Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2019 | Mar. 09, 2020 | Jun. 28, 2019 | |
Cover [Abstract] | |||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2019 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2019 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Trading Symbol | ARPO | ||
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer | No | ||
Entity Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer | ||
Entity Small Business | true | ||
Entity Emerging Growth Company | true | ||
Entity Ex Transition Period | true | ||
Entity Registrant Name | Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 0001422142 | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 25,975,518 | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 40,588,004 | ||
Entity Shell Company | false | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity File Number | 001-38560 | ||
Entity Tax Identification Number | 61-1547850 | ||
Entity Address, Address Line One | 9987 Carver Road | ||
Entity Address, City or Town | Cincinnati | ||
Entity Address, State or Province | OH | ||
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 45242 | ||
City Area Code | 513 | ||
Local Phone Number | 985-1920 | ||
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | ||
Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share | ||
Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | ||
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | ||
Document Annual Report | true | ||
Document Transition Report | false | ||
Documents Incorporated by Reference | Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 38,524,536 | $ 62,614,010 |
Prepaid research and development contracts | 311,154 | 754,392 |
Other current assets | 734,785 | 615,681 |
Total current assets | 39,570,475 | 63,984,083 |
Furniture and equipment, net | 164,187 | 98,449 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 162,124 | |
Deposits | 40,000 | 40,960 |
Total assets | 39,936,786 | 64,123,492 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 3,231,450 | 5,456,917 |
Current portion of operating lease liability | 102,555 | |
Total current liabilities | 3,334,005 | 5,456,917 |
Operating lease liability, net of current portion | 67,438 | |
Total liabilities | 3,401,443 | 5,456,917 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | ||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 300,000,000 shares authorized and 40,588,004 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. | 4,059 | 4,059 |
Additional paid-in capital | 178,766,806 | 177,621,807 |
Accumulated deficit | (142,235,522) | (118,959,291) |
Total stockholders’ equity | 36,535,343 | 58,666,575 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ 39,936,786 | $ 64,123,492 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
Common stock, par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 |
Common stock, shares authorized | 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 |
Common stock, shares issued | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 |
Common stock, shares outstanding | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 |
Consolidated Statements of Oper
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Income Statement [Abstract] | ||
License revenue, and other | $ 20,157,430 | |
Type of Revenue [Extensible List] | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | |
Operating expenses | ||
Research and development | $ 12,824,402 | $ 17,852,756 |
General and administrative | 9,756,185 | 13,485,918 |
Restructuring expense | 1,863,495 | |
Total operating expenses | 24,444,082 | 31,338,674 |
Loss from operations | (24,444,082) | (11,181,244) |
Grant income | 142,729 | 6,394 |
Interest income | 1,030,839 | 778,215 |
Total other income | 1,173,568 | 784,609 |
Net and comprehensive loss | $ (23,270,514) | $ (10,396,635) |
Net and comprehensive loss per share | ||
Basic and diluted | $ (0.57) | $ (0.31) |
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | 40,588,004 | 33,930,846 |
Consolidated Statements of Stoc
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) | Total | Common Stock [Member] | Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] | Accumulated Deficit [Member] |
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 | $ 17,435,489 | $ 2,707 | $ 125,995,438 | $ (108,562,656) |
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2017 | 27,070,038 | |||
Issuance of restricted stock | $ 6 | (6) | ||
Issuance of restricted stock, Shares | 60,000 | |||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs | 48,119,027 | $ 1,341 | 48,117,686 | |
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs, Shares | 13,408,200 | |||
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options | $ 76,832 | $ 5 | 76,827 | |
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, Shares | 52,099 | 52,099 | ||
Forfeiture of restricted stock, Shares | (2,333) | |||
Share-based compensation expense | $ 3,431,862 | 3,431,862 | ||
Net and comprehensive loss | (10,396,635) | (10,396,635) | ||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 | 58,666,575 | $ 4,059 | 177,621,807 | (118,959,291) |
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2018 | 40,588,004 | |||
Issuance of warrants | $ 53,440 | 53,440 | ||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | 5,717 | (5,717) | ||
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, Shares | 0 | |||
Share-based compensation expense | $ 1,085,842 | 1,085,842 | ||
Net and comprehensive loss | (23,270,514) | (23,270,514) | ||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 36,535,343 | $ 4,059 | $ 178,766,806 | $ (142,235,522) |
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2019 | 40,588,004 |
Consolidated Statements of St_2
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | |
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] | |
Issuance costs | $ 3,502,543 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Operating activities: | ||
Net and comprehensive loss | $ (23,270,514) | $ (10,396,635) |
Adjustments to reconcile net and comprehensive loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||
Depreciation | 76,501 | 46,686 |
Loss on disposal of assets | 94,713 | |
Consulting expenses related to warrants | 53,440 | |
Stock-based compensation | 1,085,842 | 3,431,862 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||
Prepaid research and development contracts | 443,238 | (441,252) |
Other current assets | (119,104) | (293,460) |
Deposits | 960 | (20,000) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (2,217,598) | 1,864,753 |
Net cash used in operating activities | (23,852,522) | (5,808,046) |
Investing activities: | ||
Purchase of furniture and equipment | (236,952) | (37,912) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (236,952) | (37,912) |
Financing activities: | ||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 76,832 | |
Proceeds from sale of common stock | 51,621,570 | |
Cash paid in connection with the sale of common stock | (3,502,543) | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 48,195,859 | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (24,089,474) | 42,349,901 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 62,614,010 | 20,264,109 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ 38,524,536 | $ 62,614,010 |
Nature of Organization and Oper
Nature of Organization and Operations | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Nature of Organization and Operations | 1. Nature of Organization and Operations Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing compounds that activate Tie2 to treat ocular diseases and diabetic complications. The Company was incorporated as Zeta Acquisition Corp. II (“Zeta”) in the State of Delaware on November 16, 2007. Zeta was a “shell company” (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Company’s pipeline includes the humanized monoclonal antibody, ARP-1536, directed at the same target as subcutaneous AKB-9778, is in preclinical development. The Company is evaluating development options for ARP-1536, including subcutaneous injection for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications, e.g., diabetic nephropathy and intravitreal injection as an adjunctive therapy for diabetic macular edema. The Company is also developing a bispecific antibody that binds both VEGF and VE-PTP which is designed to inhibit VEGF activation and activate Tie2. The Company believes this bispecific antibody has the potential to be an improved treatment for wet aged-related macular degeneration (“AMD”) and diabetic macular edema via intravitreal injection. In two consecutive trials, TIME-2 and TIME-2b, subcutaneous AKB-9778 showed reduction in Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (“UACR”), a measure of progression of diabetic kidney disease. The Company believes that systemic treatment with AKB-9778 could have the potential to change the treatment paradigm for diabetics in the future and potentially address a major societal problem by lowering the cost of care associated generally with diabetes. Based on the preclinical proof of concept and the results of the Phase 1b trial showing a reduction in intraocular pressure (“IOP”) in patients with ocular hypertension (“OHT”) and open angle glaucoma (“OAG”), the Company plans to further advance the glaucoma program into a Phase 2 clinical trial with results expected in the first quarter of 2021. In June 2018, the Company licensed AKB-4924, a selective stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (“HIF-1 alpha”) to Gossamer Bio, Inc. (“Gossamer”) AKB-4924, (now called GB004), is being developed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”). HIF-1 alpha is involved in mucosal wound healing and the reduction of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Gossamer has completed the Phase 1 multiple ascending dose (“MAD”) clinical study and is currently running a Phase 1b clinical study in ulcerative colitis patients. Gossamer is expected to have results of the Phase 1b study in ulcerative colitis patients in the first half of 2020. Gossamer is responsible for all remaining development and commercial activities for GB004. On June 28, 2018, the Company closed an underwritten public offering for the sale of 11,688,000 shares of its common stock, and subsequently on July 2, 2018, the Company closed on the sale of an additional 1,720,200 shares of its common stock, pursuant to the underwriters’ partial exercise of their option to purchase additional shares of common stock (the “2018 Offering”). In the aggregate, the Company received net proceeds of $48.1 million from the 2018 Offering after a deduction of $3.5 million related to underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses paid in conjunction with the 2018 Offering. The Company’s operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing the Company, business planning, raising capital, acquiring and developing its technology, identifying potential product candidates and undertaking preclinical and clinical studies. The Company’s revenue has been primarily limited to license revenue from Gossamer Bio. Inc., GB004, Inc. (collectively “Gossamer”). Future revenue is dependent on the terms of the license agreement with Gossamer Bio., Inc. as further described in Note 15. The Company’s product candidates are subject to long development cycles and there is no assurance the Company will be able to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, or market its product candidates. The Company is subject to a number of risks similar to other life science companies in the current stage of its life cycle including, but not limited to, the need to obtain adequate additional funding, possible failure of preclinical testing or clinical trials, the need to obtain marketing approval for its product candidates, competitors developing new technological innovations, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of any of the Company’s products that are approved, and protection of proprietary technology. If the Company does not successfully commercialize any of its products or mitigate any of these other risks, it will be unable to generate revenue or achieve profitability. The Company incurred losses from operations and had a negative cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (and since inception). The Company’s current operating plan indicates that it will continue to incur losses from operations and generate negative cash flows from operating activities given ongoing expenditures related to the completion of its ongoing clinical trials and the Company’s lack of product revenue generating activities. However, the Company believes it has the ability to control its current operating plan and that existing cash and cash equivalents of approximately $38.5 million at December 31, 2019 will be sufficient to allow the Company to fund its current operating plan into at least the second quarter of 2021, and as a result, through at least twelve months from the filing of the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There can be no assurance, however, that the current operating plan will be achieved in the time frame anticipated by the Company, or that its cash resources will fund the Company’s operating plan for the period anticipated by the Company or that additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. The Company will need to raise additional funds in order to further advance its clinical research programs, commence additional clinical trials, and operate its business and meet its obligations as they come due. The Company is pursuing financing alternatives, which include permanent equity financing, business development arrangements, and licensing arrangements. However, financing may not be available to the Company in the necessary time frame, in amounts that the Company requires, on terms that are acceptable to the Company, or at all. If the Company raises additional funds through collaboration, licensing or other similar arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish valuable rights to its potential products or proprietary technologies or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to the Company. If the Company is unable to raise the necessary funds when needed or reduce spending on currently planned activities, it may not be able to continue the development of its product candidates or the Company could be required to delay, scale back, or eliminate some or all of its development programs and other operations and will materially harm its business, financial position and results of operations. |
Summary of Significant Accounti
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations and include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative U.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars. Segment Information Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment, which is the business of developing and commercializing proprietary therapeutics. All the assets and operations of the Company are located in the U.S. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Management considers many factors in selecting appropriate financial accounting policies and controls, and in developing the estimates and assumptions that are used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. Management must apply significant judgment in this process. In addition, other factors may affect estimates, including: expected business and operational changes, sensitivity and volatility associated with the assumptions used in developing estimates, and whether historical trends are expected to be representative of future trends. The estimation process often may yield a range of potentially reasonable estimates of the ultimate future outcomes, and management must select an amount that falls within that range of reasonable estimates. Estimates are used in the following areas, among others: prepaid and accrued research and development expense, stock-based compensation expense, revenue recognition and income taxes. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash on hand and $100,000 invested in short-term certificates of deposits with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s cash equivalents are primarily in money market funds. The Company maintains balances with its banks in excess of federally insured limits. Revenue Recognition At the inception of an arrangement, the Company evaluates if a counterparty to a contract is a customer, if the arrangement is within the scope of revenue from contracts with customers guidance and the term of the contract. The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services in a contract for an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. For contracts with customers, the Company applies the following five-step model in order to determine this amount: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. As part of the accounting for contracts with customers, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the standalone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company then allocates the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the estimated standalone selling prices of each performance obligation. The Company recognizes the amount of the transaction price as revenue that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when the performance obligation is satisfied or as it is satisfied. The Company enters into collaboration arrangements, under which it licenses certain rights to its intellectual property to third parties. The terms of these agreements may include payment to the Company of one or more of the following: nonrefundable upfront license fees; development, sale and commercial milestone payments and royalties on net sales of licensed products. Each of these types of payments are classified as license revenue except for revenue from royalties on net sales of licensed products, which are classified as royalty revenue. For each collaboration agreement that results in revenues, the Company identifies all material promised goods and services, which may include a license to intellectual property, research and development activities and/or transition activities. Promised goods or services are considered to be separate performance obligations if they are distinct. In order to determine the transaction price to be allocated to each performance obligation, in addition to any upfront payment, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration at the outset of the contract either utilizing the expected value or most likely amount method, depending on the facts and circumstances relative to the contract. The Company constrains (reduces) the estimates of variable consideration such that it is probable that a significant reversal of previously recognized revenue will not occur throughout the life of the contract. When determining if variable consideration should be constrained, management considers whether there are factors outside the Company’s control that could result in a significant reversal of revenue. In making these assessments, the Company considers the likelihood and magnitude of a potential reversal of revenue. These estimates are re-assessed each reporting period as required. Once the estimated transaction price is established, amounts are allocated to the performance obligations that have been identified. The transaction price is generally allocated to each separate performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. The Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the standalone selling price (“SSP”) in order to account for these agreements. To determine the standalone selling price the Company’s assumptions may include (i) assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval for the drug candidate; (ii) estimates regarding the timing of and the expected costs to develop and commercialize the drug candidate; (iii) estimates of future cash flows from potential product sales with respect to the drug candidate; and (iv) appropriate discount and tax rates. Standalone selling prices used to perform the initial allocation are not updated after contract inception. The Company does not include a financing component to its estimated transaction price at contract inception unless it estimates that certain performance obligations will not be satisfied within one year. Upfront License Fees If a license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from nonrefundable, upfront license fees based on the relative value prescribed to the license compared to the total value of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaborator and the collaborator is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are not distinct from other obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, the Company applies an appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from nonrefundable, upfront license fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. Development Milestone Payments Depending on facts and circumstances, the Company may conclude it is appropriate to include the milestone in the estimated transaction price using the most likely amount method or it is appropriate to fully constrain the milestone. A milestone payment is included in the transaction price in the reporting period the Company concludes that it is probable that recording revenue in the period will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company may record revenues from certain milestones in a reporting period before the milestone is achieved if the Company concludes that achievement of the milestone is probable and that recognition of revenue related to the milestone will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company records a corresponding contract asset when this conclusion is reached. Milestone payments that have not been included in the transaction price to date are fully constrained. These milestones remain fully constrained until the Company concludes that achievement of the milestone is probable and recognition of revenue related to the milestone will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company re-evaluates the probability of achievement of such development milestones and any related constraint each reporting period. The Company adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price, including the amount of collaborative revenue that it has recorded, if necessary. Sales-based Milestone and Royalty Payments The Company’s collaborators may be required to pay the Company sales-based milestone payments or royalties on future sales of commercial products. The Company recognizes revenues related to sales-based milestone and royalty payments upon the later to occur of (i) achievement of the collaborator’s underlying sales or (ii) satisfaction of any performance obligation(s) related to these sales, in each case assuming the license to the Company’s intellectual property is deemed to be the predominant item to which the sales-based milestones and/or royalties relate. Grant Income Grant income is recognized as earned based on contract work performed. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense consists of (i) employee-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense; (ii) external research and development expenses incurred under arrangements with third parties, such as contract research organizations and consultants; (iii) the cost of acquiring, developing and manufacturing clinical study materials; and (iv) costs associated with clinical, preclinical and regulatory activities. The Company enters into consulting, research, and other agreements with commercial firms, researchers, universities and others for the provision of goods and services. Under such agreements, the Company may pay for services on a monthly, quarterly, project or other basis. Such arrangements are generally cancellable upon reasonable notice and payment of costs incurred. Costs are considered incurred based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks under each contract using information and data provided to the Company by its clinical sites and vendors. These costs consist of direct and indirect costs associated with specific projects, as well as fees paid to various entities that perform certain research on behalf of the Company. Patents Costs incurred in connection with the application for and issuances of patents are expensed as incurred. Income Taxes Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740. When uncertain tax positions exist, the Company recognizes the tax benefit of tax positions to the extent that the benefit will more likely than not be realized. The determination as to whether the tax benefit will more likely than not be realized is based upon the technical merits of the tax position, as well as consideration of the available facts and circumstances. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company does not have any uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any exist, in income tax expense. Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders The Company’s basic net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net and comprehensive loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The diluted net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting the weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury stock method. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation Due to the historical lack of a public market for the trading of the Company’s common stock and a lack of company-specific historical and implied volatility data, the Company has based its estimate of expected volatility on the historical volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded. The computation of expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a representative group of companies with similar characteristics to the Company, including stage of product development and life science industry focus. The Company believes the group selected has sufficient similar economic and industry characteristics and includes companies that are most representative of the Company. The Company uses the simplified method as prescribed by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment Compensation expense related to awards to employees is calculated on a straight-line basis by recognizing the grant date fair value over the associated service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The Company values cash equivalents using quoted market prices. The fair value of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates its carrying value because of its short-term nature. The Company is required to disclose information on all assets and liabilities reported at fair value that enables an assessment of the inputs used in determining the reported fair values. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy applies only to the valuation inputs used in determining the reported fair value of the investments and is not a measure of the investment credit quality. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: • Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date • Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly • Level 3 – Valuations that require inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable To the extent that a valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The assets of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below: Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2019 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 Total assets $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 December 31, 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 Total assets $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 Concentrations of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk Cash and cash equivalents are the only financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality, accredited financial institutions and, accordingly, such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. The Company has no significant off-balance sheet concentrations of credit risk, such as foreign currency exchange contracts, option contracts, or other hedging arrangements. Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, if any. Comprehensive loss equaled net loss for all periods presented. Furniture and Equipment Furniture and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Furniture and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to seven years. Such costs are periodically reviewed for recoverability when impairment indicators are present. Such indicators include, among other factors: operating losses, unused capacity, market value declines and technological obsolescence. Recorded values of asset groups of furniture and equipment that are not expected to be recovered through undiscounted future net cash flows are written down to current fair value, which generally is determined from estimated discounted future net cash flows (assets held for use) or net realizable value (assets held for sale). Leases At the inception of an arrangement the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the circumstances present. All leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, lease liabilities and, if applicable, long-term lease liabilities. The Company has elected not to recognize on the consolidated balance sheet leases with terms of one-year or less. Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As such, the Company utilizes the appropriate incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received. Recent Accounting Pronouncements From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019. See additional discussion in Note 11. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements Leases. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019. See additional discussion in Note 11. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ( ). No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Payables And Accruals [Abstract] | |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | 3. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of: December 31, 2019 2018 Accounts payable $ 439,785 $ 595,680 Restructuring accrual (see Note 16) 793,913 — Professional fees 346,999 487,923 Accrued bonus 689,830 1,877,455 Accrued retention bonus 521,859 — Accrued vacation 43,470 90,663 Accrued project costs 382,131 2,232,014 Other 13,463 173,182 Total accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 3,231,450 $ 5,456,917 |
Furniture and Equipment
Furniture and Equipment | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | |
Furniture and Equipment | 4. Furniture and Equipment Furniture and equipment consist of the following as of: December 31, 2019 2018 Furniture $ 154,669 $ 156,928 Computers 56,443 75,716 Equipment 246,056 141,067 Leasehold improvements 35,869 35,869 Total furniture and equipment 493,037 409,580 Accumulated depreciation (328,850 ) (311,131 ) Furniture and equipment, net $ 164,187 $ 98,449 |
Common Stock
Common Stock | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Common Stock | 5. Common Stock As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had 300,000,000 shares of authorized common stock with par value of $0.0001 per share. The common stock has the following characteristics: Voting The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held at all meetings of stockholders and written actions in lieu of meetings. Dividends The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if and when declared by the Board of Directors. Since the Company’s inception, no dividends have been declared or paid to the holders of common stock. Liquidation In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the Company’s assets. Warrants to Purchase Common Stock At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had warrants outstanding for the purchase of 917,562 and 317,562 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock. In October 2019, the Company issued warrants for the purchase of 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.486 per share in connection with the hiring of a strategic advisor consultant for a six-month period. These warrants vest in equal monthly installments over a six-month period beginning October 14, 2019 and expire on October 24, 2024. At the date of grant the fair value of these awards was determined using a Black-Scholes Merton pricing model. Included at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are warrants for the purchase of 317,562 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share that were issued in connection with the 2017 Offering and have a three-year term expiring on March 15, 2020. At the expiration date of the warrants, if the fair value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise price, the warrant will be automatically exercised and the exercise price will be fulfilled through the net share settlement provisions. The number of shares and the exercise price shall be adjusted for standard ant-dilution events such as stock splits, combinations, reorganizations, or issue shares as part of a common stock dividend. Upon a change of control, the warrant holder will have the right to receive securities, cash or other properties it would have been entitled to receive had the warrant been exercised. |
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Preferred Stock | 6. Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, in authorized capital. No preferred stock was issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. |
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | |
Stock-Based Compensation | 7. Stock-Based Compensation In March 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders approved, the 2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”), that became effective in April 2017. The 2017 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive awards up to 4,600,000 shares of common stock to officers, employees, consultants and directors, less the number of shares subject to issued and outstanding awards under the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan that were assumed in the Merger. The 2017 Plan also provides that the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder will be increased annually on the first day of each year beginning in 2018 by four percent (4%) of the shares of our common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding year or such smaller increase as determined by our Board of Directors. As a result of the evergreen increase, a total of 1,623,520 shares were added to the 2017 Plan on January 1, 2019 and a total of 1,623,520 shares were added to the 2017 Plan on January 1, 2020. Stock Options The options granted generally vest over 48 months. Under the 2017 Plan, options vest in installments of 25% at the one-year anniversary and thereafter in 36 equal monthly installments beginning on the 1 st As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 1,983,093 and 2,959,562 shares were reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan, respectively. The following table summarizes the stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, January 1, 2018 1,912,980 $ 3.72 8.24 $ 2,738,704 Granted 1,615,200 3.64 Exercised (52,099 ) 1.47 Expired/cancelled (124,949 ) 3.23 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 3,351,132 $ 3.73 8.24 $ 142,788 Expected to vest, December 31, 2018 2,197,619 $ 4.17 9.19 $ - Options exercisable, December 31, 2018 1,153,513 $ 2.90 6.37 $ 142,788 Outstanding, January 1, 2019 3,351,132 $ 3.73 8.24 $ 142,788 Granted 4,666,728 1.85 Exercised — Expired/cancelled (2,682,010 ) 2.70 Outstanding, December 31, 2019 5,335,850 $ 2.60 6.23 $ 2,866 Expected to vest, December 31, 2019 2,395,265 $ 1.93 9.00 $ 2,866 Options exercisable, December 31, 2019 2,940,585 $ 3.15 3.98 $ — Aggregate intrinsic value represents the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock at the end of the period in excess of the weighted average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $2,866 and $142,788, respectively. No stock options were exercised during 2019. Stock options exercised during 2018 had an intrinsic value of $139,108. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense for stock options of $1,085,842 , the Company recorded a one-time stock-based compensation cumulative reversal of $1,051,735 for the forfeitures of outstanding equity awards related to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Business Officer who departed the Company on October 15, 2019. $2,309,337 The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the estimated fair value for stock-based awards. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 4,666,728 and 1,615,200 options granted out of the 2017 Plan, respectively. Option pricing models require the input of various assumptions, including the option’s expected life, expected dividend yield, price volatility and risk-free interest rate of the underlying stock. As there has not been significant public market activity of the Company’s Common Stock, the Company has determined the volatility assumption for options granted based on data from a peer group of companies that issued options with substantially similar terms. The expected volatility of options granted has been determined using the average of the historical volatility measures of this peer group of companies for a period equal to the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate is based on the rate applicable to U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues, with remaining maturities commensurate with the expected term of the options granted in effect on the date of grant. The Company has not paid, and does not anticipate paying, cash dividends on shares of Common Stock; therefore, the expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero in the option valuation model. Accordingly, the weighted-average fair value of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $1.11 and $2.22, Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Expected term (years) 5.36 6.07 Risk-free interest rate 2.24 % 2.85 % Expected volatility 64.88 % 65.99 % Expected dividend yield — — Restricted Stock Shares of restricted stock generally had similar vesting terms as stock options. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, January 1, 2018 91,576 $ 2.12 Granted 60,000 4.75 Vested (149,243 ) 3.18 Forfeited (2,333 ) 2.25 Nonvested, December 31, 2018 — $ — Nonvested, January 1, 2019 — $ — Granted — — Vested — — Forfeited — — Nonvested, December 31, 2019 — $ — For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock of $0 Compensation Expense Summary The Company recognized the following compensation cost related to employee and non-employee stock-based compensation activity for the periods presented below. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Research and development $ 510,923 $ 392,470 General and administrative 574,919 3,039,392 Total $ 1,085,842 $ 3,431,862 The decrease in compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2019, is primarily due to the cumulative reversal for the forfeitures of outstanding equity awards related to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial and Business Officer and other employees who left the Company during 2019. |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | 8. Income Taxes The Company did not record a current or deferred income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, due to the Company’s net and comprehensive losses and increases in its deferred tax asset valuation allowance Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Federal tax at statutory rate (21.00%) (21.00%) State and local tax at statutory rates, net of federal income tax (0.82 ) (4.15 ) Research and development credits (3.39 ) (6.37 ) Other 0.56 4.27 Change in valuation allowance 24.65 27.25 Effective tax rate 0.00% 0.00% The Company’s income tax provision was computed based on the federal statutory rate and the average state statutory rates, net of the related federal benefit. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income and for tax carryforwards, recorded at the enacted federal statutory income tax rate. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 24,966,019 $ 19,946,123 Accrued expenses 413,048 595,209 Stock-based compensation 738,768 603,408 Research and development credits 4,640,960 3,852,714 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 37,793 — Other 2,423 13,276 Total deferred tax assets 30,799,011 25,010,730 Deferred tax liabilities: Furniture and equipment 24,967 8,390 Operating lease liability 36,044 — Total deferred tax liabilities 61,011 8,390 Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 30,738,000 25,002,340 Less valuation allowance (30,738,000 ) (25,002,340 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ — When realization of the deferred tax asset is more likely than not to occur, the benefit related to the deductible temporary differences attributable to operation is recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. The Company cannot be certain that future taxable income will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets, and accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been provided on its net deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased $5,735,658 and $2,832,878 in 2019 and 2018, respectively, as a result of an increase in the net operating loss (“NOL”) and an increase of research and development credits carryforwards. The Company continues to monitor the need for a valuation allowance based on the profitability of its future operations. At December 31, 2019, the Company has $84,173,000 of federal NOL carryforwards with expirations between 2032 and 2038. The Company has $28,763,332 of federal NOL carryforwards with no expiration as a result of the 2017 Tax Act. Additionally, the Company has $70,789,456 of state and local NOL carryforwards with expiration between 2020 and 2040. Finally, at December 31, 2019, the Company has $4,640,960 of federal research and development credit carryforwards that expire at various dates through 2040. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, NOL and tax credit carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities until fully utilized. NOL and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership interest of significant stockholders by more than 50% over a three-year period, as defined in Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. The amount of the annual limitation is determined based on the value of the Company immediately before the ownership change. Subsequent ownership changes may further affect the limitation in future years. The Company has not completed a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred or whether there have been multiple changes of control since the date of the Company’s formation due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such study and that there could be additional changes in control in the future. As a result, the Company is unable to estimate the effect of these limitations, if any, on the Company’s ability to utilize NOL and tax credit carryforwards in the future. A full valuation allowance has been provided against the Company’s NOL and tax credit carryforwards and, if an adjustment is required, this adjustment would be offset by an adjustment to the deferred tax asset established for the NOL and tax credit carryforwards and the valuation allowance. The Company has not yet conducted a study to document whether its research activities may qualify for the research and development tax credit. Such a study may result in an adjustment to the Company’s research and development credit carryforwards; however, until a study is completed, and any adjustment is known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax position. A full valuation allowance has been provided against the Company’s research and development credit and, if an adjustment is required, this adjustment would be offset by an adjustment to the deferred tax asset established for the research and development credit carryforwards and the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no accrued uncertain tax positions or associated interest or penalties and no amounts have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. All years remain open and are subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. |
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders | 9. Net and Comprehensive Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders The following table sets forth the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Net and comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders $ (23,270,514 ) $ (10,396,635 ) Weighted average common shares used in computing net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted 40,588,004 33,930,846 Net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.57 ) $ (0.31 ) The following weighted average common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Options to purchase common stock 5,335,850 3,351,132 Warrants to purchase common stock 917,562 317,562 |
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Quarterly Results (Unaudited) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] | |
Quarterly Results | 10. Quarterly Results (unaudited) The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 June 30, 2019 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019 (unaudited) Total operating expenses $ 8,841,293 $ 5,978,919 $ 4,966,638 $ 4,657,232 Loss from operations (8,841,293 ) (5,978,919 ) (4,966,638 ) (4,657,232 ) Other income 348,468 295,303 318,708 211,089 Net and comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders $ (8,492,825 ) $ (5,683,616 ) $ (4,647,930 ) $ (4,446,143 ) Net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.21 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.11 ) Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net and comprehensive loss per share: Basic and diluted 40,588,004 40,588,004 40,588,004 40,588,004 Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 (unaudited) License revenue, and other $ — $ 1,333,333 $ 18,821,953 $ 2,144 Total operating expenses 7,476,648 7,369,788 7,623,916 8,868,322 (Loss) income from operations (7,476,648 ) (6,036,455 ) 11,198,037 (8,866,178 ) Other income 51,116 46,464 339,441 347,588 Net and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders $ (7,425,532 ) $ (5,989,991 ) $ 11,537,478 $ (8,518,590 ) Net and comprehensive (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.27 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 0.28 $ (0.21 ) Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net and comprehensive (loss) income per share: Basic 27,045,509 27,340,914 40,527,722 40,587,928 Diluted 27,045,509 27,340,914 40,961,620 40,587,928 The sum of the quarterly net loss per share attributable to common stockholders may not equal the annual amounts reported because per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for full year based on respective weighted-average common shares outstanding and other dilutive potential common stockholders. The diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2018 includes the dilutive common share impact of 426,860 options to purchase common stock and 7,038 unvested restricted stock. Furthermore, the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2018 excludes 2.4 million options to purchase common stock that was outstanding but unvested and the effect of weighted average common stock share equivalents of 0.1 million for options to purchase common stock and 0.3 million for warrants to purchase common stock as their effect is anti-dilutive. Holders of non-vested stock-based compensation awards do not have voting rights. Diluted and Basic weighted average number of common shares were the exact same in every other period presented within the table above. |
Leases
Leases | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Leases | 11. Leases At December 31, 2019, the Company is a party to one property lease in Cincinnati, Ohio under an arrangement which provides the right to use the underlying asset and require lease payments for the lease term. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company terminated its leases in Lexington, Massachusetts and Dexter, Michigan; no penalties were incurred related to these terminations. The Cincinnati, Ohio lease agreement obligates the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain maintenance costs (hereinafter referred to as non-lease components). The Company’s lease arrangement contains a renewal provision of 5 years, exercisable at the Company's option. The Company’s lease agreement does not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company determines if an arrangement is an operating lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. All other leases are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding operating lease asset, net, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the operating lease liabilities representing the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and include options to extend or terminate the lease when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The present value of lease payments is determined primarily using the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. The Company’s operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The following table presents the lease cost and information related to the right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Lease cost Average rent expense $ 242,690 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 242,581 The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate at December 31, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases 1.58 Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases 13.28 % As of December 31, 2019, future payments related to operating leases activities are presented in the table below: 2020 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total Operating leases $ 117,781 $ 69,685 $ — $ 187,466 Less interest (17,473 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 169,993 |
Employee Retirement Plan
Employee Retirement Plan | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Employee Retirement Plan | 12. Employee Retirement Plan The Company maintains a 401(k) plan (the “401k Plan”) in 2015 for the benefit of its employees. All employees who have attained the age of 21 are eligible to participate in the 401k Plan as of the first Entry Date, as defined by the 401k Plan document, following the employment date. Each employee can contribute a percentage of compensation up to a maximum of the statutory limits per year. Company contributions are discretionary. No contributions were made during 2019 or 2018. |
Employee Bonus Plan
Employee Bonus Plan | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract] | |
Employee Bonus Plan | 13. Employee Bonus Plan The Company maintains a bonus plan for certain employees based on the achievement of certain goals and milestones. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company accrued $689,830 and $1,877,455, respectively, for bonuses. |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 14. Employee Stock Purchase Plan In March 2017, the Board of Directors adopted and the stockholders approved the Employee Stock Purchase Plan that became effective in April 2017. On June 20, 2018, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended, the “ESPP”) at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Pursuant to the terms of the ESPP, the Company will reserve for issuance 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate. Additionally, on January 1, 2019 and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2028, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved and available for issuance under the ESPP will be cumulatively increased by the least of: (i) one percent (1%) of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31; (ii) 350,000 shares; or (iii) such lesser number of shares of the Company’s common stock as determined by the Board of Directors, in each case subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the ESPP. No shares under the ESPP are outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 for the purchases made under the ESPP. |
License Agreement
License Agreement | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract] | |
License Agreement | 15. License Agreement On June 24, 2018, the Company entered into a License Agreement (the “Gossamer License”) with Gossamer, under which the Company granted Gossamer an exclusive, sublicensable license to develop and commercialize AKB-4924 and other structurally related products worldwide, with initial development expected in the indications of induction and maintenance in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease (collectively “initial indications”). Prior to the execution of the Gossamer License, AKB-4924 was a pipeline program for the Company that recently completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Gossamer is responsible for the development and commercialization of the licensed products, and a joint development committee has been formed to oversee the development and manufacturing activities related to the licensed products. Under the terms of the Gossamer License, Gossamer is obligated to use its commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize licensed products in the United States, two major European countries and Japan for at least one of the initial indications. The Gossamer License includes an exclusivity provision that prohibits the Company from developing, manufacturing or commercializing, and prohibits Gossamer from clinically developing or commercializing certain HIF stabilizing compounds other than as permitted in the Gossamer License. Pursuant to the terms of the Gossamer License, Gossamer made an upfront payment to the Company of $20.0 million on June 28, 2018. The $20.0 million of license revenue is recorded within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company is also eligible to receive development, commercial and sales milestone payments, with such payments contingent on the achievement of specified milestones with respect to the first licensed product for each of the first two initial indications. The Company is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on sales of licensed products at percentages ranging from a high-single-digit to mid-teens, subject to certain customary reductions. In addition, under certain circumstances, in lieu of receiving the foregoing milestone payments and royalties, the Company may elect to receive a specified percentage of payments received by Gossamer and its stockholders (with some exclusions) in connection with Gossamer’s grant of a sublicense or other rights to the licensed products or if Gossamer undergoes a change of control and the value of the transaction exceeds a certain value (provided that Gossamer can prevent the Company from exercising this option if the parent company of Gossamer is the entity undergoing the change of control). Conversely, the Company could be required to accept such a specified percentage of those payments if Gossamer agrees to pay the Company a certain minimum upon Gossamer and its stockholders being paid. Such amount may be reduced if the subject transaction includes pharmaceutical candidates or products or other named asset categories in addition to the licensed products. The Gossamer License expires on a licensed-product-by-licensed-product and country-by-country basis on the later of fifteen years from the date of first commercial sale or when there is no longer a valid patent claim covering such licensed product in such country. Either party may terminate the Gossamer License for an uncured material breach by the other party or upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of the other party. Gossamer may terminate the Gossamer License in the event Gossamer determines there is a potential safety or efficacy issue with the licensed products. The Company may terminate the Gossamer License if Gossamer institutes certain actions related to the licensed patents. Under certain termination circumstances, the Company would have worldwide rights to the terminated program. As of December 31, 2019, all development milestones, sales-based milestones and royalty payments within the Gossamer License are constrained to the point where no transaction price has been allocated to the future milestones or royalty payments. |
Restructuring
Restructuring | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract] | |
Restructuring | 16. Restructuring In April 2019, the Company executed a realignment plan to reduce operating costs and better align its workforce with the needs of its ongoing business. The realignment plan reduced the Company’s workforce by 11 employees, representing approximately 41% of its workforce. As a result of this realignment plan, On October 15, 2019, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Business Officer departed from their positions. The Chief Executive Officer also resigned as a director. In connection with these departures, the Company recorded severance expenses of $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 for employee related costs, including severance benefits and payment of healthcare insurance premiums |
Summary of Significant Accoun_2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations and include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative U.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars. |
Segment Information | Segment Information Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment, which is the business of developing and commercializing proprietary therapeutics. All the assets and operations of the Company are located in the U.S. |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Management considers many factors in selecting appropriate financial accounting policies and controls, and in developing the estimates and assumptions that are used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. Management must apply significant judgment in this process. In addition, other factors may affect estimates, including: expected business and operational changes, sensitivity and volatility associated with the assumptions used in developing estimates, and whether historical trends are expected to be representative of future trends. The estimation process often may yield a range of potentially reasonable estimates of the ultimate future outcomes, and management must select an amount that falls within that range of reasonable estimates. Estimates are used in the following areas, among others: prepaid and accrued research and development expense, stock-based compensation expense, revenue recognition and income taxes. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash on hand and $100,000 invested in short-term certificates of deposits with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s cash equivalents are primarily in money market funds. The Company maintains balances with its banks in excess of federally insured limits. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition At the inception of an arrangement, the Company evaluates if a counterparty to a contract is a customer, if the arrangement is within the scope of revenue from contracts with customers guidance and the term of the contract. The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services in a contract for an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. For contracts with customers, the Company applies the following five-step model in order to determine this amount: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. As part of the accounting for contracts with customers, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the standalone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company then allocates the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the estimated standalone selling prices of each performance obligation. The Company recognizes the amount of the transaction price as revenue that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when the performance obligation is satisfied or as it is satisfied. The Company enters into collaboration arrangements, under which it licenses certain rights to its intellectual property to third parties. The terms of these agreements may include payment to the Company of one or more of the following: nonrefundable upfront license fees; development, sale and commercial milestone payments and royalties on net sales of licensed products. Each of these types of payments are classified as license revenue except for revenue from royalties on net sales of licensed products, which are classified as royalty revenue. For each collaboration agreement that results in revenues, the Company identifies all material promised goods and services, which may include a license to intellectual property, research and development activities and/or transition activities. Promised goods or services are considered to be separate performance obligations if they are distinct. In order to determine the transaction price to be allocated to each performance obligation, in addition to any upfront payment, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration at the outset of the contract either utilizing the expected value or most likely amount method, depending on the facts and circumstances relative to the contract. The Company constrains (reduces) the estimates of variable consideration such that it is probable that a significant reversal of previously recognized revenue will not occur throughout the life of the contract. When determining if variable consideration should be constrained, management considers whether there are factors outside the Company’s control that could result in a significant reversal of revenue. In making these assessments, the Company considers the likelihood and magnitude of a potential reversal of revenue. These estimates are re-assessed each reporting period as required. Once the estimated transaction price is established, amounts are allocated to the performance obligations that have been identified. The transaction price is generally allocated to each separate performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. The Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the standalone selling price (“SSP”) in order to account for these agreements. To determine the standalone selling price the Company’s assumptions may include (i) assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval for the drug candidate; (ii) estimates regarding the timing of and the expected costs to develop and commercialize the drug candidate; (iii) estimates of future cash flows from potential product sales with respect to the drug candidate; and (iv) appropriate discount and tax rates. Standalone selling prices used to perform the initial allocation are not updated after contract inception. The Company does not include a financing component to its estimated transaction price at contract inception unless it estimates that certain performance obligations will not be satisfied within one year. Upfront License Fees If a license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from nonrefundable, upfront license fees based on the relative value prescribed to the license compared to the total value of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaborator and the collaborator is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are not distinct from other obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, the Company applies an appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from nonrefundable, upfront license fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. Development Milestone Payments Depending on facts and circumstances, the Company may conclude it is appropriate to include the milestone in the estimated transaction price using the most likely amount method or it is appropriate to fully constrain the milestone. A milestone payment is included in the transaction price in the reporting period the Company concludes that it is probable that recording revenue in the period will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company may record revenues from certain milestones in a reporting period before the milestone is achieved if the Company concludes that achievement of the milestone is probable and that recognition of revenue related to the milestone will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company records a corresponding contract asset when this conclusion is reached. Milestone payments that have not been included in the transaction price to date are fully constrained. These milestones remain fully constrained until the Company concludes that achievement of the milestone is probable and recognition of revenue related to the milestone will not result in a significant reversal in amounts recognized in future periods. The Company re-evaluates the probability of achievement of such development milestones and any related constraint each reporting period. The Company adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price, including the amount of collaborative revenue that it has recorded, if necessary. Sales-based Milestone and Royalty Payments The Company’s collaborators may be required to pay the Company sales-based milestone payments or royalties on future sales of commercial products. The Company recognizes revenues related to sales-based milestone and royalty payments upon the later to occur of (i) achievement of the collaborator’s underlying sales or (ii) satisfaction of any performance obligation(s) related to these sales, in each case assuming the license to the Company’s intellectual property is deemed to be the predominant item to which the sales-based milestones and/or royalties relate. |
Grant Income | Grant Income Grant income is recognized as earned based on contract work performed. |
Research and Development | Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense consists of (i) employee-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense; (ii) external research and development expenses incurred under arrangements with third parties, such as contract research organizations and consultants; (iii) the cost of acquiring, developing and manufacturing clinical study materials; and (iv) costs associated with clinical, preclinical and regulatory activities. The Company enters into consulting, research, and other agreements with commercial firms, researchers, universities and others for the provision of goods and services. Under such agreements, the Company may pay for services on a monthly, quarterly, project or other basis. Such arrangements are generally cancellable upon reasonable notice and payment of costs incurred. Costs are considered incurred based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks under each contract using information and data provided to the Company by its clinical sites and vendors. These costs consist of direct and indirect costs associated with specific projects, as well as fees paid to various entities that perform certain research on behalf of the Company. |
Patents | Patents Costs incurred in connection with the application for and issuances of patents are expensed as incurred. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740. When uncertain tax positions exist, the Company recognizes the tax benefit of tax positions to the extent that the benefit will more likely than not be realized. The determination as to whether the tax benefit will more likely than not be realized is based upon the technical merits of the tax position, as well as consideration of the available facts and circumstances. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company does not have any uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any exist, in income tax expense. |
Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders | Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders The Company’s basic net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net and comprehensive loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The diluted net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting the weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury stock method. |
Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation Due to the historical lack of a public market for the trading of the Company’s common stock and a lack of company-specific historical and implied volatility data, the Company has based its estimate of expected volatility on the historical volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded. The computation of expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a representative group of companies with similar characteristics to the Company, including stage of product development and life science industry focus. The Company believes the group selected has sufficient similar economic and industry characteristics and includes companies that are most representative of the Company. The Company uses the simplified method as prescribed by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment Compensation expense related to awards to employees is calculated on a straight-line basis by recognizing the grant date fair value over the associated service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The Company values cash equivalents using quoted market prices. The fair value of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates its carrying value because of its short-term nature. The Company is required to disclose information on all assets and liabilities reported at fair value that enables an assessment of the inputs used in determining the reported fair values. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy applies only to the valuation inputs used in determining the reported fair value of the investments and is not a measure of the investment credit quality. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: • Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date • Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly • Level 3 – Valuations that require inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable To the extent that a valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The assets of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below: Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2019 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 Total assets $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 December 31, 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 Total assets $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 |
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk | Concentrations of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk Cash and cash equivalents are the only financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality, accredited financial institutions and, accordingly, such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. The Company has no significant off-balance sheet concentrations of credit risk, such as foreign currency exchange contracts, option contracts, or other hedging arrangements. |
Comprehensive Loss | Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, if any. Comprehensive loss equaled net loss for all periods presented. |
Furniture and Equipment | Furniture and Equipment Furniture and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Furniture and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to seven years. Such costs are periodically reviewed for recoverability when impairment indicators are present. Such indicators include, among other factors: operating losses, unused capacity, market value declines and technological obsolescence. Recorded values of asset groups of furniture and equipment that are not expected to be recovered through undiscounted future net cash flows are written down to current fair value, which generally is determined from estimated discounted future net cash flows (assets held for use) or net realizable value (assets held for sale). |
Leases | Leases At the inception of an arrangement the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the circumstances present. All leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, lease liabilities and, if applicable, long-term lease liabilities. The Company has elected not to recognize on the consolidated balance sheet leases with terms of one-year or less. Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As such, the Company utilizes the appropriate incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019. See additional discussion in Note 11. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements Leases. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019. See additional discussion in Note 11. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ( ). No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
Summary of Significant Accoun_3
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis | The assets of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below: Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2019 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 Total assets $ 38,524,536 $ — $ — $ 38,524,536 December 31, 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 Total assets $ 62,614,010 $ — $ — $ 62,614,010 |
Accounts Payable and Accrued _2
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Payables And Accruals [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of: December 31, 2019 2018 Accounts payable $ 439,785 $ 595,680 Restructuring accrual (see Note 16) 793,913 — Professional fees 346,999 487,923 Accrued bonus 689,830 1,877,455 Accrued retention bonus 521,859 — Accrued vacation 43,470 90,663 Accrued project costs 382,131 2,232,014 Other 13,463 173,182 Total accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 3,231,450 $ 5,456,917 |
Furniture and Equipment (Tables
Furniture and Equipment (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | |
Summary of Components of Furniture and Equipment | Furniture and equipment consist of the following as of: December 31, 2019 2018 Furniture $ 154,669 $ 156,928 Computers 56,443 75,716 Equipment 246,056 141,067 Leasehold improvements 35,869 35,869 Total furniture and equipment 493,037 409,580 Accumulated depreciation (328,850 ) (311,131 ) Furniture and equipment, net $ 164,187 $ 98,449 |
Stock-Based Compensation (Table
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | |
Summary of Stock Option Activity | The following table summarizes the stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, January 1, 2018 1,912,980 $ 3.72 8.24 $ 2,738,704 Granted 1,615,200 3.64 Exercised (52,099 ) 1.47 Expired/cancelled (124,949 ) 3.23 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 3,351,132 $ 3.73 8.24 $ 142,788 Expected to vest, December 31, 2018 2,197,619 $ 4.17 9.19 $ - Options exercisable, December 31, 2018 1,153,513 $ 2.90 6.37 $ 142,788 Outstanding, January 1, 2019 3,351,132 $ 3.73 8.24 $ 142,788 Granted 4,666,728 1.85 Exercised — Expired/cancelled (2,682,010 ) 2.70 Outstanding, December 31, 2019 5,335,850 $ 2.60 6.23 $ 2,866 Expected to vest, December 31, 2019 2,395,265 $ 1.93 9.00 $ 2,866 Options exercisable, December 31, 2019 2,940,585 $ 3.15 3.98 $ — |
Stock Options Valuation Assumptions | The calculation was based on the following assumptions. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Expected term (years) 5.36 6.07 Risk-free interest rate 2.24 % 2.85 % Expected volatility 64.88 % 65.99 % Expected dividend yield — — |
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity | A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, January 1, 2018 91,576 $ 2.12 Granted 60,000 4.75 Vested (149,243 ) 3.18 Forfeited (2,333 ) 2.25 Nonvested, December 31, 2018 — $ — Nonvested, January 1, 2019 — $ — Granted — — Vested — — Forfeited — — Nonvested, December 31, 2019 — $ — |
Summary of Recognized Compensation Cost Related to Employee and Non-employee Stock-Based Compensation Activity | The Company recognized the following compensation cost related to employee and non-employee stock-based compensation activity for the periods presented below. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Research and development $ 510,923 $ 392,470 General and administrative 574,919 3,039,392 Total $ 1,085,842 $ 3,431,862 |
Income Taxes (Tables)
Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax | A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax with the provision for income taxes are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Federal tax at statutory rate (21.00%) (21.00%) State and local tax at statutory rates, net of federal income tax (0.82 ) (4.15 ) Research and development credits (3.39 ) (6.37 ) Other 0.56 4.27 Change in valuation allowance 24.65 27.25 Effective tax rate 0.00% 0.00% |
Schedule of Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 24,966,019 $ 19,946,123 Accrued expenses 413,048 595,209 Stock-based compensation 738,768 603,408 Research and development credits 4,640,960 3,852,714 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 37,793 — Other 2,423 13,276 Total deferred tax assets 30,799,011 25,010,730 Deferred tax liabilities: Furniture and equipment 24,967 8,390 Operating lease liability 36,044 — Total deferred tax liabilities 61,011 8,390 Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 30,738,000 25,002,340 Less valuation allowance (30,738,000 ) (25,002,340 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ — |
Net and Comprehensive Loss Pe_2
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net and Comprehensive Loss per Share | The following table sets forth the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Net and comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders $ (23,270,514 ) $ (10,396,635 ) Weighted average common shares used in computing net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted 40,588,004 33,930,846 Net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.57 ) $ (0.31 ) |
Schedule of Weighted Average Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss per Share | The following weighted average common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Options to purchase common stock 5,335,850 3,351,132 Warrants to purchase common stock 917,562 317,562 |
Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (
Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Summary of Quarterly Results | The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 June 30, 2019 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019 (unaudited) Total operating expenses $ 8,841,293 $ 5,978,919 $ 4,966,638 $ 4,657,232 Loss from operations (8,841,293 ) (5,978,919 ) (4,966,638 ) (4,657,232 ) Other income 348,468 295,303 318,708 211,089 Net and comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders $ (8,492,825 ) $ (5,683,616 ) $ (4,647,930 ) $ (4,446,143 ) Net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.21 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.11 ) Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net and comprehensive loss per share: Basic and diluted 40,588,004 40,588,004 40,588,004 40,588,004 Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 (unaudited) License revenue, and other $ — $ 1,333,333 $ 18,821,953 $ 2,144 Total operating expenses 7,476,648 7,369,788 7,623,916 8,868,322 (Loss) income from operations (7,476,648 ) (6,036,455 ) 11,198,037 (8,866,178 ) Other income 51,116 46,464 339,441 347,588 Net and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders $ (7,425,532 ) $ (5,989,991 ) $ 11,537,478 $ (8,518,590 ) Net and comprehensive (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.27 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 0.28 $ (0.21 ) Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net and comprehensive (loss) income per share: Basic 27,045,509 27,340,914 40,527,722 40,587,928 Diluted 27,045,509 27,340,914 40,961,620 40,587,928 |
Leases (Tables)
Leases (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Summary of Lease Cost and Information Related to the Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities | The following table presents the lease cost and information related to the right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Lease cost Average rent expense $ 242,690 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 242,581 The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate at December 31, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases 1.58 Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases 13.28 % |
Schedule of Future Payments Related to Operating Leases Activities | As of December 31, 2019, future payments related to operating leases activities are presented in the table below: 2020 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total Operating leases $ 117,781 $ 69,685 $ — $ 187,466 Less interest (17,473 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 169,993 |
Nature of Organization and Op_2
Nature of Organization and Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Jul. 02, 2018 | Jun. 28, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses paid | $ 3,502,543 | |||
Proceeds from sale of common stock | 51,621,570 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 62,614,010 | $ 38,524,536 | ||
2018 Public Offering [Member] | ||||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock sold in offering | 11,688,000 | |||
Underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses paid | $ 3,500,000 | |||
Proceeds from sale of common stock | $ 48,100,000 | |||
Underwriters' Exercise of Option [Member] | ||||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock sold in offering | 1,720,200 |
Summary of Significant Accoun_4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Segment | Jan. 01, 2019USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Number of operating segment | Segment | 1 | ||
Uncertain tax positions | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
ASU 2018-07 [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
One-time cumulative adjustment upon adoption | $ 5,717 | ||
Minimum [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Furniture and equipment estimated useful lives | 3 years | ||
Maximum [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Furniture and equipment estimated useful lives | 7 years | ||
Certificates of Deposits [Member] | |||
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | |||
Short-term investments | $ 100,000 |
Summary of Significant Accoun_5
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 38,524,536 | $ 62,614,010 |
Total assets | 38,524,536 | 62,614,010 |
Level 1 [Member] | ||
Assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 38,524,536 | 62,614,010 |
Total assets | $ 38,524,536 | $ 62,614,010 |
Accounts Payable and Accrued _3
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Payables And Accruals [Abstract] | ||
Accounts payable | $ 439,785 | $ 595,680 |
Restructuring accrual (see Note 16) | 793,913 | |
Professional fees | 346,999 | 487,923 |
Accrued bonus | 689,830 | 1,877,455 |
Accrued retention bonus | 521,859 | |
Accrued vacation | 43,470 | 90,663 |
Accrued project costs | 382,131 | 2,232,014 |
Other | 13,463 | 173,182 |
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ 3,231,450 | $ 5,456,917 |
Furniture and Equipment - Summa
Furniture and Equipment - Summary of Components of Furniture and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Furniture and equipment | $ 493,037 | $ 409,580 |
Accumulated depreciation | (328,850) | (311,131) |
Furniture and equipment, net | 164,187 | 98,449 |
Furniture [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Furniture and equipment | 154,669 | 156,928 |
Computers [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Furniture and equipment | 56,443 | 75,716 |
Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Furniture and equipment | 246,056 | 141,067 |
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Furniture and equipment | $ 35,869 | $ 35,869 |
Common Stock - Additional Infor
Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Oct. 14, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Equity [Abstract] | |||
Common stock, shares authorized | 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 | |
Common stock, par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 | |
Dividends common stock declared or paid | $ 0 | ||
Warrants outstanding | 917,562 | 317,562 | |
Number of warrants issued to purchase common stock | 600,000 | 317,562 | 317,562 |
Warrants exercise price per share | $ 0.486 | $ 5 | |
Warrants term | 3 years | ||
Warrants vesting period | 6 months | ||
Warrants expiration date | Oct. 24, 2024 | Mar. 15, 2020 |
Preferred Stock - Additional In
Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Preferred stock, shares authorized | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
Preferred stock, par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 |
Preferred stock, shares issued | 0 | 0 |
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 |
Stock-Based Compensation - Addi
Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
May 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Jan. 01, 2020 | Jan. 01, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Options to purchase common stock, granted | 4,666,728 | 1,615,200 | ||||||
Aggregate intrinsic value of option outstanding | $ 2,866 | $ 2,866 | $ 142,788 | $ 2,738,704 | ||||
Stock options exercised | 0 | 52,099 | ||||||
Stock options exercised, intrinsic value | $ 139,108 | |||||||
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options | $ 2,309,337 | $ 2,309,337 | ||||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ 1.11 | $ 1.11 | $ 2.22 | |||||
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Business Officer [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
One-time stock-based compensation cumulative reversal for forfeitures of outstanding equity awards | $ 1,051,735 | $ 1,100,000 | ||||||
Stock Option [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Vesting period | 48 months | |||||||
Compensation expense | $ 1,085,842 | $ 2,982,173 | ||||||
Weighted average period expected to be recognized | 2 years 3 months 21 days | |||||||
Restricted Stock [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Compensation expense | $ 0 | $ 449,689 | ||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Common stock shares available for issuance | 4,600,000 | 1,623,520 | ||||||
Percentage applied to the outstanding shares as annual increase in number of shares authorized for issuance | 4.00% | |||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Common stock shares available for issuance | 1,983,093 | 1,983,093 | 2,959,562 | |||||
Term of options to be granted | 10 years | |||||||
Options to purchase common stock, granted | 4,666,728 | 1,615,200 | ||||||
Shares issued for special retention grant | 2,419,050 | |||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | One-year Anniversary [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Vesting percentage | 25.00% | |||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | First Installment [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Vesting percentage | 50.00% | |||||||
Option, vesting date | Jun. 30, 2020 | |||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | Second Installment [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Vesting percentage | 50.00% | |||||||
Option, vesting date | Jun. 30, 2021 | |||||||
2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||||||
Common stock shares available for issuance | 1,623,520 |
Stock-Based Compensation - Summ
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | |||
Shares, Outstanding at beginning balance | 3,351,132 | 1,912,980 | |
Shares, Granted | 4,666,728 | 1,615,200 | |
Shares, Exercised | 0 | (52,099) | |
Shares, Expired/cancelled | (2,682,010) | (124,949) | |
Shares, Outstanding at ending balance | 5,335,850 | 3,351,132 | 1,912,980 |
Shares, Expected to vest | 2,395,265 | 2,197,619 | |
Shares, Options exercisable | 2,940,585 | 1,153,513 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning balance | $ 3.73 | $ 3.72 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted | 1.85 | 3.64 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | 1.47 | ||
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired/cancelled | 2.70 | 3.23 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at ending balance | 2.60 | 3.73 | $ 3.72 |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expected to vest | 1.93 | 4.17 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercisable | $ 3.15 | $ 2.90 | |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding | 6 years 2 months 23 days | 8 years 2 months 26 days | 8 years 2 months 26 days |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Expected to vest | 9 years | 9 years 2 months 8 days | |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Options exercisable | 3 years 11 months 23 days | 6 years 4 months 13 days | |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding | $ 2,866 | $ 142,788 | $ 2,738,704 |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to vest | $ 2,866 | ||
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable | $ 142,788 |
Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc
Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | ||
Expected term (years) | 5 years 4 months 9 days | 6 years 25 days |
Risk-free interest rate | 2.24% | 2.85% |
Expected volatility | 64.88% | 65.99% |
Stock-Based Compensation - Su_2
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock [Member] | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares | |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Shares, Nonvested beginning balance | shares | 91,576 |
Shares, Granted | shares | 60,000 |
Shares, Vested | shares | (149,243) |
Shares, Forfeited | shares | (2,333) |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested beginning balance | $ / shares | $ 2.12 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares | 4.75 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares | 3.18 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares | $ 2.25 |
Stock-Based Compensation - Su_3
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Recognized Compensation Cost Related to Employee and Non-employee Stock-Based Compensation Activity (Detail) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ 1,085,842 | $ 3,431,862 |
Research and development [Member] | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | 510,923 | 392,470 |
General and administrative [Member] | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ 574,919 | $ 3,039,392 |
Income Taxes - Additional Infor
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Current income tax expense or benefit | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Deferred income tax expense or benefit | 0 | 0 |
Increase in valuation allowance | 5,735,658 | 2,832,878 |
Accrued uncertain tax positions | 0 | 0 |
Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions | 0 | $ 0 |
Federal [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards | 84,173,000 | |
2017 Tax Act, net operating loss carryforwards | 28,763,332 | |
State [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards | $ 70,789,456 | |
Maximum [Member] | Federal [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date | Dec. 31, 2038 | |
Maximum [Member] | State [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date | Dec. 31, 2040 | |
Minimum [Member] | Federal [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date | Dec. 31, 2032 | |
Minimum [Member] | State [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Research and Development [Member] | Federal [Member] | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Tax credit carryforwards | $ 4,640,960 | |
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date | Dec. 31, 2040 |
Income Taxes - Schedule of Reco
Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Federal tax at statutory rate | (21.00%) | (21.00%) |
State and local tax at statutory rates, net of federal income tax | (0.82%) | (4.15%) |
Research and development credits | (3.39%) | (6.37%) |
Other | 0.56% | 4.27% |
Change in valuation allowance | 24.65% | 27.25% |
Effective tax rate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Income Taxes - Schedule of Sign
Income Taxes - Schedule of Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Deferred tax assets: | ||
Net operating loss carryforwards | $ 24,966,019 | $ 19,946,123 |
Accrued expenses | 413,048 | 595,209 |
Stock-based compensation | 738,768 | 603,408 |
Research and development credits | 4,640,960 | 3,852,714 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 37,793 | |
Other | 2,423 | 13,276 |
Total deferred tax assets | 30,799,011 | 25,010,730 |
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
Furniture and equipment | 24,967 | 8,390 |
Operating lease liability | 36,044 | |
Total deferred tax liabilities | 61,011 | 8,390 |
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance | 30,738,000 | 25,002,340 |
Less valuation allowance | $ (30,738,000) | $ (25,002,340) |
Net and Comprehensive Loss Pe_3
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net and Comprehensive Loss per Share (Detail) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||||||||
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders | $ (4,446,143) | $ (4,647,930) | $ (5,683,616) | $ (8,492,825) | $ (8,518,590) | $ 11,537,478 | $ (5,989,991) | $ (7,425,532) | $ (23,270,514) | $ (10,396,635) |
Weighted average common shares used in computing net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 33,930,846 | ||||
Net and comprehensive loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | $ (0.11) | $ (0.11) | $ (0.14) | $ (0.21) | $ (0.21) | $ 0.28 | $ (0.22) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.57) | $ (0.31) |
Net and Comprehensive Loss Pe_4
Net and Comprehensive Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Schedule of Weighted Average Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss per Share (Detail) - shares | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Options to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Total amount of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 2,400,000 | ||
Options to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Total amount of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 100,000 | 5,335,850 | 3,351,132 |
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Total amount of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 300,000 | 917,562 | 317,562 |
Quarterly Results (unaudited) -
Quarterly Results (unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results (Detail) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||
License revenue, and other | $ 2,144 | $ 18,821,953 | $ 1,333,333 | $ 20,157,430 | ||||||
Type of Revenue [Extensible List] | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | arpo:LicenseRevenueAndOtherMember | |||||
Total operating expenses | $ 4,657,232 | $ 4,966,638 | $ 5,978,919 | $ 8,841,293 | $ 8,868,322 | $ 7,623,916 | $ 7,369,788 | $ 7,476,648 | $ 24,444,082 | $ 31,338,674 |
Loss from operations | (4,657,232) | (4,966,638) | (5,978,919) | (8,841,293) | (8,866,178) | 11,198,037 | (6,036,455) | (7,476,648) | (24,444,082) | (11,181,244) |
Other income | 211,089 | 318,708 | 295,303 | 348,468 | 347,588 | 339,441 | 46,464 | 51,116 | 1,173,568 | 784,609 |
Net and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders | $ (4,446,143) | $ (4,647,930) | $ (5,683,616) | $ (8,492,825) | $ (8,518,590) | $ 11,537,478 | $ (5,989,991) | $ (7,425,532) | $ (23,270,514) | $ (10,396,635) |
Basic and diluted | $ (0.11) | $ (0.11) | $ (0.14) | $ (0.21) | $ (0.21) | $ 0.28 | $ (0.22) | $ (0.27) | $ (0.57) | $ (0.31) |
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net and comprehensive (loss) income per share: | ||||||||||
Basic | 40,587,928 | 40,527,722 | 27,340,914 | 27,045,509 | ||||||
Diluted | 40,587,928 | 40,961,620 | 27,340,914 | 27,045,509 | ||||||
Basic and diluted | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 40,588,004 | 33,930,846 |
Quarterly Results (unaudited)_2
Quarterly Results (unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) - shares | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Options to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Dilutive impact of options to purchase common shares | 426,860 | ||
Number of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 2,400,000 | ||
Restricted Stock [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Dilutive impact of options to purchase common shares | 7,038 | ||
Weighted Average [Member] | Options to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Number of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 100,000 | 5,335,850 | 3,351,132 |
Weighted Average [Member] | Warrants to Purchase Common Stock [Member] | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Number of anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share | 300,000 | 917,562 | 317,562 |
Leases - Additional Information
Leases - Additional Information (Detail) | 3 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Penalties incurred on termination of leases | $ 0 |
Lease arrangement, renewal term | 5 years |
Leases - Summary of Lease Cost
Leases - Summary of Lease Cost and Information Related to the Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities (Detail) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Lease cost | |
Average rent expense | $ 242,690 |
Other information | |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $ 242,581 |
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate | |
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases | 1 year 6 months 29 days |
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases | 13.28% |
Leases - Schedule of Future Pay
Leases - Schedule of Future Payments Related to Operating Leases Activities (Detail) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Operating leases, 2020 | $ 117,781 |
Operating leases, 2021 | 69,685 |
Total Lease Payments | 187,466 |
Less interest | (17,473) |
Present value of lease liabilities | $ 169,993 |
Employee Retirement Plan - Addi
Employee Retirement Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Contributions made under Plan | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Defined contribution plan, sponsor location [extensible list] | country:US | country:US |
Defined contribution plan, tax status [extensible list] | us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember | us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember |
Employee Bonus Plan - Additiona
Employee Bonus Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract] | ||
Accrued bonus | $ 689,830 | $ 1,877,455 |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan -
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - shares | Jun. 20, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Number of shares outstanding | 5,335,850 | 3,351,132 | 1,912,980 | |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | ||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Number of shares outstanding | 0 | 0 | ||
Common Stock [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | ||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock shares available for issuance | 300,000 | |||
Maximum number of shares provided for issuance | 350,000 | |||
Percentage of annual increase in number of shares reserved for issuance | 1.00% |
License Agreement - Additional
License Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Jun. 28, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 |
License Agreement [Line Items] | ||||||
Cash received from license agreement | $ 20,000,000 | |||||
License revenue | $ 2,144 | $ 18,821,953 | $ 1,333,333 | $ 20,157,430 | ||
License [Member] | ||||||
License Agreement [Line Items] | ||||||
License revenue | $ 20,000,000 |
Restructuring - Additional Info
Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Apr. 30, 2019Employee | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | Oct. 15, 2019USD ($) | |
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] | ||||
Remaining liability related to severance | $ 793,913 | $ 793,913 | ||
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Business Officer [Member] | ||||
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] | ||||
One-time stock-based compensation cumulative reversal for forfeitures of outstanding equity awards | 1,051,735 | 1,100,000 | ||
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Member] | ||||
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] | ||||
Remaining liability related to severance | $ 800,000 | 800,000 | ||
Workforce Reduction [Member] | ||||
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] | ||||
Realignment plan, number of current workforce reduced | Employee | 11 | |||
Realignment plan, number of workforce reduced, period percent | 41.00% | |||
Realignment plan, employee severance expense | 900,000 | |||
Estimated employee related costs | $ 1,000,000 | |||
Cash payments against severance liability | $ 1,100,000 |