Xenon Pharmaceuticals (XENE) 10-K 12 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 09, 2015	Nov. 05, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,221,600
Entity Public Float			$111
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Trading Symbol	XENE
Entity Central Index Key	1582313
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Balance_Sheets

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$72,026	$37,950
Marketable securities	12,015	11,326
Accounts receivable	215	440
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	686	153
Total current assets	84,942	49,869
Deferred financing fees	0	2,739
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 6)	2,476	1,879
Total assets	87,418	54,487
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (note 7)	2,664	2,283
Deferred revenue (note 8)	11,622	15,920
Total current liabilities	14,286	18,203
Deferred revenue, less current portion (note 8)	157	11,886
Deferred tenant inducements	196	282
Total liabilities	14,639	30,371
Redeemable convertible preferred shares (note 10):
Convertible Preferred Stock		102,488
Shareholders’ deficit:
Common shares, without par value; unlimited shares authorized; 14,181,333 and 1,344,627 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.	147,157	6,147
Additional paid-in capital	30,346	29,722
Accumulated deficit	-103,734	-116,752
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss)	-990	2,511
Total shareholders’ deficit	72,779	-78,372
Total liabilities, shareholders’ deficit and redeemable convertible preferred shares	87,418	54,487
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable convertible preferred shares (note 10):
Convertible Preferred Stock		2,939
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable convertible preferred shares (note 10):
Convertible Preferred Stock		8,683
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable convertible preferred shares (note 10):
Convertible Preferred Stock		$90,866

Balance_Sheets_Parenthetical

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common shares, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common shares, Issued	14,181,333	1,344,627
Common shares, Outstanding	14,181,333	1,344,627
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	0	1,205,761
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	1,151,468
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	1,151,468
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	0	1,028,806
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	994,885
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	994,885
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	0	4,370,920
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	4,322,126
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	4,322,126

Statements_of_Operations

Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Collaboration revenue	$28,366	$27,352	$14,300
Royalties	4	4	8
Revenues	28,370	27,356	14,308
Operating expenses:
Research and development	11,768	12,303	10,455
General and administrative	5,496	5,341	7,006
Total operating expenses	17,264	17,644	17,461
Income (loss) from operations	11,106	9,712	-3,153
Other income (expense):
Interest income	568	338	144
Interest expense		-64	-93
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	1,344	2,035	-169
Gain (loss) on write-off and disposal of assets		11	-1,030
Net income (loss)	13,018	12,032	-4,301
Net income attributable to participating securities		8,199
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$13,018	$3,833	($4,301)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$4.11	$2.87	($3.24)
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$3.28	$1.91	($3.24)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	3,165,572	1,337,662	1,327,460
Effects of dilutive securities
Stock options (in Shares)	798,225	659,167
Subscription rights (in Shares)		12,277
Diluted (in Shares)	3,963,797	2,009,106	1,327,460

Statements_of_Comprehensive_In

Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$13,018	$12,032	($4,301)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-3,501	-1,236	342
Unrealized loss on marketable securities measured at fair value			-4
Comprehensive income (loss)	$9,517	$10,796	($3,963)

Statement_of_Changes_in_Redeem

Statement of Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	Total	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	USD ($)				Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
					USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($86,316)				$2,939	$8,683	$90,866	$5,986	$28,772	($124,483)	$3,409
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011					1,151,468	994,885	4,322,126	132,422
Net income (loss)	-4,301									-4,301
Unrealized loss on marketable securities measured at fair value	-4										-4
Foreign currency translation adjustment	342										342
Stock option compensation expense	406								406
Issuance of subscription rights	8								8
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights								22	-22
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights (in Shares)								6,472
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-89,865				2,939	8,683	90,866	6,008	29,164	-128,784	3,747
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012					1,151,468	994,885	4,322,126	133,069
Net income (loss)	12,032									12,032
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,236										-1,236
Stock option compensation expense	575								575
Issuance of subscription rights	73								73
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights								45	-45
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights (in Shares)								5,602
Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	49							94	-45
Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options (in Shares)	8,329							8,329
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-78,372				2,939	8,683	90,866	6,147	29,722	-116,752	2,511
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	6,468,479	1,151,468	994,885	4,322,126	1,151,468	994,885	4,322,126	1,344,627
Net income (loss)	13,018									13,018
Conversion of series A, B and E convertible preferred shares	102,488				-2,939	-8,683	-90,866	102,488
Conversion of series A, B and E convertible preferred shares (in Shares)					-1,151,468	-994,885	-4,322,126	7,725,924
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs	38,373							38,373
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares)								5,095,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-3,501										-3,501
Stock option compensation expense	760								760
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights								124	-124
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights (in Shares)								13,365
Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	13							25	-12
Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options (in Shares)	2,417							2,417
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$72,779							$147,157	$30,346	($103,734)	($990)
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		0	0	0				14,181,333

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$13,018	$12,032	($4,301)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	738	705	786
Loss (gain) on write-off of assets		-11	1,030
Stock-based compensation	760	575	406
Non-cash compensation on issuance of subscription rights		73	8
Interest accrued on note payable			77
Deferred tenant inducements	-66	-115	183
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	72	94	-34
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	209	-76	11,230
Prepaid expenses, and other current assets	-573	-14	162
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	518	-228	540
Deferred revenue	-14,410	-16,357	35,486
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	266	-3,322	45,573
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-1,529	-156	-526
Sale of property, plant and equipment		10	7
Purchase of marketable securities	-15,254	-17,876
Proceeds from marketable securities	13,539	6,550	1,010
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-3,244	-11,472	491
Financing activities:
Note payable		-1,701
Deferred financing fees	-1,533	-2,739
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs	42,657	49
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	41,124	-4,391
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,070	-3,027	170
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,076	-22,212	46,234
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	37,950	60,162	13,928
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	72,026	37,950	60,162
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid		201
Interest received	574	279	170
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions:
Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights	124	45	22
Financing fees included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39
Conversion of convertible preferred shares into common shares	$102,488

Nature_of_the_Business

Nature of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of the business	1	Nature of the business:
	Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company”), incorporated in 1996 under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act and continued federally in 2000 under the Canada Business Corporation Act, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing a pipeline of differentiated therapeutics for orphan indications that it intends to commercialize on its own, and for larger market indications that it intends to partner with global pharmaceutical companies.
	On October 1, 2014, the Company effected a 1 for 4.86 reverse share split of its common and Series A, B and E redeemable convertible preferred shares. At the time of the consolidation, there were no outstanding Series C and D preferred shares and therefore such series were not included in the consolidation. Accordingly, (i) every 4.86 common shares were combined into one common share, (ii) every 4.86 redeemable Series A, B and E convertible preferred shares were combined into one redeemable convertible preferred share, (iii) the number of common shares into which each outstanding subscription right was exchangeable into common shares were proportionately decreased on a 1 for 4.86 basis, (iv) the number of common shares into which each outstanding option to purchase common shares was exercisable were proportionately decreased on a 1 for 4.86 basis, and (v) the exercise price for each such outstanding option to purchase common shares was proportionately increased on a 1 for 4.86 basis. All of the share numbers, share prices, and exercise prices in these financial statements have been adjusted, on a retroactive basis, to reflect this 1 for 4.86 reverse share split.
	On November 10, 2014, the Company completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of 4,600,000 of its common shares at a price to the public of $9.00 per share. On November 10, 2014, the Company also completed a private placement, in which the Company issued 495,000 of its common shares to an affiliate of Genentech at a price of $9.00 per share. Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, all outstanding convertible preferred shares were converted into 7,725,924 common shares (note 10) and 10,201 outstanding subscription rights were converted into 10,201 common shares. Following the IPO, there were no preferred shares or subscription rights outstanding. As of November 10, 2014, after the completion of our IPO and concurrent private placement, we had a total of 14,181,333 common shares outstanding.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	2	Basis of presentation:
	These financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
	The accompanying audited financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
	These audited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2014 and the result of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant accounting policies	3	Significant accounting policies:
	(a)	Use of estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas of estimates include, but are not limited to, the valuation of accounts receivable, the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, the recoverability of long-lived assets, the timing of revenue recognition, the determination of stock-based compensation and the assessment of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed quarterly. All revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
	(b)	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash with terms to maturity of three months or less when acquired.
	(c)	Segment and geographic 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.
	(d)	Property, plant and equipment:
	Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are expensed during the financial period in which they are incurred.
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method based on the following rates:
	Asset		Rate
	Research equipment		5 years
	Office furniture and equipment		5 years
	Computer equipment		3 years
	Leasehold improvements		Over the lesser of lease term or estimated useful life
	(e)	Impairment of long-lived assets:
	The Company monitors its long-lived assets for indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Company assesses the recoverability of affected assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets is less than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of the assets. If such assets are found not to be recoverable, the Company measures the amount of such impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the fair value of the assets, with the fair value generally determined based on the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with the assets. Based on the Company's assessment of future cash flows and current operations, the Company has determined that no impairment of long-lived assets existed as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	(f)	Concentration of credit risk and of significant customers:
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested through banks and other financial institutions in Canada. Such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various high credit quality and capitalized financial institutions.
	Marketable securities are highly liquid investments with terms to maturity of greater than three months, and less than twelve months, when acquired, and include guaranteed investment certificates as well as government treasury bills and treasury notes. Marketable securities are invested through September 2015.
	Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are concentrated in the pharmaceutical industry due to the Company’s multiple collaborations. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to credit risk generally associated with pharmaceutical companies or specific to the collaboration agreements with its significant pharmaceutical collaborators. To date, the Company has not experienced any material losses related to its receivables.
	Collaborators whose collaboration research and development revenue accounted for 10% or more of total revenues were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Genentech		$	15,764	$	12,876	$	6,948
	Merck			—		—		5,562
	Teva			12,588		13,773		—
	(g)	Financial instruments and fair value:
	Fair value:
	U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs to be used to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels: Level 1 (highest priority), Level 2, and Level 3 (lowest priority).
	·	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the balance sheet date.
	·	Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
	·	Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s assumptions as to what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available.
	Cash equivalents and marketable securities are reflected in the accompanying financial statements at fair value using Level 1. The carrying amount of accounts receivables and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the nature and short-term of those instruments.
	Marketable securities are highly liquid investments with terms to maturity of greater than three months when acquired. Marketable securities have varying maturities of less than 12 months, are classified as available-for-sale investments and are measured at their fair values under Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy with unrealized holding gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income.
	(h)	Revenue recognition:
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (iii) the Company’s price to the collaborator is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company generates revenue primarily through collaboration agreements.
	Under these collaboration agreements, the Company is eligible to receive non-refundable upfront payments, funding for research and development services, milestone payments, other contingent payments and royalties. In assessing the appropriate revenue recognition related to a collaboration agreement, the Company first determines whether an arrangement includes multiple elements, such as the delivery of intellectual property rights and research and development services. Revenues associated with multiple element arrangements are attributed to the various elements based on their relative fair values or are recognized as a single unit of accounting when relative fair values are not determinable.
	Upfront payments are recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are recognized as collaboration revenue over the estimated period of research performance that is consistent with the terms of the research and development obligations contained in the collaboration agreement. The Company periodically reviews the estimated period of performance based on the progress made under each arrangement.
	The Company recognizes funding related to full-time equivalent staffing funded through collaboration agreements as revenue on a gross basis as it performs or delivers such related services in accordance with the agreement terms, provided that it will receive payment for such services upon standard payment terms.
	The Company recognizes revenue contingent upon its achievement of a milestone in its entirety, in the period the milestone is achieved, only if the milestone meets certain criteria and is considered to be substantive.
	The Company makes judgments which affect the periods over which the Company recognized revenue, including modifying such periods based on any amendments to its collaboration agreements.
	(i)	Research and development costs:
	Research and development costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
	(j)	Development activity costs:
	Certain development activity costs, such as preclinical costs, manufacturing costs and clinical trial costs, are a component of research and development costs and include fees paid to contract research organizations, investigators and other vendors who conduct certain product development activities on behalf of the Company. The amount of expenses recognized in a period related to service agreements is based on estimates of the work performed using an accrual basis of accounting. These estimates are based on patient enrollment, services provided and goods delivered, contractual terms and experience with similar contracts. The Company monitors these factors and adjusts the estimates accordingly. Prepaid expenses or accrued liabilities are adjusted if payments to service providers differ from estimates of the amount of service completed in a given period.
	(k)	Share-based compensation:
	The Company grants stock options to employees, directors and consultants pursuant to a stock option plan described in Note 11. Compensation expense is recorded for stock options issued to employees and non-employees using the fair value method with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital. Any consideration received on exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares is credited to share capital.
	Under the fair value based method, share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments issued, and the awards are periodically re-measured during the vesting period as the options are earned. Any changes therein are recognized over the period and in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash instead of paying with or using equity instruments. The fair value of stock-based awards to employees is measured at the grant date and amortized over the vesting period.
	Stock options issued to employees are recorded at the fair value of stock options determined at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and a single option award approach and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the options. In determining the expense, the Company deducts the number of options that are expected to be forfeited at the time of a grant and revises this estimate, if necessary, in subsequent years if actual forfeitures differ from those estimated. Any amounts paid by employees on exercise of the stock options and subsequent purchase of shares are credited to share capital.
	(l)	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by adjusting net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to reallocate undistributed earnings based on the potential impact of dilutive securities. For periods in which the Company has reported net losses, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, since dilutive common shares are not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2014, outstanding stock options of 154,057 (December 31, 2013 – 42,592) were excluded from the calculation of net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. As the Company reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012, all stock options and subscription rights were anti-dilutive and were excluded from the diluted weighted average shares for that period.
	Prior to the Company’s IPO, net income (loss) per share was calculated under the two-class method as the Company had outstanding shares that met the definition of participating securities. The two-class method determines net income (loss) per share for each class of common and participating securities according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The two-class method requires income available to common shareholders for the period to be allocated between common and participating securities based upon their respective rights to receive dividends as if all income for the period had been distributed.
	Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company’s then-outstanding redeemable convertible preferred shares contractually entitled the holders of such shares to participate in dividends, but did not contractually require the holders of such shares to participate in losses of the Company. Accordingly, in periods in which the Company reported a net loss or a net loss attributable to common shareholders resulting from preferred share dividends or accretion, net losses were not allocated to participating securities. All of the outstanding redeemable convertible preferred shares converted to common shares upon the consummation of the Company’s IPO.
	(m)	Foreign currency translation:
	The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar and the Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company initially records foreign currency transactions using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the balance sheet date, results of operations and cash flows are translated into the functional currency at average exchange rates during the period, and monetary assets and liabilities are translated at end of period exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities and equity transactions are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities into Canadian dollars are included in the statement of operations as foreign exchange gain (loss).
	At the balance sheet date, results of operations and cash flows are translated into the U.S. dollar reporting currency at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at end of period exchange rates, except for equity transactions, which are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on translating functional currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars are accumulated as a separate component in other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) as cumulative translation adjustment.
	(n)	Income taxes:
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is not more likely than not that all, or a portion of the net deferred tax assets will be realized.
	(o)	Deferred tenant inducements:
	Deferred tenant inducements, which include leasehold improvements paid for by the landlord and free rent, are recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet and recognized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
	(p)	Deferred financing fees:
	Deferred financing fees, which primarily consist of direct incremental legal and accounting fees relating to the IPO, were capitalized. The deferred financing fees were offset against IPO proceeds upon consummation of the offering in November 2014. At December 31, 2013, $2,739 was capitalized and deferred. There were no remaining amounts deferred at December 31, 2014.
(q)	Comparative figures:
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation adopted for the current year.

Changes_in_Significant_Account

Changes in Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Changes in significant accounting policies	4	Changes in significant accounting policies:
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amendments on income tax matters to include explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction, and when the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. These amendments were effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted these amendments. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Future_Changes_in_Accounting_P

Future Changes in Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Future changes in accounting policies	5	Future changes in accounting policies:
	In May 2014, the FASB issued amendments to clarify the principles of recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard that would remove inconsistencies in revenue requirements, leading to improved comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and industries. The amendments stipulate that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosure will also be required about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. These amendments will be effective for public entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of the amendments on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued amendments requiring management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. These amendments will be effective for public entities for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of these amendments in fiscal 2017 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	6	Property, plant and equipment:
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Research equipment		$	6,815		$	6,356
	Office furniture and equipment			980			1,069
	Computer equipment			1,887			1,780
	Leasehold improvements			6,338			6,825
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(13,544	)		(14,151	)
	Total		$	2,476		$	1,879
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company wrote off leasehold improvements with a net book value of $1,030 in connection with a lease extension and modification agreement made effective April 1, 2012.
	Depreciation expense was $738 for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013 - $705, 2012 - $786).

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7	Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
	Trade payables		$	553	$	391
	Employee compensation, benefits, and related accruals			1,077		520
	Consulting and contracted research			774		412
	Professional fees			180		694
	Other			80		266
	Total		$	2,664	$	2,283

Deferred_Revenue

Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	8	Deferred revenue:
	The Company receives upfront payments under various research and collaboration agreements. In assessing the appropriate revenue recognition related to a collaboration agreement, the Company first determines whether an arrangement includes multiple elements, such as the delivery of intellectual property rights and research and development services. Upfront payments are recorded as deferred revenue in the balance sheet and are recognized as collaboration revenue over the estimated period of the research commitment that is consistent with the terms of the research and development obligations contained in the collaboration agreement. The Company periodically reviews the estimated period of performance based on the progress made under each arrangement. The full amount as of December 31, 2014 of $11,779 is expected to be realized as revenue as follows:
	Year ending December 31:
	2015		$	11,622
	2016			157
	Deferred revenue		$	11,779

Note_Payable

Note Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Note payable	9	Note payable:
	In November 2010, the Company entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Isis”) to discover, develop and commercialize antisense drugs that target the hepcidin-hemojuvelin pathway. Upon signing the agreement, the Company issued a convertible promissory note to Isis as payment of an upfront fee of $1,500. The note accrued interest at 5% per annum, compounded annually with interest payable at the time the note became due and payable. At the option of the Company, the note was convertible into equity securities upon occurrence of certain events specified in the note. As the number of equity securities that the note payable was potentially convertible into was variable until the time of conversion, the note was classified as a financial liability and measured at its amortized cost.
	In June 2013, the Company repaid the promissory note in full in cash (together with accrued interest) for $1,701 in conjunction with the exercise of an option to exclusively license certain product rights under the collaboration with Isis.

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Redeemable convertible preferred shares	10	Redeemable convertible preferred shares:
	The rights and preferences of the shares of Series A, Series B and Series E convertible preferred shares (collectively, the “Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares”) were as follows:
	Conversion - Each Series A, Series B, and Series E preferred share were initially convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common shares on a 1:1 basis, subject to certain adjustments for share splits, consolidations, stock dividends, and, as applicable, following certain capital reorganizations or mergers or acquisitions with another company as well as certain adjustments based on whether any common shares were issued during certain specified time periods at a price per share which was lower than certain threshold amounts as set forth in the articles.
	Immediately prior to the closing of the Company’s IPO, all outstanding Series A and B redeemable convertible preferred shares were converted into common shares on a 1:1 basis and Series E redeemable convertible preferred shares were converted into common shares on a 1:1.2 basis, subject to certain adjustments. These adjustments differ for some of the Company’s outstanding Series E preferred shares depending on the date of issue, resulting in different conversion ratios for different Series E preferred shares. The conversion of preferred shares into common shares was as follows:
			Preferred Shares Outstanding		Conversion
					into Common
					Shares upon
					Initial Public
					Offering
	Series A			1,151,468		1,151,468
	Series B			994,885		994,885
	Series E			4,322,126		5,579,571
	Total			6,468,479		7,725,924
	As of December 31, 2014, no Series A, Series B and Series E convertible preferred shares were outstanding. A description of certain rights applicable to the redeemable convertible preferred shares prior to their conversion in the IPO is as follows:
	Dividends - Holders of Series A, Series B and Series E preferred shares were entitled to receive non-cumulative cash dividends, in preference to any dividend payable on the common shares, at a rate of 8% per annum of the issue price of the preferred share when and as declared by the Board, but only if any dividends were declared on the common shares. In addition, holders of the Series A, Series B and Series E preferred shares would have been entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board, dividends in an amount equal to any dividend per common share declared by the Board on the common shares multiplied by the number of common shares that would have been issued in exchange for the Series A, Series B and Series E preferred shares upon conversion. No dividends were declared prior to the conversion of the Series A, Series B and Series E preferred shares into common shares in connection with the closing of the IPO.
	Redemption - There were certain redemption rights afforded the Series A, Series B and Series E preferred shares. Such preferred shares had redemption rights in the event of a change of control event such as a merger, acquisition or consolidation of the Company, or in the event of a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. Such events are not solely within the control of the Company, and therefore, the redeemable convertible preferred shares were classified outside of shareholders’ equity (deficit).
	The Company had also authorized 4,620 Series C preferred shares and 9,376 Series D preferred shares. No Series C or D preferred shares were outstanding as at December 31, 2013. Immediately prior to the closing of the Company’s IPO, the Company’s articles were amended to remove all references to Series C and D preferred shares.

Stock_Option_Plans

Stock Option Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments	11	Stock option plans:
	The Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) permits the grant of share-based compensation awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company’s pre-existing stock option plan (the “Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan”) was limited to the granting of stock options as equity incentive awards whereas the 2014 Plan also allows for the issuance of restricted shares, restricted share units, share appreciation rights and performance shares. No further options will be granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.
	Under the 2014 Plan, options granted generally vest on a graduated basis over a four-year period or less. The exercise price of the options is determined by the Board but must at least be equal to the fair market value of the common shares on the date of grant.  Options may be exercised over a maximum term of ten years. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 411,522 common shares had been reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan. The number of common shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan includes an annual increase beginning in 2015 by an amount which will be determined at the discretion of the Board.
	The Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of options for the purchase of common shares to directors, officers, employees and service providers prior to the Company’s IPO. The options granted under the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan vested on a graduated basis over a four-year period or less and each option’s maximum term was ten years. The Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan will continue to govern the options granted thereunder.
	Summary of stock option activity is as follows:
			Number of			Weighted Average Exercise						Weighted		Aggregate
			Options			Price						Average		Intrinsic
												Remaining Contractual		Value
												Life
						CAD $			U.S. $			In Years		U.S. $
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012			1,059,510			4.27			4.22			6.07
	Granted			150,102			3.64			3.64
	Forfeited  and expired			(81,175	)		5.24			5.24
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012			1,128,437			4.13			4.17			5.81
	Granted			292,418			3.74			3.64
	Exercised			(8,329	)		6.07			5.88					37
	Forfeited  and expired			(79,427	)		4.9			4.76
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013			1,333,099			3.98			3.88			5.8		8,300
	Granted			205,170			10.84			9.35
	Exercised			(2,417	)		6.07			5.23					23
	Forfeited  and expired			(51,634	)		5.96			5.14
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			1,484,218			4.88			4.2			5.7		15,551
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014			1,116,564			3.99			3.44			4.73		12,554
	The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:
			Options Outstanding											Options exercisable
	Exercise Prices		Number of			Weighted			Weighted Average					Number of		Weighted Average
			Options			Average			Exercise Price					Options		Exercise Price
						Remaining
						Option Life
						(years)			CAD $			U.S. $				CAD $		U.S. $
	CAD $2.67			252,353			8.04			2.67			2.3		133,053		2.67		2.3
	CAD $3.74			878,149			4.74			3.74			3.22		851,569		3.74		3.22
	CAD$ 6.07			107,013			0.19			6.07			5.23		107,013		6.07		5.23
	CAD$ 9.76			42,592			8.59			9.76			8.41		15,085		9.76		8.41
	CAD$ 10.78			156,172			9.04			10.78			9.29		7,525		10.78		9.29
	CAD$ 11.22			6,273			9.59			11.22			9.67		—		—		—
	USD$ 9.00			36,008			9.85			10.44			9		—		—		—
	USD$ 12.65			5,658			9.9			14.68			12.65		2,319		14.68		12.65
				1,484,218			5.7			4.88			4.2		1,116,564		3.99		3.44
	A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Number of Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
						CAD $			U.S. $
	Non-vested, January 1, 2014			388,230			3.79			3.54
	Granted			205,170			7.08			6.1
	Vested			(223,589	)		3.76			3.24
	Forfeited and cancelled			(2,157	)		3.88			3.35
	Non-vested, December 31, 2014			367,654			5.64			4.86
	The fair value of each option issued to employees and non-employees is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Years ended December 31
			2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.94	%		1.03	%		1.14	%
	Average expected term (in years)			6.13			6.2			6.2
	Expected volatility			73	%		70	%		70	%
	Expected dividend yield			0	%		0	%		0	%
	Expected forfeiture rate			0	%		0	%		0	%
	The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 was, $6.10 (2013 - $4.13, 2012 - $2.28) per option.
	As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to the non-vested stock options was $1,580 (2013 - $1,155, 2012 - $633), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years (2013 - 2.5 years, 2012 - 2.2 years).
	The aggregate fair value of options vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $722 (2013 - $374, 2012 - $565).
	The Company uses the “simplified method” to determine the expected term of options. Under this method, the expected term represents the average of the vesting period and the contractual term.
	The expected volatility of share options was estimated based on a historical volatility analysis of peers that were similar to the Company with respect to industry, stage of life cycle, size, and financial leverage. The risk-free interest rate of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant for a term similar to the expected term of the option.
	Stock-based compensation expense is classified in the statements of operations as follows:
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Research and development		$	194		$	147		$	112
General and administrative			566			428			294
		$	760		$	575		$	406

Foreign_Exchange_Gain_Loss

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)	12	Foreign exchange gain (loss):
	(a)	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk:
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of $46,531 (December 31, 2013 - $6,365) and Canadian denominated cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of CAD$43,516 (December 31, 2013 - CAD$45,641).
	The Company faces foreign currency exchange rate risk in part, as a result of entering into transactions denominated in currencies other than Canadian dollars, particularly those denominated in U.S. dollars and Euros. The Company also holds non-Canadian dollar denominated cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, which are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars.
	Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can create significant foreign exchange gains or losses to the Company. The Company’s current foreign currency risk is primarily with the U.S. dollar as a majority of its non-Canadian dollar denominated expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. To limit the Company’s exposure to volatility in currency markets, the Company maintains a natural currency hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by estimating its anticipated expenses that will be denominated in currencies other than the Canadian dollar and then purchasing a corresponding amount of the relevant foreign currency at the current spot rate. The Company does not otherwise hedge its exposure and thus assumes the risk of future gains or losses on the amounts of foreign currency held. The impact of an adverse change in foreign exchange rates may be offset in the event the Company receives a milestone payment from a foreign partner.
	(b)	Interest Rate Risk:
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $72,026 (December 31, 2013 - $37,950), which consisted of bank deposits. At December 31, 2014, the Company had marketable securities of $12,015 (December 31, 2013 - $11,326). The goals of the Company’s investment policy are liquidity and capital preservation; the Company does not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes and has not used any derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate exposure. The Company believes that it does not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of these assets as a result of changes in interest rates due to the short term nature of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents. Declines in interest rates, however, would reduce future investment income. Such interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk; however, historical fluctuations in interest income have not been significant. The Company had no outstanding debt as of December 31, 2014.

Collaboration_Agreements

Collaboration Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collaborative Arrangement	13	Collaboration agreements:
	The Company has entered into a number of collaboration agreements with multiple deliverables under which it may have received non-refundable upfront payments. The Company generally recognizes revenue from upfront payments ratably over the term of its estimated period of performance of research under its collaboration agreements in the event that such arrangements represent a single unit of accounting.
	The collaborations may also include contractual milestone payments, which relate to the achievement of pre-specified research, development, regulatory and commercialization events. The milestone events coincide with the progression of product candidates from research and development, to regulatory approval and through to commercialization. The process of successfully discovering a new product candidate, having it selected by the collaborator for development and having it approved and ultimately sold for a profit is highly uncertain. As such, the milestone payments that the Company may earn from its collaborators involve a significant degree of risk to achieve.
	Research and development milestones in the Company’s collaboration agreements may include the following types of events:
	·	completion of preclinical research and development work leading to selection of product candidates;
	·	initiation of Phase 1, Phase 2 or Phase 3 clinical trials; and
	·	achievement of certain other scientific or development events.
	Regulatory milestone payments may include the following types of events:
	·	filing of regulatory applications for marketing approval in the U.S., Europe or Japan, including investigational new drug (“IND”) applications and new drug applications (“NDA”); and
	·	marketing approval in a major market, such as the U.S., Europe or Japan.
	Commercialization milestone payments may include payments triggered by annual product sales that achieve pre-specified thresholds.
	(a)	uniQure Biopharma B.V. (“uniQure”) sublicense and research agreement:
	Effective August 2000, the Company entered into a sublicense and research agreement with uniQure (formerly Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics), pursuant to which the Company granted to uniQure an exclusive, worldwide sublicense under certain intellectual property controlled by the Company to develop and commercialize technology and compounds related to a certain variant of lipoprotein lipase (“LPL”). Under its sublicense and research agreement with uniQure, the Company collaborated with uniQure and the University of British Columbia (“UBC”) on preclinical activities, and thereafter uniQure developed an LPL gene therapy product, Glybera, which contains the LPL variant. Glybera was approved in the European Union (“EU”) in October 2012 to treat lipoprotein lipase deficiency (“LPLD”) in patients with severe or multiple pancreatitis attacks, despite dietary fat restrictions. uniQure conducted the clinical trials and is responsible for the commercialization of Glybera. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received milestone payments of CAD$547 (2012 - CAD$198). No such milestone payments have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is eligible to receive certain additional milestone payments of less than CAD$1,000 for Glybera and for each subsequent product, if any, developed pursuant to the agreement with uniQure. The Company, in turn, has certain payment obligations to its licensor, UBC, based on amounts received from uniQure or otherwise based on the exploitation of the licensed intellectual property. The Company believes that all potential milestone payments under this agreement are substantive and at risk at the inception of this agreement, and, as such, expects that future milestone payments will be recognized as revenue in the period that each milestone is achieved.
	The Company is also eligible to receive mid single-digit royalties on net sales of the licensed products, for sales made by uniQure and its affiliates. The royalty rates for sales made by uniQure and its affiliates are reduced to a low single-digit when the licensed patents expire.
	In July 2013, uniQure announced that it entered into a partnership with Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. (“Chiesi”) for the commercialization of Glybera in the EU and more than a dozen other countries including Brazil, China, Mexico and Russia. With respect to uniQure’s sublicense to Chiesi, the Company is eligible to receive a percentage in the low twenties of all non-royalty compensation relating to the licensed technology or products that uniQure receives from Chiesi (including, for example, upfront payments and milestone payments), a percentage in the low twenties of any royalties that uniQure receives from Chiesi based on sales of technology or products covered by the licensed patents, plus a mid single-digit percentage of certain further royalties that uniQure receives from Chiesi based on sales of the Company’s licensed technology or products after the expiration of all licensed patents covering the product. If uniQure grants a sublicense to a third party other than to Chiesi, then the Company is eligible to receive a percentage in the low twenties of all non-royalty compensation relating to the licensed technology or products that uniQure receives from such sublicensee (for example, upfront payments and milestone payments) plus a percentage in the low twenties of any royalties that uniQure receives from such sublicensee based on sales of technology or products covered by the licensed patents.
	Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s agreement with UBC, the Company must pay to UBC a single-digit percentage of amounts the Company receives from sales of Glybera.
	(b)	Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (“Teva”) collaborative development and license agreement:
	In December 2012, the Company entered into a collaborative development and license agreement with Teva, through its subsidiary, Ivax International GmbH, pursuant to which the Company granted Teva an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize certain products, including TV-45070 (formerly XEN402).
	Under the terms of the agreement, Teva paid the Company an upfront fee of $41,000. The Company is collaborating with Teva to further develop TV-45070, and Teva is funding all development costs with respect to the licensed products. Teva is providing funding to the Company for certain of the Company’s full-time equivalents (“FTEs”) performing the research collaboration plan. The Company identified several deliverables under the agreement with Teva, including exclusive licenses to compounds and non-exclusive licenses to companion diagnostic products, a commitment to participate in a joint steering committee and research and development services to be performed by the Company on behalf of Teva. The Company concluded that the licenses did not have stand-alone value to Teva without the Company’s technical expertise and joint steering committee participation during the initial three-year period.
	Therefore, the Company has determined that the various deliverables under this agreement should be considered as one single unit of accounting. As such the Company determined that the $41,000 upfront payment should be recognized as revenue ratably over the expected period of performance, being the three-year period ending December 31, 2015.
	In addition, the Company is eligible to receive potential milestone payments totaling up to $335,000, comprised of a $20,000 clinical milestone payment, up to $285,000 in regulatory milestone payments, and a $30,000 sales-based milestone payment. If TV-45070 is approved, the Company is also eligible to receive royalties in the low teens to low twenties on net sales of licensed products for the timeframe that such products are covered by the licensed patents and in certain other instances. The Company believes that potential milestone payments for development and regulatory milestones under this agreement are substantive and at risk at the inception of this agreement, and, as such, expects that these future milestone payments will be recognized as revenue in the period that each milestone is achieved. The Company believes that the potential sales-based milestone payments under this agreement are not substantive as the Company does not expect to contribute effort to their achievement and expects such sales-based milestones will generally be achieved after the period of substantial involvement under the collaboration. Therefore, the Company expects that future sales-based contingent consideration milestone payments will be recognized as revenue when such milestones are achieved, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. To date, no such milestone payments have been recognized.
	The Company has an option to a 20% to 30% co-promotion interest for products incorporating TV-45070 in the U.S. The Company’s exercise of this option is subject to meeting objective financial conditions, staffing requirements and compliance standards to be determined in Teva’s reasonable discretion in accordance with standard industry practice. The Company’s co-promotion option is exercisable upon the filing of the first new drug application (“NDA”) for a TV-45070 product with the FDA, and the Company will be obligated to pay an opt-in fee to Teva, which is calculated by multiplying the Company’s co-promotion interest (as a percentage) by the amount of certain milestones paid or payable by Teva, to which is added certain past and future development costs incurred by Teva with respect to the product for the U.S. Such opt-in fee is payable as a reduction to the milestone payments or the Company’s share of operating profits that Teva would otherwise owe to the Company, or a combination of the two. If the Company exercises this option, the Company will be eligible to receive, in lieu of royalties with respect to such product sales in the U.S., a percentage share (equal to the Company’s co-promotion interest) of operating profits from such product sales in the U.S.
	Teva may terminate the agreement upon 60 days advanced written notice to the Company after at least three Phase 2 (or later stage) clinical studies have been completed or in the event that safety or efficacy issues arise in the development of the licensed products. Either party may terminate the agreement in the event of the other’s material breach which remains uncured for 90 business days. In certain termination circumstances, the Company receives licenses to Teva intellectual property relating to TV-45070 clinical development and regulatory filings. If patents within such Teva intellectual property cover the TV-45070 product, then Teva is eligible to receive royalties from the Company based on a percentage of net product sales, within the mid single-digit range.
	Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s agreement with the Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Company must pay to the Memorial University of Newfoundland certain milestone payments, a single-digit percentage of net sales for pain products the Company sells directly and a single-digit percentage of royalties received for sales of pain products by the Company’s third party licensees, such as under the Teva and Genentech agreements.
	(c)	Genentech Inc. (“Genentech”) collaborative research and license agreement:
	In December 2011, the Company entered into a collaborative research and license agreement with Genentech and its affiliate, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. (“Roche”) to discover and develop small and large molecules that selectively inhibit the Nav1.7 sodium channel and companion diagnostics for the potential treatment of pain. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company granted Genentech a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize compounds directed to Nav1.7 and products incorporating such compounds for all uses. The Company also granted Genentech a worldwide non-exclusive license to diagnostic products for the purpose of developing or commercializing such compounds.
	Under the terms of the agreement, Genentech paid the Company an upfront fee of $10,000. Genentech is providing funding to the Company for certain of the Company’s FTEs performing the research collaboration plan. The Company identified several deliverables under the agreement with Genentech, including exclusive licenses to compounds and non-exclusive licenses to diagnostic products, a commitment to participate in a joint steering committee and research and development services to be performed by the Company on behalf of Genentech. The Company concluded that the licenses did not have stand-alone value to Genentech without the Company’s technical expertise and joint steering committee participation during the initial three year period. Therefore, the Company has determined that the various deliverables should be considered as a single unit of accounting. As such the Company determined that the $10,000 upfront payment should be recognized as revenue ratably over the expected period of performance, being the three-year period ending December 22, 2014.
	The Company is eligible to receive pre-commercial and commercial milestone payments with respect to the licensed products totaling up to $621,000, comprised of up to $53,500 in preclinical and clinical milestone payments, up to $387,500 in regulatory milestone payments, and up to $180,000 in sales-based milestone payments for multiple products and indications. In addition, the Company is eligible to receive royalties based on net sales of the licensed products, which range from a mid single-digit percentage to ten percent for small-molecule inhibitors for the timeframe that such products are covered by the licensed patents and a low single-digit percentage thereafter, plus a low single-digit percentage for large-molecule inhibitors of Nav1.7. The Company believes that the potential milestone payments for preclinical, clinical and regulatory milestones under this agreement are substantive and at risk at inception of this agreement, and, as such, expects that these future milestone payments will be recognized as revenue in the period that each milestone is achieved. In the year ended December 31, 2014, an $8,000 milestone payment has been recognized (2013 - $5,000; 2012 - nil).
	The Company believes that the potential sales-based milestone payments under this agreement are not substantive as the Company does not expect to contribute effort to their achievement and expects such sales-based milestones will generally be achieved after the period of substantial involvement under the collaboration. Therefore, the Company expects that future sales-based contingent consideration milestone payments will be recognized as revenue when such milestones are achieved, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. To date, no such milestone payments have been recognized.
	The Company’s agreement with Genentech expires on the date of the expiration of all payment obligations to the Company under the agreement. Genentech may terminate the agreement with three months advance notice anytime on or after the third anniversary of the effective date of the agreement, and each party may terminate the agreement in the event of a material breach by the other party that remains uncured for 90 days. In the event that Genentech terminates the agreement due to the Company’s breach, Genentech retains its licenses and its payment obligations to the Company are reduced. In the event that the Company terminates the agreement due to Genentech’s breach, the rights and licenses granted to Genentech revert back to the Company, subject to certain rights to make and use certain large molecule product candidates that are retained by Genentech, and Genentech is obligated to assign certain regulatory approvals and grant certain licenses to the Company to enable the Company to develop and commercialize certain terminated products outside of the collaboration.
	In March 2014, the Company entered into a new agreement with Genentech for pain genetics, using the Company’s Extreme Genetics discovery platform to focus on identifying genetic targets associated with rare phenotypes where individuals have an inability to perceive pain or where individuals have non-precipitated spontaneous severe pain. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, any intellectual property arising out of the collaboration will be jointly owned by the Company and Genentech. The Company also granted Genentech a time-limited, exclusive right of first negotiation on a target-by-target basis to form joint drug discovery collaborations. Under the terms of this agreement, Genentech paid an upfront payment of $1,500. The Company is eligible for an additional $2,000 in milestone payments. At the option of the Company, a Genentech affiliate invested $4,455 in a private placement concurrent with the IPO (note 1).
	The Company identified several deliverables under this agreement with Genentech, including non-exclusive licenses to certain intellectual property controlled by the Company, a commitment to participate in a joint steering committee and collaborative research services to be performed by the Company. The Company concluded that the licenses did not have stand-alone value to Genentech without the Company’s technical expertise and joint steering committee participation during the initial two year period. Therefore, the Company has determined that the various deliverables should be considered as a single unit of accounting. As such the Company determined that the $1,500 upfront payment should be recognized as revenue ratably over the expected period of performance, being the two-year period ending March 18, 2016.
	The Company believes that the potential milestone payments under this agreement are substantive and at risk at inception of this agreement, and, as such, expects that these future milestone payments will be recognized as revenue in the period that each milestone is achieved. To date, no such milestone payments have been recognized.
	(d)	Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Isis”) collaboration and licensing agreement:
	In November 2010, the Company entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Isis. The Company issued Isis a convertible, interest-bearing promissory note as payment of the $1,500 upfront fee required by the agreement, which was accounted for as a research and development expense. In June 2013, the Company made this payment to Isis, including accrued interest, pursuant to the terms of the convertible promissory note. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company received an option to obtain from Isis worldwide exclusive licenses to develop and commercialize antisense products targeting hepcidin and/or hemojuvelin, each of which is a validated target for anemia of chronic disease. Antisense products have the potential to treat diseases by binding to and inactivating the messenger RNA of disease-causing genes. The antisense products under this program targeted hepcidin, a liver-derived peptide hormone that regulates iron levels in the body. The option became exercisable upon the initiation of IND-enabling toxicology studies with a development candidate compound. Isis and the Company were responsible for their own costs related to the initial research program that led to the selection of the development candidate compound.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company exercised the option. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid Isis an option exercise fee of $2,000, which was accounted for as a research and development expense for the period. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company discontinued development of product candidates under this program.
	The Company may terminate the agreement with Isis upon 90 days’ notice to Isis. Either party may terminate the agreement in the event of a material breach by the other party that remains uncured for 60 days. In 2014, the Company terminated its agreement with Isis.
	(e)	Essex Chemie AG (formerly known as Merck Sharp & Dohme GmbH), an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”), exclusive collaborative research and option agreement:
	In June 2009, the Company entered into an exclusive collaborative research and option agreement with Merck pursuant to which the parties conducted a research program to discover and develop novel small-molecule candidates for the potential treatment of cardiovascular disease. Merck provided payments to the Company for the Company’s FTEs who performed the Company’s activities pursuant to the research program conducted under the agreement. The Merck collaborative research program ended in December 2012.
	In addition, the Company agreed to perform certain genome sequencing work in exchange for a milestone payment of $5,000 payable upon successful conclusion of such work. This payment was made by Merck in February 2010. The Company has determined that this milestone payment was not substantive and should not be considered as a separate element. The Company identified several deliverables under the agreement with Merck, including options to obtain a license, a commitment to participate in a joint steering committee and research and development services to be performed by the Company on behalf of Merck. The Company concluded that the options to license did not have stand-alone value apart from the related research and development services to be delivered. In addition, the Company was unable to estimate a fair value for the undelivered items in the agreement with Merck. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the deliverables under this agreement as a single unit of accounting.
	Under the terms of the agreement, Merck had the option to obtain an exclusive license under certain intellectual property controlled by the Company to develop and commercialize compounds and products directed to targets in the research program. In June 2012, Merck exercised its option and paid the Company $2,000 to obtain such a worldwide exclusive license. The option exercise was determined to be substantive and at risk at the inception of the agreement and, as such, was recognized in the period that the option was exercised by Merck.
	Under the agreement with Merck, the Company is eligible to receive up to $21,000 in preclinical and clinical milestone payments and up to $43,000 in regulatory milestone payments for products directed to the licensed target, as well as royalties on future product sales at percentages from the mid to high single-digit range. The Company received a milestone payment of $1,000 in 2010 and a milestone payment of $1,000 in 2011 relating to research progress on two separate targets. Both research milestones were determined to be substantive and at risk at the inception of the agreement and, as such, were recognized in the respective period the milestones were achieved. The Company believes that future contingent consideration milestone payments are not considered substantive as the Company is not contributing effort to the achievement of such milestones now that the period of substantial involvement is complete, there are no undelivered elements and no continuing research obligations under this collaboration.
	The Company has an option to co-fund Phase 1 and first Phase 2 clinical trials of product candidates licensed by Merck by paying Merck 50% of such development costs. Such co-funding option is available at the investigational new drug (“IND”)-filing stage for the applicable product candidate. If the Company exercises its co-funding option, then the maximum eligible milestone amounts due to the Company increase to $86,500, and the royalties increase to the high single-digit to the sub-teen double-digit range. Through December 31, 2014, the Company has not yet exercised the co-funding option.
	The Company’s agreement with Merck expires on the date of the expiration of all royalty payment obligations to the Company under the agreement. Merck has the right to terminate the agreement upon providing certain notices to the Company. Each party may terminate the agreement in the event of a material breach by the other party that remains uncured for 90 days after notice of such breach. In the event that Merck terminates the agreement due to the Company’s breach, the licenses granted to Merck survive and become fully paid up. In the event that the Company terminates the agreement due to Merck’s breach, the licenses granted to Merck terminate.
	(f)	Genome BC collaboration agreement:
	In January 2009, the Company entered into a research funding agreement with Genome BC to co-fund IND-enabling studies for antisense products targeting hepcidin or hemojuvelin. The deliverables of the research activities are to identify development candidates for both hepcidin and hemojuvelin targets. Under the agreement with Genome BC, the Company carried out certain research activities with partial funding that Genome BC provided on a quarterly basis over the term of the research program. This agreement expired at the end of its term on September 30, 2013.
	Under the research funding agreement, the Company agreed to give to Genome BC at each quarter (and in connection with Genome BC delivering the agreed-upon research funding for that quarter) rights to be issued in the future for a number of the Company’s common shares without paying cash consideration, or subscription rights. The number of shares to which Genome BC was entitled under each quarter’s subscription rights were proportional to their funding amount paid to the Company for that quarter, calculated by: the quotient of (a) one-half of the Genome BC funding amount to the Company for that quarter divided by (b) the greatest of: (i) CAD$51.71; (ii) the converted U.S. dollar share price; and (iii) the most recent issue price of the Company’s common shares. The subscription rights were automatically exchangeable into common shares of the Company on a 1:1 basis on a date three years after the subscription rights were issued without additional cash consideration being paid by Genome BC.
	Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO in November 2014, all 10,201 outstanding subscription rights were converted into 10,201 common shares. At December 31, 2014, there were no subscription rights outstanding (December 31, 2013 – 13,364) to Genome BC.
	The following table is a summary of the revenue recognized from the Company’s collaborations for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	uniQure:
	Milestone payment		$	14	$	531	$	198
	Teva:
	Recognition of upfront payment			12,255		13,143		927
	Research funding			333		630		—
	Genentech:
	Recognition of upfront payment			3,603		3,300		3,431
	Research funding			4,248		4,514		3,517
	Milestone payment			7,913		5,062		—
	Merck:
	Recognition of initial payment			—		—		1,060
	Option fee			—		—		2,060
Research funding			—		—		2,442
Genome BC:
Research funding			—		172		665
Total collaboration revenue		$	28,366	$	27,352	$	14,300

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	14	Commitments and contingencies:
	(a)	Lease commitments:
	The Company entered into an amended lease agreement for research laboratories and office space in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada for a 120-month term from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2022, which included an element of free rent and tenant inducement that will be amortized over the term of the lease.
	Lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $915 (2013 - $962, 2012 - $1,017). Future minimum annual lease payments under existing operating lease commitments are as follows:
	Year ending December 31:
	2015			1,002
	2016			1,002
	2017			1,060
	2018			1,079
	2019			1,079
	2020 and thereafter			2,428
	Total		$	7,650
	(b)	Guarantees and indemnifications:
	The Company has entered into license and research agreements with third parties that include indemnification provisions that are customary in the industry. These indemnification provisions generally require the Company to compensate the other party for certain damages and costs incurred as a result of third party claims or damages arising from these transactions.
	The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited; however, the Company currently holds commercial and product liability insurance. This insurance limits the Company’s exposure and may enable it to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. Historically, the Company has not made any indemnification payments under such agreements and the Company believes that the fair value of these indemnification obligations is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized any liabilities relating to these obligations for any period presented.

Income_taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	15	Income taxes:
	Income tax expense (recovery) varies from the amounts that would be computed by applying the expected Canadian and provincial statutory income tax rate of 26% (2013 – 25.75%, 2012- 25%) to loss before income taxes as shown in the following table:
			2014			2013			2012
	Computed taxes (recoveries) at Canadian federal and		$	3,385		$	3,098		$	(1,075	)
	provincial tax rates
	Change in valuation allowance			(2,364	)		(2,029	)		2,710
	Investment tax credits earned			(1,283	)		(529	)		(1,418	)
	Tax attributes expired/utilized			2,011			198			(356	)
	Financing fees in equity			(1,945	)		—			—
	Changes in tax rates			—			(1,019	)		—
	Non-deductible expenditures			(1,053	)		(374	)		107
	Other			1,249			655			32
	Income tax expense		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from the temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial statement and income tax purposes. The significant components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
			2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Investment tax credits		$	20,108		$	19,833
	Scientific research and experimental development pool			19,648			18,592
	Deferred revenues			3,063			7,230
	Non-capital losses			1,390			2,755
	Property, plant and equipment			2,651			2,386
	Deferred financing fees			1,318			(176	)
	Other			858			780
	Less - valuation allowance			(49,036	)		(51,400	)
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	—		$	—
	The realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient taxable income during future periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The valuation allowance is reviewed on a quarterly basis and if the assessment of the “more likely than not” criteria changes, the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly. The valuation allowance continues to be applied against deferred income tax assets where the Company has assessed that the realization of such assets does not meet the “more likely than not” criteria.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company has unclaimed tax deductions for scientific research and experimental development expenditures of $75,571 (2013 - $71,508) with no expiry.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company has $17,942 (2013 - $17,068) of investment tax credits available to offset federal taxes payable and $6,891 (2013 - $7,203) of provincial tax credits available to offset provincial taxes payable in the future.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company has non-capital losses, net of uncertain tax positions, carried forward for tax purposes, which are available to reduce taxable income of future years of approximately $5,347 (2013 - $10,596).
	The investment tax credits and loss carry forwards expire over various years to 2034.
	As of December 31, 2014, the total amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were $6,350 (2013 - $6,350). If recognized in future periods, the unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective tax rate.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
			2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1		$	6,350		$	6,350
	Increases related to current year positions			—			—
	Balance as of December 31		$	6,350		$	6,350
	The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax provision. Interest and penalties have not been accrued at December 31, 2014 as none would be owing on the unrecognized tax benefits due to the availability of non-capital losses to shelter any potential taxable income arising thereon.
	The Company does not currently expect any significant increases or decreases to these unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the reporting date.
	The Company currently files an income tax return in Canada, the jurisdiction in which it is subject to tax. In jurisdictions in which the Company does not believe it is subject to tax and therefore does not file income tax returns, the Company can provide no certainty that tax authorities in those jurisdictions will not subject one or more tax years (since the inception of the Company) to examination. Further, while the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction where an income tax return has been filed generally limits the examination period, as a result of loss carry-forwards, the limitation period for examination generally does not expire until several years after the loss carry-forwards are utilized. Other than routine audits by tax authorities for tax credits and tax refunds that the Company claims, the Company is not aware of any other material income tax examination currently in progress by any taxing jurisdiction. Tax years ranging from 2002 to 2013 remain subject to Canadian income tax examinations.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	16	Related parties:
	Genworks Inc. (“Genworks”) is controlled by a director of the Company who is the president and principal beneficial shareholder of Genworks. Genworks provided certain scientific consulting services to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement. The Company did not incur any cash consulting fees to Genworks for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013 - nil, 2012 - $307).
	On January 1, 2012, the Company granted Genworks an option to purchase 10,288 of its common shares at an exercise price of CAD$3.74 per share and on January 1, 2013, the Company granted Genworks an option to purchase 30,864 of its common shares at an exercise price of CAD$2.67 per share. Pursuant to a performance bonus awarded to Genworks in acknowledgment of services conducted prior to September 1, 2012 relating to the Company’s sublicense agreement with uniQure, in the event that the Company receives royalty payments from uniQure satisfying certain pre-specified thresholds, Genworks has a right to receive a portion of such royalty payments, totaling up to CAD$600. As of September 1, 2012, no further fees or bonuses are payable to Genworks under such consulting agreement.
	No amounts have been accrued as of December 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - nil) relating to services provided by Genworks.
	One of the Company’s directors is a former equity holder and former director of Medpace, Inc. (“Medpace”). The Company did not incur any contract research organization fees to Medpace for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013 - nil, 2012 - $151). Previously incurred contract research organization fees were paid to Medpace in consideration of certain clinical development services provided by Medpace by individuals other than the Company’s director. None of these fees were paid directly to the Company’s director. No amounts have been accrued as of December 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - nil) relating to services provided by Medpace.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	17.  Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited):
	The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of U.S. dollars except per share data). This information reflects all normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Net income per common share has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 1 for 4.86 reverse share split effected on October 1, 2014.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014			2014 (1)		2014
	Revenue	$	5,001	$	5,298		$	13,193	$	4,878
	Income from operations		1,032		1,378			8,661		35
	Net income attributable to common shareholders		—		—			3,595		1,224
	Basic net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	2.67	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	1.69	$	0.13
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2013			2013		2013
	Revenue	$	5,385	$	5,600		$	10,788	$	5,583
	Income (loss) from operations		1,944		(770	)		6,519		2,019
	Net income attributable to common shareholders		—		—			1,319		2,514
	Basic net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	0.99	$	1.87
	Diluted net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	0.63	$	1.17
	(1) The financial data, including per share amounts, for all interim periods prior to and including the three month period
	ended September 30, 2014, do not reflect the IPO.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of estimates	(a)	Use of estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas of estimates include, but are not limited to, the valuation of accounts receivable, the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, the recoverability of long-lived assets, the timing of revenue recognition, the determination of stock-based compensation and the assessment of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed quarterly. All revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Cash and cash equivalents	(b)	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash with terms to maturity of three months or less when acquired.
Segment and geographic information	(c)	Segment and geographic 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.
Property, plant and equipment	(d)	Property, plant and equipment:
	Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are expensed during the financial period in which they are incurred.
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method based on the following rates:
	Asset		Rate
	Research equipment		5 years
	Office furniture and equipment		5 years
	Computer equipment		3 years
	Leasehold improvements		Over the lesser of lease term or estimated useful life
Impairment of long-lived assets	(e)	Impairment of long-lived assets:
	The Company monitors its long-lived assets for indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Company assesses the recoverability of affected assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets is less than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of the assets. If such assets are found not to be recoverable, the Company measures the amount of such impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the fair value of the assets, with the fair value generally determined based on the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with the assets. Based on the Company's assessment of future cash flows and current operations, the Company has determined that no impairment of long-lived assets existed as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Concentration of credit risk and of significant customers	(f)	Concentration of credit risk and of significant customers:
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested through banks and other financial institutions in Canada. Such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various high credit quality and capitalized financial institutions.
	Marketable securities are highly liquid investments with terms to maturity of greater than three months, and less than twelve months, when acquired, and include guaranteed investment certificates as well as government treasury bills and treasury notes. Marketable securities are invested through September 2015.
	Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are concentrated in the pharmaceutical industry due to the Company’s multiple collaborations. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to credit risk generally associated with pharmaceutical companies or specific to the collaboration agreements with its significant pharmaceutical collaborators. To date, the Company has not experienced any material losses related to its receivables.
	Collaborators whose collaboration research and development revenue accounted for 10% or more of total revenues were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Genentech		$	15,764	$	12,876	$	6,948
	Merck			—		—		5,562
	Teva			12,588		13,773		—
Financial instruments and fair value	(g)	Financial instruments and fair value:
	Fair value:
	U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs to be used to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels: Level 1 (highest priority), Level 2, and Level 3 (lowest priority).
	·	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the balance sheet date.
	·	Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
	·	Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s assumptions as to what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available.
	Cash equivalents and marketable securities are reflected in the accompanying financial statements at fair value using Level 1. The carrying amount of accounts receivables and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the nature and short-term of those instruments.
	Marketable securities are highly liquid investments with terms to maturity of greater than three months when acquired. Marketable securities have varying maturities of less than 12 months, are classified as available-for-sale investments and are measured at their fair values under Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy with unrealized holding gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income.
Revenue recognition	(h)	Revenue recognition:
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (iii) the Company’s price to the collaborator is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company generates revenue primarily through collaboration agreements.
	Under these collaboration agreements, the Company is eligible to receive non-refundable upfront payments, funding for research and development services, milestone payments, other contingent payments and royalties. In assessing the appropriate revenue recognition related to a collaboration agreement, the Company first determines whether an arrangement includes multiple elements, such as the delivery of intellectual property rights and research and development services. Revenues associated with multiple element arrangements are attributed to the various elements based on their relative fair values or are recognized as a single unit of accounting when relative fair values are not determinable.
	Upfront payments are recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are recognized as collaboration revenue over the estimated period of research performance that is consistent with the terms of the research and development obligations contained in the collaboration agreement. The Company periodically reviews the estimated period of performance based on the progress made under each arrangement.
	The Company recognizes funding related to full-time equivalent staffing funded through collaboration agreements as revenue on a gross basis as it performs or delivers such related services in accordance with the agreement terms, provided that it will receive payment for such services upon standard payment terms.
	The Company recognizes revenue contingent upon its achievement of a milestone in its entirety, in the period the milestone is achieved, only if the milestone meets certain criteria and is considered to be substantive.
	The Company makes judgments which affect the periods over which the Company recognized revenue, including modifying such periods based on any amendments to its collaboration agreements.
Research and development costs	(i)	Research and development costs:
	Research and development costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Clinical trial expenses	(j)	Development activity costs:
	Certain development activity costs, such as preclinical costs, manufacturing costs and clinical trial costs, are a component of research and development costs and include fees paid to contract research organizations, investigators and other vendors who conduct certain product development activities on behalf of the Company. The amount of expenses recognized in a period related to service agreements is based on estimates of the work performed using an accrual basis of accounting. These estimates are based on patient enrollment, services provided and goods delivered, contractual terms and experience with similar contracts. The Company monitors these factors and adjusts the estimates accordingly. Prepaid expenses or accrued liabilities are adjusted if payments to service providers differ from estimates of the amount of service completed in a given period.
Share-based compensation	(k)	Share-based compensation:
	The Company grants stock options to employees, directors and consultants pursuant to a stock option plan described in Note 11. Compensation expense is recorded for stock options issued to employees and non-employees using the fair value method with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital. Any consideration received on exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares is credited to share capital.
	Under the fair value based method, share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments issued, and the awards are periodically re-measured during the vesting period as the options are earned. Any changes therein are recognized over the period and in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash instead of paying with or using equity instruments. The fair value of stock-based awards to employees is measured at the grant date and amortized over the vesting period.
	Stock options issued to employees are recorded at the fair value of stock options determined at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and a single option award approach and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the options. In determining the expense, the Company deducts the number of options that are expected to be forfeited at the time of a grant and revises this estimate, if necessary, in subsequent years if actual forfeitures differ from those estimated. Any amounts paid by employees on exercise of the stock options and subsequent purchase of shares are credited to share capital.
Net income (loss) per share	(l)	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by adjusting net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to reallocate undistributed earnings based on the potential impact of dilutive securities. For periods in which the Company has reported net losses, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, since dilutive common shares are not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2014, outstanding stock options of 154,057 (December 31, 2013 – 42,592) were excluded from the calculation of net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. As the Company reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012, all stock options and subscription rights were anti-dilutive and were excluded from the diluted weighted average shares for that period.
	Prior to the Company’s IPO, net income (loss) per share was calculated under the two-class method as the Company had outstanding shares that met the definition of participating securities. The two-class method determines net income (loss) per share for each class of common and participating securities according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The two-class method requires income available to common shareholders for the period to be allocated between common and participating securities based upon their respective rights to receive dividends as if all income for the period had been distributed.
	Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company’s then-outstanding redeemable convertible preferred shares contractually entitled the holders of such shares to participate in dividends, but did not contractually require the holders of such shares to participate in losses of the Company. Accordingly, in periods in which the Company reported a net loss or a net loss attributable to common shareholders resulting from preferred share dividends or accretion, net losses were not allocated to participating securities. All of the outstanding redeemable convertible preferred shares converted to common shares upon the consummation of the Company’s IPO.
Foreign currency translation	(m)	Foreign currency translation:
	The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar and the Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company initially records foreign currency transactions using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the balance sheet date, results of operations and cash flows are translated into the functional currency at average exchange rates during the period, and monetary assets and liabilities are translated at end of period exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities and equity transactions are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities into Canadian dollars are included in the statement of operations as foreign exchange gain (loss).
	At the balance sheet date, results of operations and cash flows are translated into the U.S. dollar reporting currency at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at end of period exchange rates, except for equity transactions, which are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on translating functional currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars are accumulated as a separate component in other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) as cumulative translation adjustment.
Income taxes	(n)	Income taxes:
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is not more likely than not that all, or a portion of the net deferred tax assets will be realized.
Deferred tenant inducements	(o)	Deferred tenant inducements:
	Deferred tenant inducements, which include leasehold improvements paid for by the landlord and free rent, are recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet and recognized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Deferred financing fees	(p)	Deferred financing fees:
	Deferred financing fees, which primarily consist of direct incremental legal and accounting fees relating to the IPO, were capitalized. The deferred financing fees were offset against IPO proceeds upon consummation of the offering in November 2014. At December 31, 2013, $2,739 was capitalized and deferred. There were no remaining amounts deferred at December 31, 2014.
Comparative figures	(q)	Comparative figures:
	Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation adopted for the current year.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method based on the following rates:
	Asset	Rate
	Research equipment	5 years
	Office furniture and equipment	5 years
	Computer equipment	3 years
	Leasehold improvements	Over the lesser of lease term or estimated useful life
Revenue Recognized From Collaborations	The following table is a summary of the revenue recognized from the Company’s collaborations for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	uniQure:
	Milestone payment	$	14	$	531	$	198
	Teva:
	Recognition of upfront payment		12,255		13,143		927
	Research funding		333		630		—
	Genentech:
	Recognition of upfront payment		3,603		3,300		3,431
	Research funding		4,248		4,514		3,517
	Milestone payment		7,913		5,062		—
	Merck:
	Recognition of initial payment		—		—		1,060
	Option fee		—		—		2,060
	Research funding		—		—		2,442
	Genome BC:
	Research funding		—		172		665
	Total collaboration revenue	$	28,366	$	27,352	$	14,300
Collaboration Research And Development Revenue [Member]
Revenue Recognized From Collaborations	Collaborators whose collaboration research and development revenue accounted for 10% or more of total revenues were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Genentech	$	15,764	$	12,876	$	6,948
	Merck		—		—		5,562
	Teva		12,588		13,773		—

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Research equipment	$	6,815		$	6,356
	Office furniture and equipment		980			1,069
	Computer equipment		1,887			1,780
	Leasehold improvements		6,338			6,825
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(13,544	)		(14,151	)
	Total	$	2,476		$	1,879

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Trade payables	$	553	$	391
	Employee compensation, benefits, and related accruals		1,077		520
	Consulting and contracted research		774		412
	Professional fees		180		694
	Other		80		266
	Total	$	2,664	$	2,283

Deferred_Revenue_Tables

Deferred Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Deferred Revenue	The Company periodically reviews the estimated period of performance based on the progress made under each arrangement. The full amount as of December 31, 2014 of $11,779 is expected to be realized as revenue as follows:
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	11,622
	2016		157
	Deferred revenue	$	11,779

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr1

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Conversion of Preferred Shares into Common Shares	The conversion of preferred shares into common shares was as follows:
		Preferred Shares Outstanding		Conversion
				into Common
				Shares upon
				Initial Public
				Offering
	Series A		1,151,468		1,151,468
	Series B		994,885		994,885
	Series E		4,322,126		5,579,571
	Total		6,468,479		7,725,924

Stock_Option_Plans_Tables

Stock Option Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	Summary of stock option activity is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted Average Exercise						Weighted		Aggregate
		Options			Price						Average		Intrinsic
											Remaining Contractual		Value
											Life
					CAD $			U.S. $			In Years		U.S. $
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012		1,059,510			4.27			4.22			6.07
	Granted		150,102			3.64			3.64
	Forfeited  and expired		(81,175	)		5.24			5.24
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		1,128,437			4.13			4.17			5.81
	Granted		292,418			3.74			3.64
	Exercised		(8,329	)		6.07			5.88					37
	Forfeited  and expired		(79,427	)		4.9			4.76
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		1,333,099			3.98			3.88			5.8		8,300
	Granted		205,170			10.84			9.35
	Exercised		(2,417	)		6.07			5.23					23
	Forfeited  and expired		(51,634	)		5.96			5.14
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		1,484,218			4.88			4.2			5.7		15,551
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014		1,116,564			3.99			3.44			4.73		12,554
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding	The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding											Options exercisable
	Exercise Prices	Number of			Weighted			Weighted Average					Number of		Weighted Average
		Options			Average			Exercise Price					Options		Exercise Price
					Remaining
					Option Life
					(years)			CAD $			U.S. $				CAD $		U.S. $
	CAD $2.67		252,353			8.04			2.67			2.3		133,053		2.67		2.3
	CAD $3.74		878,149			4.74			3.74			3.22		851,569		3.74		3.22
	CAD$ 6.07		107,013			0.19			6.07			5.23		107,013		6.07		5.23
	CAD$ 9.76		42,592			8.59			9.76			8.41		15,085		9.76		8.41
	CAD$ 10.78		156,172			9.04			10.78			9.29		7,525		10.78		9.29
	CAD$ 11.22		6,273			9.59			11.22			9.67		—		—		—
	USD$ 9.00		36,008			9.85			10.44			9		—		—		—
	USD$ 12.65		5,658			9.9			14.68			12.65		2,319		14.68		12.65
			1,484,218			5.7			4.88			4.2		1,116,564		3.99		3.44
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
					CAD $			U.S. $
	Non-vested, January 1, 2014		388,230			3.79			3.54
	Granted		205,170			7.08			6.1
	Vested		(223,589	)		3.76			3.24
	Forfeited and cancelled		(2,157	)		3.88			3.35
	Non-vested, December 31, 2014		367,654			5.64			4.86
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of each option issued to employees and non-employees is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Years ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.94	%		1.03	%		1.14	%
	Average expected term (in years)		6.13			6.2			6.2
	Expected volatility		73	%		70	%		70	%
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
	Expected forfeiture rate		0	%		0	%		0	%
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	Stock-based compensation expense is classified in the statements of operations as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Research and development	$	194		$	147		$	112
	General and administrative		566			428			294
		$	760		$	575		$	406

Collaboration_Agreements_Table

Collaboration Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Revenue Recognized From Collaborations	The following table is a summary of the revenue recognized from the Company’s collaborations for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	uniQure:
	Milestone payment	$	14	$	531	$	198
	Teva:
	Recognition of upfront payment		12,255		13,143		927
	Research funding		333		630		—
	Genentech:
	Recognition of upfront payment		3,603		3,300		3,431
	Research funding		4,248		4,514		3,517
	Milestone payment		7,913		5,062		—
	Merck:
	Recognition of initial payment		—		—		1,060
	Option fee		—		—		2,060
	Research funding		—		—		2,442
	Genome BC:
	Research funding		—		172		665
	Total collaboration revenue	$	28,366	$	27,352	$	14,300

Commitment_and_Contingencies_T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum annual lease payments under existing operating lease commitments are as follows:
	Year ending December 31:
	2015		1,002
	2016		1,002
	2017		1,060
	2018		1,079
	2019		1,079
	2020 and thereafter		2,428
	Total	$	7,650

Income_taxes_Tables

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Recovery)	Income tax expense (recovery) varies from the amounts that would be computed by applying the expected Canadian and provincial statutory income tax rate of 26% (2013 – 25.75%, 2012- 25%) to loss before income taxes as shown in the following table:
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed taxes (recoveries) at Canadian federal and	$	3,385		$	3,098		$	(1,075	)
	provincial tax rates
	Change in valuation allowance		(2,364	)		(2,029	)		2,710
	Investment tax credits earned		(1,283	)		(529	)		(1,418	)
	Tax attributes expired/utilized		2,011			198			(356	)
	Financing fees in equity		(1,945	)		—			—
	Changes in tax rates		—			(1,019	)		—
	Non-deductible expenditures		(1,053	)		(374	)		107
	Other		1,249			655			32
	Income tax expense	$	—		$	—		$	—
Schedule of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	The significant components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Investment tax credits	$	20,108		$	19,833
	Scientific research and experimental development pool		19,648			18,592
	Deferred revenues		3,063			7,230
	Non-capital losses		1,390			2,755
	Property, plant and equipment		2,651			2,386
	Deferred financing fees		1,318			(176	)
	Other		858			780
	Less - valuation allowance		(49,036	)		(51,400	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—
Schedule of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
		2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1	$	6,350		$	6,350
	Increases related to current year positions		—			—
	Balance as of December 31	$	6,350		$	6,350

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of U.S. dollars except per share data). This information reflects all normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Net income per common share has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 1 for 4.86 reverse share split effected on October 1, 2014.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014			2014 (1)		2014
	Revenue	$	5,001	$	5,298		$	13,193	$	4,878
	Income from operations		1,032		1,378			8,661		35
	Net income attributable to common shareholders		—		—			3,595		1,224
	Basic net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	2.67	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	1.69	$	0.13
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2013			2013		2013
	Revenue	$	5,385	$	5,600		$	10,788	$	5,583
	Income (loss) from operations		1,944		(770	)		6,519		2,019
	Net income attributable to common shareholders		—		—			1,319		2,514
	Basic net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	0.99	$	1.87
	Diluted net income per common share	$	—	$	—		$	0.63	$	1.17
	(1) The financial data, including per share amounts, for all interim periods prior to and including the three month period
	ended September 30, 2014, do not reflect the IPO.

Nature_of_the_Business_Details

Nature of the Business (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split		On October 1, 2014, the Company effected a 1 for 4.86 reverse share split of its common and Series A, B and E redeemable convertible preferred shares. At the time of the consolidation, there were no outstanding Series C and D preferred shares and therefore such series were not included in the consolidation. Accordingly, (i) every 4.86 common shares were combined into one common share, (ii) every 4.86 redeemable Series A, B and E convertible preferred shares were combined into one redeemable convertible preferred share, (iii) the number of common shares into which each outstanding subscription right was exchangeable into common shares were proportionately decreased on a 1 for 4.86 basis, (iv) the number of common shares into which each outstanding option to purchase common shares was exercisable were proportionately decreased on a 1 for 4.86 basis, and (v) the exercise price for each such outstanding option to purchase common shares was proportionately increased on a 1 for 4.86 basis. All of the share numbers, share prices, and exercise prices in these financial statements have been adjusted, on a retroactive basis, to reflect this 1 for 4.86 reverse share split.
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding			0
Common shares, Outstanding		14,181,333	14,181,333	1,344,627
Converted from Convertible Preferred Shares [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Subscribed common stock issued			7,725,924
Converted from Subscription Rights [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Subscribed common stock issued			10,201
IPO [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares)			4,600,000
Share Price (in Dollars per share)			9
Common Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares)		5,095,000
Subscription rights converted into common shares			10,201
Common Stock [Member] | Private Placement [Member] | Genentech Affiliate [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares)			495,000
Share Price (in Dollars per share)			9
Common Stock [Member] | Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		1,151,468
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		994,885
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		4,322,126
Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		0
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 1 - Nature of the Business (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		0

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Research Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Office Furniture Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	Over the lesser of lease term or estimated useful life

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Existed	$0	$0
Stock option shares outstanding not included in the calculation of net income per common share	154,057	42,592
Deferred financing fees	$0	$2,739
Minimum [Member] | Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk [Member] | Collaboration Research And Development Revenue [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Collaborative Research And Development Revenue	10.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognized from Collaborations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	$28,366	$27,352	$14,300
Genentech [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	8,000	5,000	0
Genentech [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	15,764	12,876	6,948
Merck [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue			5,562
Teva [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	0
Teva [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	$12,588	$13,773

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	($13,544)	($14,151)
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,476	1,879
Research Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	6,815	6,356
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	980	1,069
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	1,887	1,780
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$6,338	$6,825

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Write-off of Leasehold Improvements			$1,030
Depreciation Expense	$738	$705	$786

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Trade payables	$553	$391
Employee compensation, benefits, and related accruals	1,077	520
Consulting and contracted research	774	412
Professional fees	180	694
Other	80	266
Total	$2,664	$2,283

Deferred_Revenue_Summary_of_De

Deferred Revenue - Summary of Deferred Revenue (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	$11,779

Deferred_Revenue_Details

Deferred Revenue - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$11,622
2016	157
Deferred revenue	$11,779

Note_Payable_Details

Note Payable (Details) (Isis [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2010
Isis [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible promissory note issued for payment of an upfront fee		$1,500
Convertible promissory note interest rate		5.00%
Repayment of promissory notes	$1,701

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr2

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Conversion Basis for Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares		Each Series A, Series B, and Series E preferred share were initially convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common shares on a 1:1 basis, subject to certain adjustments for share splits, consolidations, stock dividends, and, as applicable, following certain capital reorganizations or mergers or acquisitions with another company as well as certain adjustments based on whether any common shares were issued during certain specified time periods at a price per share which was lower than certain threshold amounts as set forth in the articles.
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86
Preferred Shares Outstanding				6,468,479
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding			0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion		Converted into common shares on a 1:1 basis
Preferred Shares Outstanding		0		1,151,468
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate		8.00%
Dividends Declared Prior to Conversion		0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		0		1,205,761
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		1,151,468
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion		Converted into common shares on a 1:1 basis
Preferred Shares Outstanding		0		994,885
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate		8.00%
Dividends Declared Prior to Conversion		0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		0		1,028,806
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		994,885
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio		1
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion		Converted into common shares on a 1: 1.2 basis
Preferred Shares Outstanding		0		4,322,126
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate		8.00%
Dividends Declared Prior to Conversion		0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		0		4,370,920
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		4,322,126
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		4,620
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		0
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		9,376
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		0		0

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr3

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares - Summary of Conversion of Preferred Shares into Common Shares (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Shares Outstanding	6,468,479
Series preferred shares conversion into common shares upon initial public offering	7,725,924
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Shares Outstanding	1,151,468	0
Series preferred shares conversion into common shares upon initial public offering	1,151,468
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Shares Outstanding	994,885	0
Series preferred shares conversion into common shares upon initial public offering	994,885
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Preferred Shares Outstanding	4,322,126	0
Series preferred shares conversion into common shares upon initial public offering	5,579,571

Stock_Option_Plans_Details

Stock Option Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)	Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan	Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan	Two Thousand Fourteen Plan	Two Thousand Fourteen Plan
						Maximum [Member]		Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Granted	205,170	205,170	292,418	150,102	0
Options exercise term						10 years		10 years
Options vesting period						4 years		4 years
Common stock reserved for issuance							411,522
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$6.10	7.08	$4.13	$2.28
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost	$1,580		$1,155	$633
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expected to be recognized over a period	2 years 6 months	2 years 6 months	2 years 6 months	2 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate fair value of options vested	$722		$374	$565

Stock_Option_Plans_Stock_Optio

Stock Option Plans - Stock Option Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,333,099	1,333,099	1,128,437	1,128,437	1,059,510	1,059,510
Number of Options, Granted	205,170	205,170	292,418	292,418	150,102	150,102
Number of Options, Exercised	-2,417	-2,417	-8,329	-8,329
Number of Options, Forfeited and expired	-51,634	-51,634	-79,427	-79,427	-81,175	-81,175
Number of Options Outstanding, Ending balance	1,484,218	1,484,218	1,333,099	1,333,099	1,128,437	1,128,437	1,059,510	1,059,510
Number of Options Exercisable, Ending balance	1,116,564	1,116,564
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning balance	$3.88	3.98	$4.17	4.13	$4.22	4.27
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$9.35	10.84	$3.64	3.74	$3.64	3.64
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$5.23	6.07	$5.88	6.07
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited and expired	$5.14	5.96	$4.76	4.9	$5.24	5.24
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending balance	$4.20	4.88	$3.88	3.98	$4.17	4.13	$4.22	4.27
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable Ending balance	$3.44	3.99
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years, Outstanding	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 22 days	5 years 9 months 22 days	6 years 26 days	6 years 26 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years, Exercisable	4 years 8 months 23 days	4 years 8 months 23 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	$23		$37
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Ending balance	15,551		8,300
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable, Ending balance	$12,554

Stock_Option_Plans_Summary_of_

Stock Option Plans - Summary of Stock Option Outstanding and Exercisable (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	CAD $2.67	CAD $2.67	CAD $3.74	CAD $3.74	CAD$ 6.07	CAD$ 6.07	CAD$ 9.76	CAD$ 9.76	CAD$ 10.78	CAD$ 10.78	CAD$ 11.22	CAD$ 11.22	USD$ 9.00	USD$ 9.00	USD$ 12.65	USD$ 12.65
									USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.20	4.88	$3.88	3.98	$4.17	4.13	$4.22	4.27	$2.30	2.67	$3.22	3.74	$5.23	6.07	$8.41	9.76	$9.29	10.78	$9.67	11.22	$9	10.44	$12.65	14.68
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.44	3.99							$2.30	2.67	$3.22	3.74	$5.23	6.07	$8.41	9.76	$9.29	10.78		11.22	$9		$12.65	14.68
Number of Options Outstanding	1,484,218	1,484,218	1,333,099	1,333,099	1,128,437	1,128,437	1,059,510	1,059,510	252,353	252,353	878,149	878,149	107,013	107,013	42,592	42,592	156,172	156,172	6,273	6,273	36,008	36,008	5,658	5,658
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Option Life in Years	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 22 days	5 years 9 months 22 days	6 years 26 days	6 years 26 days	8 years 15 days	8 years 15 days	4 years 8 months 27 days	4 years 8 months 27 days	2 months 9 days	2 months 9 days	8 years 7 months 2 days	8 years 7 months 2 days	9 years 15 days	9 years 15 days	9 years 7 months 2 days	9 years 7 months 2 days	9 years 10 months 6 days	9 years 10 months 6 days	9 years 10 months 24 days	9 years 10 months 24 days
Number of Options Exercisable	1,116,564	1,116,564							133,053	133,053	851,569	851,569	107,013	107,013	15,085	15,085	7,525	7,525					2,319	2,319

Stock_Option_Plans_Summary_of_1

Stock Option Plans - Summary of Non-Vested Stock Option Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Number Of Shares Roll Forward
Number of Options, Non-vested, Beginning balance	388,230	388,230
Number of Options, Granted	205,170	205,170	292,418	150,102
Number of Options, Vested	-223,589	-223,589
Number of Options, Forfeited and cancelled	-2,157	-2,157
Number of Options, Non-vested, Ending balance	367,654	367,654
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, Beginning balance	$3.54	3.79
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$6.10	7.08	$4.13	$2.28
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$3.24	3.76
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited and cancelled	$3.35	3.88
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, Ending balance	$4.86	5.64

Stock_Option_Plans_Fair_Value_

Stock Option Plans - Fair Value Assumptions for Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assumptions For Stock Options [Abstract]
Average risk-free interest rate	1.94%	1.03%	1.14%
Average expected term (in years)	6 years 1 month 17 days	6 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Expected volatility	73.00%	70.00%	70.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected forfeiture rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stock_Option_Plans_Stock_Based

Stock Option Plans - Stock Based Compensation Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$760	$575	$406
Research and development [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	194	147	112
General and administrative [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$566	$428	$294

Foreign_Exchange_Gain_Loss_Det

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Interest Rate Risk [Member]	Interest Rate Risk [Member]	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk [Member]	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk [Member]	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk [Member]	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk [Member]
					USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD
Foreign Exchange Gain Loss [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$72,026	$37,950	$60,162	$13,928	$72,026	$37,950	$46,531		$6,365
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities								43,516		45,641
Marketable securities	12,015	11,326			12,015	11,326
Outstanding debt					$0

Collaboration_Agreements_Detai

Collaboration Agreements (Details)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2009

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Feb. 28, 2010

Jun. 30, 2009

Jun. 30, 2009

Nov. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Sales Based Milestone

Milestone Payment [Member]

Milestone Payment [Member]

Milestone Payment [Member]

Milestone Payment [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Teva [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech [Member]

Genentech Affiliate [Member]

Isis [Member]

Isis [Member]

Isis [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Merck [Member]

Genome BC [Member]

Genome BC [Member]

Genome BC [Member]

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

CAD

Glybera [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Clinical Milestone

Regulatory Milestone

Sales Based Milestone

TV-45070 [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Regulatory Milestone

Sales Based Milestone

Preclinical And Clinical Milestone

GDC-0276 [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Regulatory Milestone

Preclinical And Clinical Milestone

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Collaboration Agreements (Details) [Line Items]

Proceeds from milestone payments

0

547

198

$41,000

$2,000

$1,000

$1,000

Potential Milestone Payments Receivable

1,000

335,000

20,000

285,000

30,000

2,000

621,000

387,500

180,000

53,500

5,000

43,000

21,000

Collaboration revenue

28,366

27,352

14,300

0

0

8,000

5,000

0

Co-Promotion Interest

20.00%

30.00%

Notice Period for Termination of Agreement

60 days

3 months

90 days

Notice period for termination in the event of a material breach under the agreement

90 days

90 days

60 days

90 days

Proceeds from upfront fee

1,500

10,000

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

4,455

Notes Receivable for upfront fee

1,500

Research and development

11,768

12,303

10,455

2,000

Sharing in Development Cost

50.00%

Potential increase in milestone payments receivable due to co-funding option

$86,500

Research Funding Arrangement, Rights and Obligations

The number of shares to which Genome BC was entitled under each quarter’s subscription rights were proportional to their funding amount paid to the Company for that quarter, calculated by: the quotient of (a) one-half of the Genome BC funding amount to the Company for that quarter divided by (b) the greatest of: (i) CAD$51.71; (ii) the converted U.S. dollar share price; and (iii) the most recent issue price of the Company’s common shares. The subscription rights were automatically exchangeable into common shares of the Company on a 1:1 basis on a date three years after the subscription rights were issued without additional cash consideration being paid by Genome BC.

Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares)

10,201

Common Stock, Shares Subscribed but Unissued

0

13,364

Collaboration_Agreements_Reven

Collaboration Agreements - Revenue Recognized from Collaborations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	$28,366	$27,352	$14,300
UniQure [Member] | Milestone Payment [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	14	531	198
Teva [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	0
Teva [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	12,588	13,773
Teva [Member] | Recognition of Upfront Payment [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	12,255	13,143	927
Teva [Member] | Research Funding [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	333	630
Genentech [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	8,000	5,000	0
Genentech [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	15,764	12,876	6,948
Genentech [Member] | Milestone Payment [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	7,913	5,062
Genentech [Member] | Recognition of Upfront Payment [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	3,603	3,300	3,431
Genentech [Member] | Research Funding [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue	4,248	4,514	3,517
Merck [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue			5,562
Merck [Member] | Research Funding [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue			2,442
Merck [Member] | Recognition of initial payment [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue			1,060
Merck [Member] | Option fee [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue			2,060
Genome BC [Member] | Research Funding [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Collaboration revenue		$172	$665

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease Agreement Description	for a 120-month term from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2022,
Lease Expiration Date	31-Mar-22
Amended Operating Leases Term	120 months
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$915	$962	$1,017

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$1,002
2016	1,002
2017	1,060
2018	1,079
2019	1,079
2020 and thereafter	2,428
Total	$7,650

Income_taxes_Details

Income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense (recovery)	26.00%	25.75%	25.00%
Unclaimed Tax Deductions Related To Scientific Research And Experimental Development Expenditures	$75,571	$71,508
Non-capital losses carried forward for tax purposes	5,347	10,596
Tax Credit Carry forward, Expiration Date	31-Dec-34
Tax Credit Carry forward, Amount	6,350	6,350	6,350
Canada Revenue Agency | Latest Tax Year
Income taxes [Line Items]
Tax year open for income tax examination	2002
Canada Revenue Agency | Earliest Tax Year
Income taxes [Line Items]
Tax year open for income tax examination	2013
Investment Tax credit [Member]
Income taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit available to offset federal taxes payable	17,942	17,068
Provincial Tax Credit [Member]
Income taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit available to offset federal taxes payable	$6,891	$7,203

Income_taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income taxes - Income Tax Expense (Recovery) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed taxes (recoveries) at Canadian federal and provincial tax rates	$3,385	$3,098	($1,075)
Change in valuation allowance	-2,364	-2,029	2,710
Investment tax credits earned	-1,283	-529	-1,418
Tax attributes expired/utilized	2,011	198	-356
Financing fees in equity	-1,945
Changes in tax rates		-1,019
Non-deductible expenditures	-1,053	-374	107
Other	1,249	655	32
Income tax expense	$0	$0	$0

Income_taxes_Net_Deferred_Inco

Income taxes - Net Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets
Investment tax credits	$20,108	$19,833
Scientific research and experimental development pool	19,648	18,592
Deferred revenues	3,063	7,230
Non-capital losses	1,390	2,755
Property, plant and equipment	2,651	2,386
Deferred financing fees	1,318	-176
Other	858	780
Less - valuation allowance	49,036	51,400
Net deferred income tax assets	$0	$0

Income_taxes_Summary_of_Activi

Income taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance as of January 1	$6,350	$6,350	$6,350
Balance as of December 31	$6,350	$6,350	$6,350

Related_Parties_Details

Related Parties (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 01, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Genworks [Member]

Medpace [Member]

Medpace [Member]

Medpace [Member]

CAD

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Consulting fees

$0

$307

Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options (in Shares)

2,417

2,417

8,329

8,329

30,864

10,288

Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised

$5.23

6.07

$5.88

6.07

2.67

3.74

Payments for Fees

600

Fees and bonuses payable to related party

0

Accrued amount relating to service provided

0

0

0

0

Paid for research conducted

$0

$151

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	4.86

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D3

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Unaudited - Quarterly Financial Information for Interim Periods Subsequent to IPO Closing (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$4,878	$13,193	[1]	$5,298	$5,001	$5,583	$10,788	$5,600	$5,385	$28,370	$27,356	$14,308
Income from operations	35	8,661	[1]	1,378	1,032	2,019	6,519	-770	1,944	11,106	9,712	-3,153
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$1,224	$3,595	[1]			$2,514	$1,319			$13,018	$3,833	($4,301)
Basic net income per common share	$0.14	$2.67	[1]			$1.87	$0.99			$4.11	$2.87	($3.24)
Diluted net income per common share	$0.13	$1.69	[1]			$1.17	$0.63			$3.28	$1.91	($3.24)
[1]	(1) The financial data, including per share amounts, for all interim periods prior to and including the three month period ended September 30, 2014, do not reflect the IPO.