue when four basic criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) delivery has occurred or services rendered; (c) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (d) collectability is reasonably assured.
	Revenue recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consists entirely of amounts derived from our collaboration agreements with Otsuka (See Note 11).
Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements	Multiple Element Arrangements
	Our collaboration agreements are multiple element arrangements that must be analyzed to identify the deliverables included in the agreements and determine if the deliverables qualify as separate units of accounting. Deliverables are considered a separate unit of accounting when all of the following criteria are met: (i) the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially within our control. There are no rights of return in our collaboration agreements.
	Arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices. We follow a hierarchy to determine the selling price for each unit of accounting, determining first if there is vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value (the price at which the goods or services are regularly sold by us on a standalone basis). If VSOE of fair value is not available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) of vendors selling similar goods or services to similarly situated customers on a standalone basis is used to establish fair value. If neither VSOE nor TPE of fair value exists, we use our best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”) for that unit of accounting. Our BESP represents the price at which we would transact if we regularly sold the unit of accounting on a standalone basis.
	We consider market conditions and entity-specific factors when estimating the selling price. Once the selling price for each unit of accounting has been established, the consideration received is allocated among the units of accounting based on their relative selling price, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units. The amount of arrangement consideration allocable to a delivered item that is a separate unit of accounting is limited to arrangement consideration that is fixed or determinable. Payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of future events that are not exclusively within our control are excluded from the allocable arrangement consideration until the contingency is resolved.
	When we have continuing performance obligations, revenue is recognized using one of two methods. Where we are able to estimate the total amount of services under a unit of accounting and such performance obligations are provided on a best-efforts basis, revenue is recognized using a proportional performance model. Costs incurred to date compared to total expected costs are used to determine proportional performance, as this is considered to be representative of the delivery of outputs. Changes in estimates of total expected costs are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimates. When we cannot reasonably estimate the total amount of service that is to be performed, but can reasonably estimate when the performance obligation ceases or becomes inconsequential, a time-based method is used to recognize revenue. Under the time-based method, revenue is recognized ratably over the estimated performance period of the unit of accounting, but not before the removal of any contingencies. If we cannot reasonably estimate when our performance obligation either ceases or becomes inconsequential and perfunctory, then revenue is not recognized until we can reasonably estimate when the performance obligation ceases or becomes inconsequential and perfunctory. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance. Significant management judgment is required in determining the level of effort required and the period over which we are expected to complete our performance obligations under each unit of accounting.
Revenue Recognition, Substantive Milestone Payments	Substantive Milestone Payments
	Our collaboration agreements contain substantive milestones. A substantive milestone is defined as an event that meets the following conditions: (i) there is substantive uncertainty on the date the arrangement is entered into about whether the event will be achieved; (ii) achievement of the event is based in whole, or in part, on either our performance or a specific outcome resulting from our performance; and (iii) achievement of the event results in additional payment due to us. For a milestone to be considered substantive, the payment associated with our achievement must have all of the following characteristics: (i) relate solely to our past performance; (ii) be reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms in the arrangement; and (iii) be commensurate with either our effort required to achieve the milestone or the enhanced value of the delivered item(s) as a result of the milestone achievement.
	Substantive milestone payments are recognized as revenue upon achievement of the milestone only if all of the previous conditions are met and the milestone payments are nonrefundable. Determination as to whether a payment meets the aforementioned conditions involves management’s judgment. If any of the aforementioned conditions are not met, the resulting payment would not be considered a substantive milestone and, therefore, the resulting payment would be determined to be part of the allocable arrangement consideration and would be recognized as revenue as such performance obligations are performed under either the proportional performance or time-based methods, as applicable, and in accordance with the policies as described above.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue
	Amounts received prior to satisfying the above revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	We consider investments in highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The amounts are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Our cash equivalents consist of money market funds and certificates of deposit, and money market funds and corporate debt securities, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Investments	We have classified our entire investment portfolio, which consists of corporate debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit, as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value as of each balance sheet date based on market quotes, and unrealized gains and losses are reflected as a net amount under the caption of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Premiums or discounts arising at acquisition are amortized into earnings.
	We periodically evaluate whether declines in fair values of our investments below their cost are other-than-temporary. This evaluation consists of several qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the severity and duration of the unrealized loss, as well as whether it is more likely than not that we will hold the investment until recovery of its amortized cost basis. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are recorded within the statements of income under the caption other income (expense).
	We consider an investment with a maturity greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date as long-term and a maturity less than twelve months as short-term at the balance sheet date.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Our accounts receivable, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consist of amounts due from our collaborations with Otsuka. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented, as we believe all outstanding amounts will be paid based on our contractual arrangements with Otsuka and history of successful collections thereunder and collateral is not required.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We provide for depreciation of equipment on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of five years, except leasehold improvements which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the assets.
	Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	Long-lived assets held for use are subject to an impairment assessment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value is no longer recoverable based upon the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We have recorded no impairment charges for the periods presented.
Fair Value	Fair Value
	We measure and report at fair value our cash equivalents and investment securities. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	The carrying amounts reflected in the balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value and is recognized on a straight line basis as expense, less estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The fair value of stock options under our equity-based incentive plans (the "Equity Plans") are calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option pricing model. The BSM model requires various judgmental assumptions regarding volatility and expected option life. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM model change significantly, stock-based compensation expense for new awards may differ materially from that recorded for existing awards.
	Equity awards to nonexecutive employees generally vest and become exercisable over a four-year period. Equity awards to executives generally vest and become exercisable over a five-year period. In 2014, we began granting restricted stock unit awards to employees.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs include salaries, fees paid to external service providers and contract research organizations to conduct research and development activities, laboratory supplies, license fees, consulting fees, and travel. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Deferred Offering Costs	Deferred Offering Costs
	External costs we incurred directly attributable to our public offering were deferred and recorded as noncurrent assets and were offset against the proceeds of our 2014 initial public offering.
401(k) Retirement Plan	401(k) Retirement Plan
	We sponsor an employee retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. All employees who meet minimum eligibility requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. Beginning in 2015, we match 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions made to the plan. In January 2015, the Board of Directors also authorized a non-elective discretionary employer contribution of $0.4 million which vests over a four-year period, based on employee hire dates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have already been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises and other equity awards are credited to stockholders' equity. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards and are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years the differences or carryforwards are anticipated to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established when we believe that it is more likely than not that benefits of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. Under the new revenue recognition model, a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendment may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the transition alternatives and impact on our financial statements.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_1

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments	Cash and cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
		Cost		Holding		Holding			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Cash	$	767	$	—	$	—		$	767
	Level 1 Securities:
	Money market funds	17,771		—		—			17,771
	Level 2 Securities:
	Commercial paper	15,992		2		(1		)	15,993
	Corporate debt securities	131,586		—		(398		)	131,188
	Certificates of deposit	22,115		4		(19		)	22,100
		$	188,231	$	6	$	(418	)	$	187,819
		31-Dec-13
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
		Cost		Holding		Holding			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Cash	$	868	$	—	$	—		$	868
	Level 1 Securities:
	Money market funds	12,501		—		—			12,501
	Level 2 Securities:
	Commercial paper	1,099		1		—			1,100
	Corporate debt securities	12,101		—		(4		)	12,097
	Municipal bonds	625		—		—			625
	Certificates of deposit	5,235		2		(9		)	5,228
		$	32,429	$	3	$	(13	)	$	32,419

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Laboratory equipment	$	2,910		$	2,844
	Leasehold improvements	1,812			1,812
	Office furniture and equipment	497			457
		5,219			5,113
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,477		)	(4,001		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	742		$	1,112

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	(7	)	$	—		$	(6	)
	Current period other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax	(354		)	(7		)	6
	Ending balance	$	(361	)	$	(7	)	$	—

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	During 2014, the following activity occurred under the Company's Equity Plans:
	Stock options:	Options			Weighted Average				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Intrinsic Value (in thousands)		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
					Exercise Price
	Unexercisable, December 31, 2013	284,779			$	10.92			$	5.87
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	696,878			7.21
	Granted	101,000			7.78				5
	Exercised	(187,007	)		3.64				2.24
	Forfeited	(167,699	)		8.27				4.86
	Expired	(67,216	)		8.42				4.86
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	375,956			$	8.45						$	397	6.5
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014	263,929			$	6.18						$	381	5.8
	Unexercisable, December 31, 2014	112,027			$	13.78			$	7.25
	RSUs:	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	—
	Granted	10,000			$	7.46
	Forfeited	—
	Expired	—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014	10,000			$	7.46
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Supplemental Information	Supplemental information is presented below
	Supplemental Information	2014				2013				2012
	Stock options:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - granted	$	5			$	8.09			$	5.59
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - vested	$	5.26			$	4.52			$	3.48
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share - forfeited	$	4.86			$	4.89			$	2.81
	Total fair value of options vested (in thousands)	$	482			$	625			$	482
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands)	$	886			$	307			$	47
Schedule of Vesting for Outstanding Restricted Stock Units	Scheduled vesting for outstanding restricted stock units at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	RSUs	2015			2016			2017			2018		2019	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled vesting (shares)	3,400			2,500			2,500			1,600		—	—	10,000
Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	The fair value of stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and applied the following assumptions:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5%–2.5%		1.2%–2.1%		1.00%
	Expected term	6.2 years		6.3 years		6.3 years
	Dividend yield	—%		—%		—%
	Expected volatility	70%		50%		50%–65%
Schedule of Expected Volatility	Stock-based compensation is included in our statements of operations as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Research and development	$	221			$	414			$	247
	General and administrative	295				709				334
	Total	$	516			$	1,123			$	581

Strategic_Restructuring_Tables

Strategic Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of the Utilization of the Restructuring Liability	The following table summarizes the utilization of the restructuring liability (in thousands):
		Severance and Other Termination Benefits
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	966
	Adjustments	(8		)
	Cash payments	(958		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets	Deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$	925			$	714
	Compensation	774				1,077
	Deferred rent	25				110
	Alternative minimum tax credits	334				363
	Property and equipment	224				124
	Unrealized losses	142				6
	Other	3				—
	Total deferred tax asset	$	2,427			$	2,394
	Less: Valuation allowance	(2,324		)		—
		$	103			$	2,394
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax asset	$	61			$	1,114
	Long-term deferred tax asset	42				1,280
		$	103			$	2,394
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal:
	Current	$	(79	)		$	575			$	169
	Deferred	2,400				2,295				2,478
		2,321				2,870				2,647
	State:
	Current	$	19			$	34			$	—
	Deferred	19				(21		)		—
		38				13				—
	Total	$	2,359			$	2,883			$	2,647
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	34	%		34	%		34	%
	State income taxes	6.8			—			—
	Stock compensation	(7.8	)		—			—
	Other permanent items	5.5			—			—
	Meals and entertainment	7.1			—			—
	Return to provision items	(6.0	)		—			—
	Valuation allowance	631.7			—			—
	Loss carryforward adjustment	—			3.7			—
	Other, net	(3.6	)		2.1			4.8
	Effective tax rate	667.7	%		39.8	%		38.8	%

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following tables reconcile the numerator and denominator used to calculate diluted net income per share for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	(2,006	)	$	1,161	$	1,122
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding—basic	32,869			11,964		11,901
	Dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs	—			391		257
	Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted	32,869			12,355		12,158

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments Due by Period
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating lease obligations	$	1,324	$	1,295	$	997	$	968	$	1,007	$	2,039	$	7,630
	Total	$	1,324	$	1,295	$	997	$	968	$	1,007	$	2,039	$	7,630

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite1

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The results of historical quarters are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year or any future period:
		31-Mar		30-Jun			30-Sep				31-Dec
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Revenue from collaborations	$	10,546	$	9,086		$	8,119			$	7,645
	Net income (loss)	54		71			(1,536		)	(1)	(595		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	54		71			(1,536		)		(595		)
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	—	$	—		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	—	$	—		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)
	(1) In the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $1.6 million due to expected future losses as a result of our new strategic plan.
		31-Mar		30-Jun			30-Sep				31-Dec
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2013
	Revenue from collaborations	$	15,980	$	11,023		$	14,692			$	11,252
	Net income (loss)	3,711		(20		)	1,420				(812		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	999		(20		)	382				(812		)
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.08	$	—		$	0.04			$	(0.07	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.08	$	—		$	0.03			$	(0.07	)

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-elective discretionary employer contribution	$0.40
Defined contribution plan, vesting period	4 years
Beginning in 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent		50.00%
Employee contribution, percent		6.00%
Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period		10 years
Nonexecutive employees | Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period		4 years
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Executives | Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period		5 years
Vesting percentage		20.00%

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$767	$868
Amortized Cost	188,231	32,429
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	6	3
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-418	-13
Fair Value	187,819	32,419
Level 1 Securities | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	17,771	12,501
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	0	0
Fair Value	17,771	12,501
Level 2 Securities | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	15,992	1,099
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	2	1
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-1	0
Fair Value	15,993	1,100
Level 2 Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	131,586	12,101
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-398	-4
Fair Value	131,188	12,097
Level 2 Securities | Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		625
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		0
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses		0
Fair Value		625
Level 2 Securities | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	22,115	5,235
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	4	2
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-19	-9
Fair Value	$22,100	$5,228

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_and_3

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities maturing from year one to year two	$5.20
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities maturing from year one to year two	$78.80

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$5,219	$5,113
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-4,477	-4,001
Property and equipment, net	742	1,112
Laboratory equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	2,910	2,844
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,812	1,812
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$497	$457

Contingently_Convertible_Debt_1

Contingently Convertible Debt with Related Party (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest	$0	$0	$420
Unsecured Promissory Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average interest rate			1.00%
Cash paid for interest			$400
IPO | Affiliated Entity | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt conversion price				3.3
IPO | Common Stock | Affiliated Entity
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of shares issued through debt conversion				3,636,365

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized		100,000,000	60,000,000
IPO | Affiliated Entity | Convertible Debt
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible debt face amount	$12
Debt conversion price	$3.30
Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
IPO, shares issued	9,200,000	9,200,000
Proceeds from IPO	$142
Common Stock | IPO
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued on conversion of preferred stock	10,813,867
Common Stock | IPO | Affiliated Entity
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued through debt conversion	3,636,365

Shareholders_Equity_Changes_in

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($7)	$0	($6)
Current period other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax	-354	-7	6
Ending balance	($361)	($7)	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 27, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$516,000	$1,123,000	$581,000
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock issued during period, shares	9,200,000			9,200,000
Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for future issuance	2,329,629
Options granted	101,000
Share-based compensation, vesting period	10 years
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards		100,000
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Equity Plans | Nonvested Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards	700,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards, weighted average period of recognition	2 years 8 months 23 days
Equity Plans | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted	10,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards, weighted average period of recognition	3 years 4 months 24 days
Equity Plans | Nonexecutive employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	4 years
Vesting percentage	25.00%
Equity Plans | Nonexecutive employees | After One Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	25.00%
Equity Plans | Executives
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	5 years
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Equity Plans | Executives | After One Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for future issuance								1,432,358
Options granted					762,480
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted					414,060	31,400
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted					712,480
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Chief Executive Officer | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted					356,410		7,100
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Vice President Finance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted						40,000
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Vice President Finance | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted						20,000
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Common Stock | Kresel
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted						4,000
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Common Stock | Sato
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted						4,000
Equity Plans | Subsequent Event | Common Stock | Schultzer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments, granted						4,000
Former CEO Equity Agreement | Dr. Kubota
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent in equity position	51.00%
Expiration period	36 months
Stock issued during period, shares		31,452	5,504
Compensation expense		800,000	100,000
Former CEO Equity Agreement | Dr. Kubota | Promissory Note
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term		3 years
Debt, face amount		$500,000	$100,000

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity and RSU's) (Details) (Equity Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Options
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	696,878
Granted	101,000
Exercised	-187,007
Forfeited	-167,699
Expired	-67,216
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	375,956	696,878
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	263,929
Unexercisable, December 31, 2014	112,027	284,779
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	$7.21
Granted	$7.78
Exercised	$3.64
Forfeited	$8.27
Expired	$8.42
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$8.45	$7.21
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	$6.18
Unexercisable, December 31, 2014	$13.78	$10.92
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unexercisable, December 31, 2013	$7.25	$5.87
Granted	$5	$8.09	$5.59
Exercised	$2.24
Forfeited	$4.86	$4.89	$2.81
Expired	$4.86
Unexercisable, December 31, 2014	$7.25	$5.87
Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$397
Intrinsic Value, Exercisable, December 31, 2014	$381
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding, December 31, 2014	6 years 5 months 27 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable, December 31, 2014	5 years 9 months 18 days
Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	10,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	0
Granted	10,000
Forfeited	0
Expired	0
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	10,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted	$7.46
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$7.46

StockBased_Compensation_Supple

Stock-Based Compensation (Supplemental Information) (Details) (Equity Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value per share - granted	$5	$8.09	$5.59
Weighted average grant date fair value per share - vested	$5.26	$4.52	$3.48
Weighted average grant date fair value per share - forfeited	$4.86	$4.89	$2.81
Total fair value of options vested	$482	$625	$482
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$886	$307	$47

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Vesting for RSUs) (Details) (Equity Plans)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
2015	3,400
2016	2,500
2017	2,500
2018	1,600
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	10,000

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation (Fair Value of Stock Options Granted) (Details) (Equity Plans)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%
Expected term	6 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	70.00%	50.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.20%
Expected volatility			50.00%
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.50%	2.10%
Expected volatility			65.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Income

Stock-Based Compensation (Income Statement Location) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$516	$1,123	$581
Research and Development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	221	414	247
General and Administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$295	$709	$334

Strategic_Restructuring_Narrat

Strategic Restructuring (Narrative) (Details) (Employee Severance, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Employee
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Workforce reduction, percentage	35.00%
Number of positions eliminated	30
Restructuring costs		$1

Strategic_Restructuring_Detail

Strategic Restructuring (Details) (Employee Severance, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2013	$966
Adjustments	-8
Cash payments	-958
Balance, December 31, 2014	$0

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$2.30
Utilization of loss carryforwards	0.6	0.8	3
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	1.1
Share-based Compensation [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$0.20

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$925		$714
Alternative minimum tax credits	774		1,077
Property and equipment	25		110
Alternative minimum tax credits	334		363
Property and equipment	224		124
Unrealized losses	142		6
Other	3		0
Total deferred tax asset	2,427		2,394
Less: Valuation allowance	-2,324	-1,600	0
Deferred tax assets, net	103		2,394
Reported as:
Current deferred tax asset	61		1,114
Long-term deferred tax asset	42		1,280
Total deferred tax asset	$103		$2,394

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Tax

Income Taxes (Components of Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Federal:
Current	($79)	$575	$169
Deferred	2,400	2,295	2,478
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	2,321	2,870	2,647
State:
Current	19	34	0
Deferred	19	-21	0
State income tax expense (benefit)	38	13	0
Total	$2,359	$2,883	$2,647

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State income taxes	6.80%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock compensation	-7.80%	0.00%	0.00%
Other permanent items	5.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Meals and entertainment	7.10%	0.00%	0.00%
Return to provision items	-6.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	631.70%	0.00%	0.00%
Loss carryforward adjustment	0.00%	3.70%	0.00%
Other, net	-3.60%	2.10%	4.80%
Effective tax rate	667.70%	39.80%	38.80%

Collaboration_and_License_Agre1

Collaboration and License Agreements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended							60 Months Ended	72 Months Ended	84 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Revenue from collaborations	$7,645,000	$8,119,000	$9,086,000	$10,546,000	$11,252,000	$14,692,000	$11,023,000	$15,980,000	$35,396,000	$52,947,000	$46,424,000
Deferred revenue from collaborations	6,231,000				0				6,231,000	0							0	6,231,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Nonrefundable up-front license fee received	5,000,000								5,000,000									5,000,000
Funded amount, Phase 1															40,000,000
Potential to receive development milestones															82,500,000
Milestone method, revenue recognized									0	5,000,000	0	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Number of days used as base for calculating accrued interest									360 days
Percent of royalty paid on annual aggregate net sales for each party															2.00%
Revenue from collaborations																15,400,000	32,400,000	49,700,000
Contingently repayable funding, accrued interest	2,500,000				1,200,000				2,500,000	1,200,000							1,200,000	2,500,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | Secured Promissory Note | Three-month LIBOR
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Stated percentage	3.25%								3.25%									3.25%
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | Initial Indication
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															55,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | Second Indication
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															27,500,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | All Indications
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															175,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | All Indications | Aggregate Annual Worldwide Sales of 250 million
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															25,000,000
Benchmark for aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products															250,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | All Indications | Aggregate Annual Worldwide Sales of 500 million
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															50,000,000
Benchmark for aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products															500,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Emixustat | All Indications | Aggregate Annual Worldwide Sales of 1 billion
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Potential to receive development milestones															100,000,000
Benchmark for aggregate annual worldwide sales of all collaboration products															1,000,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Selling price for research program	15,000,000								15,000,000									15,000,000
Revenue from collaborations									35,400,000	39,200,000	19,300,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Initial Indication | Upon Initiation of a Phase 2b/3 | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized										5,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Initial Indication | Upon Initiation of a Phase 3 | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															5,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Initial Indication | Upon Filing of a NDA with the FDA | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															15,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Initial Indication | Upon Receipt of Approval by the FDA of an NDA | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															20,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Initial Indication | Upon Receipt of Approval by Regulatory Authority of a Marketing Approval | JAPAN
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															10,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Second Indication | Upon Initiation of a Phase 3 | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															5,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Second Indication | Upon Filing of a NDA with the FDA | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															7,500,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Second Indication | Upon Receipt of Approval by the FDA of an NDA | UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															10,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Development Activities [Member] | Second Indication | Upon Receipt of Approval by Regulatory Authority of a Marketing Approval | JAPAN
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized															5,000,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | OPA-6566
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Revenue from collaborations									0	1,500,000	8,100,000
Collaborative Arrangement, Product | Rebamipide
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Line Items]
Milestone method, revenue recognized										2,000,000	5,000,000
Revenue from collaborations									$0	$12,300,000	$14,000,000

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Deta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	($595)	($1,536)	$71	$54	($812)	$382	($20)	$999	($2,006)	$1,161	$1,122
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic									32,869,000	11,964,000	11,901,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs									0	391,000	257,000
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted									32,869,000	12,355,000	12,158,000
Antidilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share									185,551
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
IPO, shares issued									9,200,000			9,200,000
Common Stock | Affiliated Entity | IPO
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued through debt conversion												3,636,365

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 19, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 26, 2014	Jan. 02, 2015
					sqft
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Reduction in rent expense	$0.40
Rent expense		1	1	0.8
Office Space
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Net rentable area of leased property					38,723
Laboratory and Office Space
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Net rentable area of leased property	17,488
Subsequent Event | Office Space
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Tenant leasehold improvement allowance						$1.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$1,324
2016	1,295
2017	997
2018	968
2019	1,007
Thereafter	2,039
Operating lease obligations	$7,630

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014
Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses from transactions with related party	$0	$0.30	$0.20
Common Stock | IPO | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares issued through debt conversion				3,636,365

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite2

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue from collaborations	$7,645	$8,119		$9,086	$10,546	$11,252	$14,692	$11,023	$15,980	$35,396	$52,947	$46,424
Net income (loss)	-595	-1,536	[1]	71	54	-812	1,420	-20	3,711	-2,006	4,299	4,178
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	-595	-1,536		71	54	-812	382	-20	999	-2,006	1,161	1,122
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	($0.02)	($0.04)		$0	$0	($0.07)	$0.04	$0	$0.08	($0.06)	$0.10	$0.09
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	($0.02)	($0.04)		$0	$0	($0.07)	$0.03	$0	$0.08	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.09
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$2,324	$1,600				$0				$2,324	$0
[1]	In the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of $1.6 million due to expected future losses as a result of our new strategic plan.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 14, 2014	Mar. 24, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015	Jan. 28, 2015
Mr. O’Callaghan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Severance term	18 months
Severance benefit term	18 months
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percent of employee’s annual target bonus for 2015		50.00%
Additional vesting on any outstanding equity awards		12 months
Retention pool			$600,000
Subsequent Event | Dr. Kubota
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Voting authority as percent of shares outstanding (over 50%)				50.00%
Subsequent Event | Mr. O’Callaghan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Discretionary bonus		515,520