Synlogic (SYBX) 10-Q 8 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 01, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	SYBX
Entity Registrant Name	SYNLOGIC, INC.
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Central Index Key	0001527599
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	true
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,838,515
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity File Number	001-37566
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	26-1824804
Entity Address, Address Line One	301 Binney St.
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 402
Entity Address, City or Town	Cambridge
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	02142
City Area Code	617
Local Phone Number	401-9975
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 19,453	$ 26,184
Short-term marketable securities	94,796	93,387
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,166	13,675
Total current assets	127,415	133,246
Long-term marketable securities		7,502
Property and equipment, net	12,661	13,021
Right of use asset - operating lease	16,843	17,263
Restricted cash	1,097	1,097
Prepaid research and development, net of current portion	13,055	16,381
Other assets	64	64
Total assets	171,135	188,574
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,696	2,165
Accrued expenses	2,327	3,946
Deferred revenue	445	544
Lease liability - operating lease	2,210	2,000
Finance lease obligations	141	208
Total current liabilities	6,819	8,863
Long-term liabilities:
Lease liability - operating lease, net of current portion	22,198	22,804
Finance lease obligations, net of current portion	1	2
Total long-term liabilities	22,199	22,806
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value 250,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 32,459,394 and 32,266,814 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.	33	33
Additional paid-in capital	328,995	327,900
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	55	110
Accumulated deficit	(186,966)	(171,138)
Total stockholders' equity	142,117	156,905
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 171,135	$ 188,574

Consolidated Balance Sheets (_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, Issued	32,459,394	32,266,814
Common stock, outstanding	32,459,394	32,266,814

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 100	$ 338
Operating expenses:
Research and development	12,677	10,384
General and administrative	3,821	3,651
Total operating expenses	16,498	14,035
Loss from operations	(16,398)	(13,697)
Other income (expense):
Interest and investment income	574	757
Interest expense	(3)	(7)
Other income (expense)	(1)	1
Other income (expense), net	570	751
Net loss	$ (15,828)	$ (12,946)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$ (0.46)	$ (0.51)
Weighted-average common stock outstanding - basic and diluted	34,233,688	25,293,791
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss	$ (15,828)	$ (12,946)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(55)	104
Comprehensive loss	$ (15,883)	$ (12,842)

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock $0.001 Par Value	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 124,098	$ 25	$ 243,903	$ (65)	$ (119,765)
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		25,401,479
Cancellation of restricted stock		(12,836)
Equity-based compensation expense	954		954
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities	104			104
Net loss	(12,946)				(12,946)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	112,210	$ 25	244,857	39	(132,711)
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		25,388,643
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	156,905	$ 33	327,900	110	(171,138)
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		32,266,814
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		226,335
Cancellation of restricted stock		(33,755)
Equity-based compensation expense	1,095		1,095
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities	(55)			(55)
Net loss	(15,828)				(15,828)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 142,117	$ 33	$ 328,995	$ 55	$ (186,966)
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		32,459,394

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (15,828)	$ (12,946)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	667	683
Equity-based compensation expense	1,095	954
Accretion/amortization of investment securities	(45)	(446)
Reduction in carrying amount of operating lease right-of-use asset	420	221
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(2,500)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	509	152
Prepaid research and development, net of current portion	3,327
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,129)	(1,084)
Deferred revenue	(100)	2,161
Operating lease liabilities	(395)	(313)
Net cash used in operating activities	(12,479)	(13,118)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(14,269)	(39,346)
Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities	18,852	57,282
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	1,500
Purchases of property and equipment	(266)	(261)
Net cash provided by investing activities	5,817	17,675
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on finance lease obligations	(69)	(65)
Net cash used in financing activities	(69)	(65)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(6,731)	4,492
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	27,281	12,349
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	20,550	16,841
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property and equipment purchases included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	41	(71)
Cash paid for interest	$ 3	$ 7

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	(1) Nature of Business Organization Synlogic, Inc., together with its wholly owned and consolidated subsidiaries (“Synlogic” or the “Company”), is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing its drug discovery and development platform for Synthetic Biotic™ medicines. Synthetic Biotic medicines are generated from Synlogic’s proprietary drug discovery and development platform applying the principles and tools of synthetic biology to engineer beneficial microbes to perform or deliver critical therapeutic functions to treat metabolic and inflammatory diseases and cancer. As living medicines, Synthetic Biotic medicines can be designed to sense a local disease context within a patient’s body and to respond by metabolizing a toxic substance, compensating for missing or damaged metabolic pathways in patients, or by delivering combinations of therapeutic factors. Synlogic’s goal is to lead in the discovery and development of Synthetic Biotic therapies as living medicines capable of robust and precise pathway complementation and delivery of therapeutic benefit. Since incorporation, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to the research and development of its product candidates. Synlogic, Inc. (“Private Synlogic” when referred to prior to the Merger (as defined below)) was founded and began operations on March 14, 2014, as TMC Therapeutics, Inc., located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On July 15, 2014, TMC Therapeutics, Inc. changed its name to Synlogic, Inc. On July 2, 2015, the common and preferred stockholders of Private Synlogic executed the Synlogic, LLC Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”), pursuant to which such common and preferred stockholders contributed such stockholders’ equity interests in Private Synlogic in exchange for common and preferred units in a newly formed parent company named Synlogic, LLC. In addition, Synlogic IBDCo, Inc. (“IBDCo”) was formed as a subsidiary of Synlogic, LLC (the “2015 Reorganization”). In conjunction with the 2015 Reorganization, Private Synlogic entered into a license, option and merger agreement with AbbVie S.à.r.l. (“AbbVie”), for the development of treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”). In May 2017, Private Synlogic completed a reorganization (“2017 Reorganization”) pursuant to which Synlogic, LLC merged with and into Private Synlogic, with Private Synlogic continuing as the surviving corporation. Pursuant to the 2017 Reorganization, the common units and preferred units of Synlogic, LLC, together consisting of Class A preferred units, contingently redeemable Class A preferred units and Class B preferred units, were exchanged for common stock and preferred stock of Private Synlogic, respectively. Additionally, Private Synlogic issued equity awards under the Synlogic 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) to replace the canceled incentive units pursuant to the termination of the Synlogic, LLC 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 LLC Plan”). On August 28, 2017, Synlogic, Inc., formerly known as Mirna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIRN) (“Mirna”), completed its business combination with Private Synlogic pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of May 15, 2017, by and among Mirna, Meerkat Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), and Private Synlogic (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Private Synlogic, with Private Synlogic surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirna (the “Merger”). Immediately after completion of the Merger, Mirna changed its name to “Synlogic, Inc.” (NASDAQ: SYBX). Risks and Uncertainties At March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $114.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities, $1.1 million of restricted cash and an accumulated deficit of approximately $187.0 million. Since its inception through March 31, 2020, the Company has primarily financed its operations through the issuance of preferred stock, units and warrants, the sale of its common stock, the AbbVie collaboration, and cash received in the Merger. In the absence of positive cash flows from operations, the Company is highly dependent on its ability to find additional sources of funding in the form of debt or equity financing. Management believes that the Company has sufficient cash to fund its operations through at least twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. As an early-stage company, the Company is subject to a number of risks common to other life science companies, including, but not limited to, raising additional capital, development by its competitors of new technological innovations, risk of failure in preclinical and clinical studies, safety and efficacy of its product candidates in clinical trials, the risk of relying on external parties such as contract research organizations (“CROs”) and contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”), the regulatory approval process, market acceptance of the Company’s products once approved, lack of marketing and sales history, dependence on key personnel and protection of proprietary technology. The Company’s therapeutic programs are currently pre-commercial, spanning discovery through early development and will require significant additional research and development efforts, including extensive preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval, prior to commercialization of any product candidates. These efforts require significant amounts of additional capital, adequate personnel, infrastructure, and extensive compliance-reporting capabilities. There can be no assurance that the Company’s research and development will be successfully completed, that adequate protection for the Company’s intellectual property will be obtained, that any products developed will obtain necessary regulatory approval or that any approved products will be commercially viable. Even if the Company’s product development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will generate revenue from product sales. The Company may never achieve profitability, and unless and until it does, it will continue to need to raise additional capital or obtain financing from other sources, such as strategic collaborations or partnerships.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	( 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The significant accounting policies described in the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the notes thereto, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2020 (the “2019 Annual Report”), have had no material changes during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The updated accounting policy and the impact of adoption are discussed in the “Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements” section in this note. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures as of March 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2019 and 2018 audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report. The December 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheet included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures including notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020 or any other interim period or future year or period. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Synlogic and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	( 3 ) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The tables below present information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value, as described under Note 2 , Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, The Company’s investment portfolio includes many fixed income securities that do not always trade on a daily basis. As a result, the pricing services used by the Company applied other available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark yields, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing to prepare evaluations. In addition, model processes were used to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. These models take into consideration relevant credit information, perceived market movements, sector news and economic events. The inputs into these models may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads and other relevant data. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company has classified assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using March 31, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description 2020 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Money market funds $ 8,177 $ 8,177 $ — $ — Commercial paper (included in marketable securities) 16,404 — 16,404 — Corporate debt securities (included in marketable securities) 70,878 — 70,878 — U.S. government agency securities and treasuries 7,514 — 7,514 — Total $ 102,973 $ 8,177 $ 94,796 $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using December 31, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description 2019 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Money market funds $ 3,240 $ 3,240 $ — $ — Commercial paper (included in cash and cash equivalents) 4,249 — 4,249 — Commercial paper (included in marketable securities) 20,501 — 20,501 — Corporate debt securities (included in cash and cash equivalents) 6,005 — 6,005 — Corporate debt securities (included in marketable securities) 71,383 — 71,383 — U.S. government agency securities and treasuries 9,005 — 9,005 — Total $ 114,383 $ 3,240 $ 111,143 $ — Cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. Finance lease obligations at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 approximate fair value as they bear interest at a rate approximating a market interest rate.

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Investments	( 4 ) Available-for-Sale Investments The following tables summarize the available-for-sale securities held at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): March 31, 2020 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Commercial paper $ 16,356 $ 48 $ — $ 16,404 Corporate debt securities 70,882 45 (49 ) 70,878 U.S. government agency securities 7,503 11 — 7,514 Total $ 94,741 $ 104 $ (49 ) $ 94,796 December 31, 2019 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Commercial paper $ 20,484 $ 18 $ (1 ) $ 20,501 Corporate debt securities 71,288 96 (1 ) 71,383 U.S. government agency securities 9,005 2 (2 ) 9,005 Total $ 100,777 $ 116 $ (4 ) $ 100,889 The contractual maturity of all securities held at March 31, 2020 was eleven months or less. There were nine investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, none of which had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. The aggregate fair value of the securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $25.7 million and $24.8 million, respectively. The Company reviews its investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. The Company did not hold any securities with an other-than-temporary impairment at March 31, 2020. Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investments have not been material to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	( 5 ) Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 7,772 $ 7,523 Computer and office equipment 782 782 Furniture and fixtures 421 421 Leasehold improvements 9,514 9,514 Construction in progress 470 412 18,959 18,652 Less accumulated depreciation (6,298 ) (5,631 ) $ 12,661 $ 13,021

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	( 6 ) Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Payroll related $ 1,034 $ 2,372 Professional fees 489 444 Research and development 649 1,005 Other 155 125 $ 2,327 $ 3,946

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	( 7 ) Stockholders’ Equity In June 2019, the Company issued to Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. an aggregate of 6,340,771 shares of common stock at a purchase price per share of $9.00, and pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 2,548,117 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, with $8.99 of such exercise price paid at the closing of the offering. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $79.9 million. The Pre-Funded Warrants may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full to the extent that, after giving effect to such issuance after exercise, Ginkgo would not beneficially own in excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance. The Pre-Funded Warrants were classified as a component of permanent equity and were recorded at the issuance date using a relative fair value allocation method. The Pre-Funded Warrants are equity classified because they are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the equity instruments, are immediately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of common shares upon exercise. In addition, such warrants do not provide any guarantee of value or return. None of the Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised as of March 31, 2020.

Equity-based Compensation and E

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans	( 8 ) Equity‑based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans The Company is displaying all equity in its post-Merger amounts. Equity Plans The Company currently has three active equity plans. The 2015 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “2015 Plan”) was adopted by Mirna in 2015 and remains active after the Merger, now functioning as the primary equity plan for the Company. The 2015 Plan provides for the granting of a variety of stock‑based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, deferred stock awards, dividend equivalent awards, stock payment awards, performance awards and other stock‑based awards. Pursuant to the evergreen provision of the 2015 Plan, which allows for an annual increase in the number of shares of common stock available for issuance, the Company added 1,613,340 shares to the 2015 Plan on January 1, 2020. The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was adopted by Private Synlogic in 2017 at the time of the 2017 Reorganization and assumed by the Company during the Merger. The 2017 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock awards and other stock-based awards. The 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) was adopted by Mirna in 2015 and allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions of up to 15% of their eligible compensation, subject to any plan limitations. The ESPP generally provides for set offering periods, and at the end of each offering period, employees are able to purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the offering period or on the last trading day of the offering period. The Company suspended the ESPP in 2017. In December 2019, the Board reactivated the ESPP and approved an amendment to the ESPP to (i) reduce the permitted aggregate yearly payroll deduction and maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that a participant may purchase per offering period under the ESPP and (ii) establish a period for enrollment for eligible participants. The reactivation of the ESPP was effective immediately. The Company’s executive officers are eligible to participate in the ESPP. There were no options to purchase shares of common stock under the ESPP exercised as of March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2020, there were 1,131,108 shares available for future grant under the 2017 Plan and the 2015 Plan, and 375,519 shares available for future grant under the ESPP. For a full description of the Company’s equity plans, refer to Note 9, Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2020 under the 2015 Plan and the 2017 Plan. Stock options outstanding Weighted Weighted average Aggregate average remaining Intrinsic Number of exercise contractual value (a) options price term (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2,286,419 $ 9.24 8.7 $ 43 Granted 1,052,113 1.77 — Forfeited (86,073 ) 9.30 1 Outstanding at March 31, 2020 3,252,459 6.82 8.9 $ 18 Vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2020 3,252,459 6.82 8.9 18 Exercisable at March 31, 2020 919,285 11.26 8.0 $ — (a) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the options and the fair market value of the underlying common stock for the options that were in the money at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2020, there was $6.9 million of unrecognized share-based compensation related to unvested stock option grants which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost will be adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur. Restricted Common Stock The following table shows restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2020: Restricted stock awards Grant date Number of fair value shares (per share) Unvested at December 31, 2019 586,929 $ 2.97 Granted 226,335 1.70 Vested (9,318 ) 13.53 Forfeited (33,755 ) 2.45 Unvested at March 31, 2020 770,191 $ 2.49 As of March 31, 2020, there was approximately $1.3 million of unrecognized share-based compensation related to restricted stock awards granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost will be adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur. Equity Compensation The Company has recorded total equity-based compensation expense of approximately $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $1.0 million and during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The following table summarizes equity‑based compensation expense within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Research and development $ 441 $ 284 General and administrative 654 670 $ 1,095 $ 954 The following table summarizes equity‑based compensation expense by type of award for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Stock options $ 875 $ 926 Restricted stock awards 220 28 $ 1,095 $ 954

Collaboration Agreements

Collaboration Agreements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collaboration Agreements	( 9 ) Collaboration Agreements Ginkgo Collaboration In 2017, the Company established a technology collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. (Ginkgo). In June 2019, in connection with the issuance to Ginkgo of an aggregate of 6,340,771 shares of common stock and Pre-Funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,548,117 common stock (See Note 7), the Company expanded its collaboration and entered into an agreement with Ginkgo for the research and development of engineered microbial therapeutic products. Under the 2019 expanded agreement, the Company made a prepayment to Ginkgo of $30.0 million for its foundry services that will be provided to the Company over an initial term of five years. The prepayment of foundry services is recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Prepaid research and development, net of current portion on the March 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet. At March 31, 2020, the Company had remaining balances of $11.3 million and $12.4 million of current and non-current pre-paid research and development costs related to this transaction, respectively. AbbVie Collaboration Agreement In July 2015, the Company entered into the AbbVie Agreement under which the Company granted AbbVie an exclusive option to purchase IBDCo and, in exchange, agreed to collaborate in researching and developing an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) candidate for the treatment of IBD. The AbbVie Agreement sets forth the Company’s and AbbVie’s respective obligations for development and delivery of an IND candidate package using reasonable commercial efforts. In exchange for the exclusive option to acquire IBDCo, initial research and development services for drug discovery and pre-clinical development, and participation on the joint research committee (“JRC”), AbbVie agreed to pay IBDCo an upfront, non-refundable cash payment of $2.0 million, which IBDCo received in December 2015. AbbVie also agreed to pay IBDCo up to $16.5 million in milestone payments associated with specified research and pre-clinical events, which were determined to represent customer options for accounting purposes, as well as an option exercise fee upon the execution of their option to buy IBDCo and other royalty and milestone payments. The upfront cash payment and any payments for option fees and royalties are non-refundable, non-creditable and not subject to set-off. The research and development is performed by the Company over four phases of research defined in the research plan. The Company is eligible to receive payments from AbbVie upon the election to continue the research and development at the achievement of certain milestone events. The JRC will make a determination as to the continuation of the collaboration at the achievement of research and pre-clinical milestones, except for the final milestone, which AbbVie has the discretion to determine achievement without the approval of the JRC. If the parties make the determination to continue on with the AbbVie Agreement upon achievement of each milestone event, then AbbVie will pay the consideration associated with that milestone and the collaboration will continue through the remaining term of the option to purchase IBDCo, which was initially considered to be approximately 54 months. However, AbbVie has the right to terminate the contract at any time with 90 days’ notice. The Company assessed this arrangement in accordance with ASC 606 and concluded that the contract counterparty, AbbVie, is a customer. The Company identified the following material promises at the outset of the arrangement: (1) a non-exclusive royalty-free research and development license; (2) research and development services for pre-clinical activities under the research plan through to the first research and development phase (or an estimated 17 months); (3) three option rights for AbbVie to continue the collaboration as related to three phases of research and development; (4) participation on the JRC; and (5) the transfer of ownership of IBDCo upon exercise of the option to buy IBDCo. The Company determined that the license and research and development activities were not distinct from one another. Participation on the JRC to oversee the research and development activities was determined to be quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial and therefore is excluded from performance obligations. As such, the Company determined that the license and research and development services should be combined into a single performance obligation. The Company evaluated the milestone payments, which represent customer options as described above, and the option to purchase IBDCo, to determine whether they provide AbbVie with any material rights. The Company concluded that the options were not issued at a significant and incremental discount, and therefore do not provide material rights. As such, they were excluded as performance obligations at the outset of the arrangement. If AbbVie elects to exercise the options, the additional consideration will be added to the transaction price and allocated to the resulting performance obligations. Based on these assessments, the Company identified one performance obligation at the outset of the AbbVie Agreement, which consists of: (1) the non-exclusive license and (2) the research and development activities through the first research and development phase. At the outset of the arrangement, the transaction price included only the $2.0 million up-front consideration received . The option exercise fees ($16.5 million for the milestones and the IBDCo purchase option exercise fee) that may be received are excluded from the transaction price until each customer option is exercised. The Company reevaluates the transaction price at the end of each reporting period and as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur, and, if necessary, adjust its estimate of the transaction price. In May 2017, the Company completed the research and development services for the first phase of the research plan and was paid $2.0 million to commence the second phase of the research plan. At this time, the $2.0 million was added to the transaction price and allocated to a new performance obligation consisting of the underlying license and research and development services to be performed over the second phase of the research plan. On September 27, 2018, AbbVie and the Company signed an amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the AbbVie Agreement. The Second Amendment clarified the requirements necessary to complete the second phase which resulted in additional time and effort in the second phase of the research plan. Additionally, the Second Amendment split the next milestone payment under the AbbVie Agreement into two payments: a milestone payment of $2.0 million earned by the Company upon execution of the Second Amendment and the remaining milestone payment of the balance due upon the successful achievement of specified research and pre-clinical events and the advancement to the third phase of the research plan. On December 18, 2018, AbbVie and the Company signed an amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the AbbVie Agreement. The Third Amendment provides that in the event AbbVie determines that it is necessary to enter into license agreements with certain third parties in a particular country or other jurisdiction which, but for such license, would be infringed by the manufacture, use or sale of any product governed by the AbbVie Agreement, AbbVie would be entitled to deduct certain expenses related to such license agreements from particular payments made to the Company. The Company determined that the Amendment represented a modification to the AbbVie Agreement. The additional research and development services are not distinct from the remaining research and development services under the second phase of the research plan of the AbbVie Agreement. The Amendment was accounted for as part of the original AbbVie Agreement and the services form part of the single performance obligation that was partially satisfied as of the date of the contract modification. As a result, the transaction price for the current performance obligation associated with the second phase of the research plan increased by $2.0 million. The impact of the contract modification on the transaction price and the measure of progress toward completion of the performance obligation was recognized as an adjustment to revenue upon execution of the Amendment on a cumulative catch-up basis. The cumulative catch-up adjustment to revenue, as a result of the contract modification, was $1.8 million during 2018 On February 28, 2019, the JRC concluded that the remaining milestone of $2.5 million under the Second Amendment was achieved upon the achievement of specified research and pre-clinical events under the second phase of the research plan and the advancement to the third phase of the research plan. Revenue associated with performance obligations under the AbbVie Agreement are recognized as the research and development services are provided using an input method, according to the full-time equivalents incurred. The research and development activities are expected to be performed over a period of approximately 54 months. The transfer of control occurs over time and, in management’s judgment, is the best measure of progress towards satisfying the performance obligation. The amounts received that have not yet been recognized as revenue are recorded in deferred revenue on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized revenue of $0.1

Net Loss per Share

Net Loss per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss per Share	( 10 ) Net Loss per Share Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the sum of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and if dilutive, the weighted-average number of potential shares of common stock, including unvested restricted common stock and outstanding stock options. In June 2019, the Company sold 6,340,771 shares of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,548,117 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, with $8.99 of such exercise price paid at the closing of the offering (see Note 10 , Ginkgo Collaboration, The Company’s potentially dilutive shares, which include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted common stock/units, are considered to be common share equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive. The following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, were excluded from the calculation of the diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the period indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect. As of March 31, 2020 2019 Unvested restricted common stock awards 770,191 87,719 Outstanding options to purchase common stock 3,252,459 2,747,043

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	( 11 ) Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation as the Company operates in an industry susceptible to patent legal claims. The Company accounts for estimated losses with respect to legal proceedings and claims when such losses are probable and estimable. Legal costs associated with these matters are expensed when incurred. The Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. The Company’s commitments described in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2020, have had no material changes during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Related-Party Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	(1 2 ) Related-Party Transactions In June 2019, the Company expanded its collaboration and entered into an agreement with Ginkgo for the research and development of engineered microbial therapeutic products. As of March 31, 2020, Ginkgo owns 6,340,771 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. See Note 10, Ginkgo Collaboration, in the audited financial statements included in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report. Under the agreement the Company made a prepayment to Ginkgo of $30.0 million for its foundry services that will be provided to the Company over an initial term of five years. At March 31, 2020, the Company had remaining balances of $11.3 million and $12.4 million of current and non-current pre-paid research and development costs related to this transaction, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company used $3.6 million of the pre-paid research and development expenses.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures as of March 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2019 and 2018 audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report. The December 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheet included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures including notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020 or any other interim period or future year or period.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Synlogic and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Company's Classified Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company has classified assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using March 31, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description 2020 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Money market funds $ 8,177 $ 8,177 $ — $ — Commercial paper (included in marketable securities) 16,404 — 16,404 — Corporate debt securities (included in marketable securities) 70,878 — 70,878 — U.S. government agency securities and treasuries 7,514 — 7,514 — Total $ 102,973 $ 8,177 $ 94,796 $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using December 31, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description 2019 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Money market funds $ 3,240 $ 3,240 $ — $ — Commercial paper (included in cash and cash equivalents) 4,249 — 4,249 — Commercial paper (included in marketable securities) 20,501 — 20,501 — Corporate debt securities (included in cash and cash equivalents) 6,005 — 6,005 — Corporate debt securities (included in marketable securities) 71,383 — 71,383 — U.S. government agency securities and treasuries 9,005 — 9,005 — Total $ 114,383 $ 3,240 $ 111,143 $ —

Available-for-Sale Investments

Available-for-Sale Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities Held	The following tables summarize the available-for-sale securities held at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): March 31, 2020 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Commercial paper $ 16,356 $ 48 $ — $ 16,404 Corporate debt securities 70,882 45 (49 ) 70,878 U.S. government agency securities 7,503 11 — 7,514 Total $ 94,741 $ 104 $ (49 ) $ 94,796 December 31, 2019 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Commercial paper $ 20,484 $ 18 $ (1 ) $ 20,501 Corporate debt securities 71,288 96 (1 ) 71,383 U.S. government agency securities 9,005 2 (2 ) 9,005 Total $ 100,777 $ 116 $ (4 ) $ 100,889

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 7,772 $ 7,523 Computer and office equipment 782 782 Furniture and fixtures 421 421 Leasehold improvements 9,514 9,514 Construction in progress 470 412 18,959 18,652 Less accumulated depreciation (6,298 ) (5,631 ) $ 12,661 $ 13,021

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Payroll related $ 1,034 $ 2,372 Professional fees 489 444 Research and development 649 1,005 Other 155 125 $ 2,327 $ 3,946

Equity-based Compensation and_2

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Schedule of Restricted Common Stock Activity	The following table shows restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2020: Restricted stock awards Grant date Number of fair value shares (per share) Unvested at December 31, 2019 586,929 $ 2.97 Granted 226,335 1.70 Vested (9,318 ) 13.53 Forfeited (33,755 ) 2.45 Unvested at March 31, 2020 770,191 $ 2.49
Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expenses	The following table summarizes equity‑based compensation expense within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Research and development $ 441 $ 284 General and administrative 654 670 $ 1,095 $ 954
Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expenses by Award Type	The following table summarizes equity‑based compensation expense by type of award for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Stock options $ 875 $ 926 Restricted stock awards 220 28 $ 1,095 $ 954
2015 and 2017 Plan
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2020 under the 2015 Plan and the 2017 Plan. Stock options outstanding Weighted Weighted average Aggregate average remaining Intrinsic Number of exercise contractual value (a) options price term (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2,286,419 $ 9.24 8.7 $ 43 Granted 1,052,113 1.77 — Forfeited (86,073 ) 9.30 1 Outstanding at March 31, 2020 3,252,459 6.82 8.9 $ 18 Vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2020 3,252,459 6.82 8.9 18 Exercisable at March 31, 2020 919,285 11.26 8.0 $ — (a) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the options and the fair market value of the underlying common stock for the options that were in the money at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Net Loss per Share (Tables)

Net Loss per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Potentially Common Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Loss Per share	The following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, were excluded from the calculation of the diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the period indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect. As of March 31, 2020 2019 Unvested restricted common stock awards 770,191 87,719 Outstanding options to purchase common stock 3,252,459 2,747,043

Nature of Business - Additional

Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities	$ 114,200
Restricted cash	1,097	$ 1,097
Accumulated deficit	$ (186,966)	$ (171,138)

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Company's Classified Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 102,973	$ 114,383
Money market funds
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,177	3,240
Commercial paper
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		4,249
Marketable securities	16,404	20,501
U.S. Government Agency Securities and Treasuries
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	7,514	9,005
Corporate debt securities
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		6,005
Marketable securities	70,878	71,383
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	8,177	3,240
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market funds
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,177	3,240
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	94,796	111,143
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial paper
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		4,249
Marketable securities	16,404	20,501
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Government Agency Securities and Treasuries
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	7,514	9,005
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		6,005
Marketable securities	70,878	71,383
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commercial paper
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		0
Marketable securities	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | U.S. Government Agency Securities and Treasuries
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		0
Marketable securities	$ 0	$ 0

Available-for-Sale Investment_2

Available-for-Sale Investments - Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities Held (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 94,741	$ 100,777
Gross unrealized gains	104	116
Gross unrealized losses	(49)	(4)
Fair Value	94,796	100,889
Commercial paper
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	16,356	20,484
Gross unrealized gains	48	18
Gross unrealized losses		(1)
Fair Value	16,404	20,501
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	70,882	71,288
Gross unrealized gains	45	96
Gross unrealized losses	(49)	(1)
Fair Value	70,878	71,383
U.S. government agency securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	7,503	9,005
Gross unrealized gains	11	2
Gross unrealized losses		(2)
Fair Value	$ 7,514	$ 9,005

Available-for-Sale Investment_3

Available-for-Sale Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)InvestmentSecurity	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Investment
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of investments in unrealized loss position	9	9
Number of investments in unrealized loss position, more than twelve months	0	0
Aggregate fair value of securities in unrealized loss position | $	$ 25.7	$ 24.8
Number of securities with other than temporary impairment | Security	0

Property and Equipment, Net - S

Property and Equipment, Net - Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 18,959	$ 18,652
Less accumulated depreciation	(6,298)	(5,631)
Property and equipment, net	12,661	13,021
Laboratory Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,772	7,523
Computer and Office Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	782	782
Furniture and Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	421	421
Leasehold Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	9,514	9,514
Construction in Progress
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 470	$ 412

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of Accrued Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll related	$ 1,034	$ 2,372
Professional fees	489	444
Research and development	649	1,005
Other	155	125
Total accrued expenses	$ 2,327	$ 3,946

Stockholders Equity - Additiona

Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold	6,340,771
Pre-Funded Warrants
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock	2,548,117
Warrants exercise price per share	$ 9
Warrants exercise price per share paid at closing of offering	8.99
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise price of warrants, per share	$ 9
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and pre-funded warrants	$ 79.9
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. | Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares sold	6,340,771
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. | Pre-Funded Warrants
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Warrants exercised		0
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. | Pre-Funded Warrants | Maximum
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Unbeneficial percentage of ownership after exercise of common stock outstanding effect to issuance	19.99%
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. | Pre-Funded Warrants
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock	2,548,117
Warrants exercise price per share	$ 9
Warrants exercise price per share paid at closing of offering	$ 8.99

Equity-based Compensation and_3

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee unrecognized compensation expense		$ 6,900
Employee unrecognized compensation cost, period of recognition		2 years 4 months 24 days
Equity-based compensation expense		$ 1,095	$ 954
Restricted Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee unrecognized compensation expense		$ 1,300
Employee unrecognized compensation cost, period of recognition		1 year 10 months 24 days
Equity-based compensation expense		$ 220	$ 28
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of discount for employees under ESPP		15.00%
Purchase price as a percentage of fair value under ESPP		85.00%
Options to purchase shares of common stock under ESPP exercised		0
Shares available for future grants		375,519
Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in number of shares available for issuance (in shares)	1,613,340
2015 and 2017 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants		1,131,108

Equity-based Compensation and_4

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Stock Option Activity Under 2015 and 2017 Plan (Detail) - 2015 and 2017 Plan - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Beginning balance, Number of options	2,286,419
Granted, Number of options	1,052,113
Forfeited, Number of options	(86,073)
Outstanding Ending balance, Number of options	3,252,459
Number of options, Vested or expected to vest	3,252,459
Number of options, Exercisable	919,285
Beginning balance, Weighted-average price	$ 9.24
Granted, Weighted-average price	1.77
Forfeited, Weighted-average price	9.30
Ending balance, Weighted-average price	6.82
Weighted-average price Vested or expected to vest	6.82
Weighted-average price, Exercisable	$ 11.26
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term (Year)	8 years 10 months 24 days	8 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Vested or expected to vest	8 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	8 years
Beginning balance, Aggregate Intrinsic value	$ 43
Forfeited, Aggregate Intrinsic value	1
Ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic value	18
Aggregate Intrinsic value, Vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2020	$ 18

Equity-based Compensation and_5

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Restricted Common Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Beginning balance, Number of unvested shares/units | shares	586,929
Granted, Number of shares/units | shares	226,335
Vested, Number of shares/units | shares	(9,318)
Forfeited, Number of shares/units | shares	(33,755)
Ending balance, Number of unvested shares/units | shares	770,191
Beginning balance, Unvested Grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 2.97
Granted, Grant date fair value | $ / shares	1.70
Vested, Grant date fair value | $ / shares	13.53
Forfeited, Grant date fair value | $ / shares	2.45
Ending balance, Unvested Grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 2.49

Equity-based Compensation and_6

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 1,095	$ 954
Research and Development Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	441	284
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 654	$ 670

Equity-based Compensation and_7

Equity-based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expenses by Award Type (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 1,095	$ 954
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	875	926
Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 220	$ 28

Collaboration Agreements - Addi

Collaboration Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2018USD ($)Milestone	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)shares	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Recognition of revenue					$ 100	$ 338
Current deferred revenue					445			$ 544
Pre-Funded Warrants
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock | shares		2,548,117
Common Stock
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of shares sold | shares		6,340,771
Ginkgo Collaboration
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Prepayment to related party for collaboration agreement		$ 30,000
Related party transaction collaboration agreement, initial term		5 years
Current pre-paid research and development					11,300
Non-current pre-paid research and development					12,400
Ginkgo Collaboration | Pre-Funded Warrants
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock | shares		2,548,117
Ginkgo Collaboration | Common Stock
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of shares sold | shares		6,340,771
AbbVie Agreement
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of mile stone payments under second phase | Milestone	2
Initial milestone payment upon execution of amendment	$ 2,000
Increase in transaction price of performance obligation of second phase	$ 2,000
Cumulative catch-up adjustment to revenue, contract modification							$ 1,800
Remaining milestone achieved									$ 2,500
Recognition of revenue					100	$ 300
Current deferred revenue					400
AbbVie Agreement | IBDCo
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Upfront non-refundable payment				$ 2,000
Potential milestone payment					$ 16,500
Collaboration in research and development					54 months
Milestone payment			$ 2,000

Net Loss per Share - Additional

Net Loss per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019$ / sharesshares
Common Stock
Number of shares sold | shares	6,340,771
Pre-Funded Warrants
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock | shares	2,548,117
Warrants exercise price per share | $ / shares	$ 9
Warrants exercise price per share paid at closing of offering | $ / shares	$ 8.99

Net Loss per Share - Schedule o

Net Loss per Share - Schedule of Potentially Common Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Loss Per share (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Unvested Restricted Common Stock Awards
Potentially Common Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Loss Per share	770,191	87,719
Stock Options
Potentially Common Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Loss Per share	3,252,459	2,747,043

Related-Party Transactions - Ad

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, outstanding		32,459,394	32,266,814
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, outstanding		6,340,771
Prepayment to related party for collaboration agreement	$ 30
Related party transaction collaboration agreement, initial term	5 years
Current Pre-Paid Research and Development		$ 11.3
Non Current Pre-Paid Research and Development		12.4
Prepaid research and development expenses		$ 3.6