Enlivex Therapeutics (ENLV) 20-F 23 Apr 18 2017 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	Bioblast Pharma Ltd.
Entity Central Index Key	1,596,812
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	ORPN
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,342,393

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,526	$ 6,871
Short-term bank deposits	0	3,007
Receivables and prepaid expenses	96	663
Total current assets	3,622	10,541
LONG TERM ASSETS:
Long-term assets	0	18
Property and equipment, net	0	71
Total long-term assets	0	89
Total Assets	3,622	10,630
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade payables	19	700
Other accounts payable	441	1,231
Total current liabilities	460	1,931
Shareholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.05 par value - 10,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and 2016; 3,342,393 issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2017 and 3,278,487 issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2016, respectively	45	45
Additional paid-in capital	48,871	48,463
Accumulated deficit	(45,754)	(39,809)
Total shareholders’ equity	3,162	8,699	[1]
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 3,622	$ 10,630
[1]	All references to ordinary shares amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1:5 reverse shares Split, which was approved after balance sheet date, as if it had taken place as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - ₪ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, par or stated value per share (in dollars per share)	₪ 0.05	₪ 0.05
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	3,342,393	3,278,487
Common stock, shares, outstanding	3,342,393	3,278,487

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Research and development	$ 2,517	$ 8,881	$ 7,694
Pre commercialization	479	1,085	829
General and administrative	2,959	5,900	6,953
Total operating expenses	5,955	15,866	15,476
Loss from operations	(5,955)	(15,866)	(15,476)
Financial income, net	38	60	135
Loss before taxes on income	(5,917)	(15,806)	(15,341)
Taxes on income	(28)	(216)	(24)
Net loss	$ (5,945)	$ (16,022)	$ (15,365)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (1.79)	$ (5.03)	$ (5.4)
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	3,313,635	3,188,433	2,846,096

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total		Common Stock [Member]		Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Accumulated deficit [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	$ 30,674		$ 39		$ 39,057		$ (8,422)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	[1]			2,846,229
Share based compensation		2,623		$ 0		2,623		0
Net loss		(15,365)		0		0		(15,365)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	[1]	17,932		$ 39		41,680		(23,787)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	[1]			2,846,229
Issuance of Ordinary shares and warrants, net	[1]	6,089		$ 6		6,083		0
Issuance of Ordinary shares and warrants, net (in shares)	[1]			432,258
Share based compensation		700		$ 0		700		0
Net loss		(16,022)		0		0		(16,022)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	8,699		$ 45		48,463		(39,809)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	[1]			3,278,487
Exercise of stock options		0	[2]		[2]		[2]	0	[1]
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	[1]			63,906
Share based compensation		408		$ 0		408		0
Net loss		(5,945)		0		0		(5,945)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 3,162		$ 45		$ 48,871		$ (45,754)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017				3,342,393
[1]	All references to ordinary shares amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1:5 reverse shares Split, which was approved after balance sheet date, as if it had taken place as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.
[2]	Represents an amount lower than $1.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Reverse Stock Split	All references to ordinary shares amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1:5 reverse shares Split, which was approved after balance sheet date, as if it had taken place as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (5,945)		$ (16,022)	$ (15,365)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	64		38	17
Share-based compensation, net	408		700	2,623
Interest on short-term deposit	7		39	(18)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables and prepaid expenses	567		399	(786)
Decrease (increase) in long-term deposit	18		13	(24)
Increase (decrease) in trade payables	(681)		(712)	127
Increase (decrease) in other accounts payable	(790)		129	107
Increase (decrease) in accrued severance pay	0		(70)	70
Net cash used in operating activities	(6,352)		(15,486)	(13,249)
Cash flow from investing activities:
Change in short term bank deposits	3,000		9,000	10,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	9		0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	(2)		(18)	(48)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,007		8,982	9,952
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of options		[1]	0	0
Issuance of shares, net	0		6,089	0
Net cash provided by financing activities		[1]	6,089	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,345)		(415)	(3,297)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	6,871		7,286	10,583
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	3,526		6,871	7,286
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes	32		210	4
Cash received for interest	$ 43		$ 120	$ 162
[1]	Represents an amount lower than $1.

Nature of business

Nature of business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Nature of business Bioblast Pharma Ltd. (the “Parent”) was incorporated in Israel and commenced its operations on January 22, 2012. In January 2015, Bioblast Pharma Inc. was established in the state of Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). The Parent and the Subsidiary (together the “Company”) are a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing clinically meaningful therapies for patients with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. The Company focuses on trehalose, a therapeutic platform that potentially offers solutions for several diseases that share a common pathophysiological mechanism, which are the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease. The Company focuses on diseases with severe and debilitating manifestations, where the unmet medical need is clear, the biological mechanism of action is understood, and for which there is no satisfactory treatment. Since inception in 2012, the Company has been engaged in the development of potential treatments using trehalose for two diseases, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (“OPMD”) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3; Machado Joseph disease). The Company’s ordinary shares (“Ordinary shares”) are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company is currently developing trehalose, which is the only product candidate that it currently pursues. There can be no assurance that the Company’s research and development activities with respect to trehalose will be successfully completed, that adequate protection for the Company’s intellectual property will be obtained, that trehalose or any other future products the Company may developed will obtain required regulatory approval or that any approved products will be commercially viable. Even if the Company’s development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will generate significant product sales. The Company operates in an environment of rapid technological change and substantial competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. On August 4, 2017, the Company announced a plan to devote all of its resources to exploring merger opportunities and selecting potential development and commercial partners for its trehalose therapeutic platform. Accordingly the number of employees was reduced to three, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, all of whom are assisting JSB-Partners, LP, which is the Company’s exclusive advisor to find a third party for partnership or merger opportunities. In addition, a comprehensive review of operations identified expenses that have been eliminated or cut back across-the-board. Effective as of August 31, 2017, as part of the continuing effort to reduce expenditures, the Company announced that Colin Foster and Ralf Rosskamp, MD, submitted their resignations as members of the Board of Directors and that the Company’s Chief Financial Officer transitioned to a part-time basis through November 30, 2017, after which his employment was terminated. In addition, the Company decided to terminate its current leases and to write off its fixed assets (see Note 4). The Company has not generated revenue from the sale of any product and does not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until it obtains marketing approval, and successfully commercializes its products. Since its inception, the Company has financed its operations through the issuance of preferred shares, its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and a subsequent registered direct offering. The Company recorded a net loss of $ 5,945 45,754 3,526 The Company’s ability to continue to operate is dependent upon its ability to raise additional financing or to execute its plan for merger opportunities and selecting potential development and commercial partners for its trehalose therapeutic platform . These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements as of December 31, 2017, do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Summary of significant accounting policies The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”) and are stated in U.S. dollars. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of continuity of operations, realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The actual results may ultimately differ from these aforementioned estimates and assumptions. The Company’s management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable and based upon information available at the time they were made. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bioblast Pharma Ltd. and its Subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company finances its operation primarily in U.S. dollars, and a significant part of the Company’s expenses are denominated and determined in U.S. dollars. The Company’s management believes that the U.S dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates and expects to continue to operate in the foreseeable future. Thus, the functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Parent and the Subsidiary’s transactions and balances denominated in U.S. dollars are presented at their original amounts. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been remeasured to U.S. dollars in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). All transaction gains and losses from remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statements of operations as financial income or expenses, as appropriate. All highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash, are not restricted to withdrawal or use, and of which included a period to maturity that did not exceed three months at time of deposit, are considered cash equivalents. Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year. Short–term bank deposits are presented at their amortized cost, including accrued interest, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s bank deposits were in U.S. dollars and bore interest at a rate of 1.25 Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits are invested in major banks in Israel and the United States. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore bear minimal risk. The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company has no financial instruments that are measured at fair value. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits, receivables and prepaid expenses, trade payables and other accounts payable, approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of such instruments. Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. % Computers and software 33 Electronic equipment 15 Office furniture and equipment 6 Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease period Long-term assets include long-term deposits related to motor vehicles under operating leases, presented at their cost and deposits to secure credit line for the Company’s employee’s credit cards. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, long-term assets also include deferred tax assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In 2017 the Company decided to terminate its current leases and to write down its fixed assets (see Note 4). In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and other claims and assessments. The Company assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company records charges for the losses it anticipates incurring in connection with litigation and claims against it when it concludes a Warrants to purchase Ordinary shares issued in connection with an offering of Ordinary shares are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity because they are free standing financial instruments that are legally detachable, separately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its own shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of Ordinary shares upon exercise. In addition, the Ordinary shares warrants require physical settlement and do not provide any guarantee of value or return. Ordinary shares warrants are initially recorded at their relative fair value and are not subsequently remeasured. The Company applies ASC 718 and ASC 505-50 “Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”) with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employee consultants. The Company accounts for all share-based compensation granted to employees and non-employees using a fair value method. Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date fair value of employees’ and directors’ Ordinary share option grants and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, usually the vesting period, on the graded vesting attribution method. The expenses are adjusted for actual forfeitures on a quarterly basis. Share-based compensation awards to non-employees are subject to revaluation over their vesting terms. For modification of share compensation awards, the Company records the incremental fair value of the modified award as share-based compensation on the date of modification for vested awards or over the remaining vesting period for unvested awards. The incremental compensation is the excess of the fair value of the modified award on the date of modification over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. The Company recognizes, as expense, the estimated fair value of all share-based payments to employees which is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the graded vesting attribution approach over the vesting period of the award. In periods that the Company grants Ordinary share options, fair value assumptions are based on volatility, interest, dividend yield, and expected term over which the Ordinary share options will be outstanding. The computation of expected volatility is based on an average historical share price volatility based on an analysis of reported data for a peer group of comparable publicly traded companies, which were selected based upon industry similarities. The interest rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury risk-free interest rate in effect at the time of grant. The expected lives of the options were estimated using the simplified method. The consolidated financial statements reflect provisions for Israeli, U.S. federal and state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent future tax consequences of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and for loss carryforwards using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will be sustained, none of the benefit attributable to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized for any tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its tax expenses. The Company computes basic loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders by dividing net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary share outstanding for the period. The Company computes diluted loss per Ordinary share after giving consideration to all potentially dilutive Ordinary shares, including Ordinary share options and warrants outstanding during the period except where the effect of such non-participating securities would be antidilutive. Since the Company reported net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders are the same as basic net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders for those periods. All Ordinary share warrants and Ordinary share options have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because such securities would have an antidilutive impact due to net losses reported for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 related to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance will require all implications on income tax caused by awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It will allow an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. It also will allow an employer to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to adopt ASU 2016-09 in 2016. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 was issued to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance provided in Topic 718 to a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The amendments provided in ASU 2017-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including its adoption in any interim period. The amendments provided in ASU 2017-09 should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Receivables and prepaid expense

Receivables and prepaid expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses [Abstract]
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Receivables and prepaid expenses December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Government authorities $ 28 $ 52 Prepaid expenses 68 611 $ 96 $ 663

Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Property and equipment, net December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Cost: Computers and software $ - $ 50 Electronic equipment - 20 Office furniture and equipment - 39 Leasehold improvements - 2 $ - $ 111 Accumulated depreciation: - 40 Depreciated cost $ - $ 71 Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $ 12 25 17 The Company terminated its lease facilities, include the workforce and accordingly write off its property and equipment in the amount 52

Other accounts payable

Other accounts payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Other accounts payable December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Employees and payroll accruals $ 38 $ 677 Accrued expenses 403 554 $ 441 $ 1,231

License agreements

License agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
License Agreement Disclosure [Text Block]	6. License agreements The Company entered into a research and exclusive license agreement with Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem Ltd. (“Yissum”), for the use, development and commercialization of TAT-MTS-Protein for protein replacement in mitochondrial diseases. The consideration to Yissum was composed of a tiered low single digit royalty on net sales and a sublicense fee that will not exceed twenty (20) percent of the sublicense consideration, however, if the sublicense arises from the sales of a product, the sublicense fee shall not be less than a low single digit percent of the gross sales of such product. On September 30, 2016, the Company terminated the license agreement with Yissum and surrendered all rights and titles to the licensed product and related data. The Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd. (“Ramot”) for the use, development and commercialization of a read-through platform. The consideration to Ramot was composed of a tiered low single digit royalty on net sales and a sublicense fee that in the single digit percent range of payments or other consideration that the Company receives in connection with a sublicense. On November 29, 2016, the Company executed a mutual termination agreement with Ramot pursuant to which it surrendered all rights and titles to the platform and related data. In addition, pursuant to the mutual termination agreement and under certain conditions the Company may be entitled to future royalty payments.

Commitments and contingent liab

Commitments and contingent liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and contingent liabilities The Parent entered into an operating lease agreement for its facilities in Israel until June 2020, while maintaining the right to terminate the lease agreement under certain conditions during its term. To secure its obligation under the lease agreement, the Parent provided bank guarantees in the amount of $ 26 65 100 104 16 bank guarantee was canceled The Subsidiary entered into short-term operating lease agreements for office facilities in New Haven, CT and in Doylestown, PA. The combined lease expenses for those facilities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $ 80 36 The Parent entered into an operating lease agreement for certain vehicles provided to its employees until 2019. To secure its obligation under the lease agreement, the Parent provided a cash deposit in the total amount of $ 3 47 46 43 In May 2017, the Company engaged JSB-Partners, LP, which is the Company’s exclusive advisor for identifying a third party for partnership or merger opportunities. The Company has agreed to pay a monthly retainer fee (during the term of the agreement). During 2017, the Company paid $ 160

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Ordinary shares On March 22, 2016, the Company completed a registered direct offering of 432,258 15.50 6,089 On September 18, 2017 the shareholders of the Company approved a reverse split of the Company’s share capital at a ratio of five to one 0.01 0.05

Warrants

Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Warrants Shares of Ordinary Shares Underlying Exercise Price Issuance Expiration Issued in connection with: Warrants Per Share Date Date Registered direct offering of Ordinary shares 216,129 $ 22.50 March 22, 2016 September 22, 2021 Total 216,129 The Ordinary shares warrants are exercisable at any time following September 22, 2016 and through their expiration dates

Share option plans

Share option plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Share option plans In December 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Incentive Option Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which provided for the grant of incentive Ordinary share options and nonqualified Ordinary share options to employees, directors, and non-employees of the Company. As of December 31, 2017, the 2013 Plan 669,194 10 331,841 Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate - 1.2%-2.1% 1.3% -1.9% Expected option term (years) - 5.0-7.0 5.1-7.0 Expected price volatility - 79.3%-90.6% 70.4%-83.7% Dividend yield - 0% 0% Weighted- Average Weighted- Remaining Aggregate Number of Average Contractual Intrinsic Stock Options Exercise Price Term (Years) Value Outstanding, January 1, 2017 530,356 $ 17.05 7.63 $ 419,840 Exercised (63,906) *) - Forfeited/Expired (193,005) $ 29.30 - - Outstanding, December 31, 2017 273,445 $ 12.40 7.63 $ 38,079 Exercisable, December 31, 2017 256,099 $ 17.67 6.07 $ 38,079 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 273,445 $ 12.40 7.63 $ 38,079 The weighted-average grant date per-share fair value of Ordinary shares options granted 2016 and 2015 were $ 12.40 1.56 4.16 424 0.93 December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Research and development expenses $ 198 $ 531 $ 381 Pre-commercialization expenses (11) (147) 159 General and administrative expenses 221 316 2,083 $ 408 $ 700 $ 2,623 During 2016, and primarily as result of the workforce reductions discussed in Note 13, 1,110,137 1,424 130 287 1,007 During 2017, and primarily as a result of the workforce reductions discussed in Note 13, 193,004 144 107 11 26 During 2017 and 2016, the Company modified the terms of certain outstanding Ordinary shares options by extending exercisability of the options through the first anniversary of termination of employment. In addition, during 2015, the Company modified terms of certain outstanding Ordinary shares options by (a) extending exercisability of the options through the first anniversary of termination of employment, and (b) accelerating the vesting of Ordinary shares options upon termination of employment. The incremental compensation expense, resulting from comparing the fair value of Ordinary shares options immediately before and immediately after the modifications, for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $ 46

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income taxes December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Domestic (Israel) $ 5,582 $ 15,765 $ 13,388 Foreign (U.S.) 335 41 1,953 $ 5,917 $ 15,806 $ 15,341 December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Current Provision for income taxes: Domestic (Israel) $ - $ 5 $ - Foreign (U.S.) 39 166 24 Total current provision for income taxes $ 39 $ 171 $ 24 Previous years adjustments – foreign (16) 50 - Deferred tax benefit – foreign 5 (5) - Total provision for income tax $ 28 $ 216 $ 24 The main reconciling item between the statutory tax rate of the Company and the effective tax rate are its losses in Israel, amounting to $ 5,582 15,765 13,338 The Parent is taxed under the Israeli tax law at the corporate tax rate of 24 25 26.5 23 The Subsidiary is taxed under U.S. tax law. The federal corporate tax rate (progressive) is up to 24 Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Operating loss roll forward $ 8,459 $ 5,685 Reserves and allowances 1,018 1,956 Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance 9,477 7,641 Valuation allowance (9,477) (7,636) $ - $ 5 When realization of a deferred tax asset is more likely than not to occur, the benefit related to the deductible temporary differences attributable to operations is recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. The Company cannot be certain that future Israeli taxable income will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets. Accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been provided against its Israeli net deferred tax assets. The Company continues to monitor the need for a valuation allowance based on the profitability of its future operations. Both the Parent and the Subsidiary have yet to receive a final tax assessment in accordance with Israeli tax law . The Parent has accumulated losses for tax purposes as of December 31, 2017, in the amount of $ 36,778 The Company files income tax returns in Israel, in the United States and in various U.S. states. The associated tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. In Israel and the United States all tax years since inception remain subject to examination by the applicable taxing authorities as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the Company provided a liability of $ 24 U.S. Tax Reform The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) was approved by the U.S. Congress on December 20, 2017 and signed into law by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on December 22, 2017. This legislation makes complex and significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Such changes include a reduction in the corporate tax rate and limitations on certain corporate deductions and credits, among other changes. The Tax Reform will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Related party transactions In July 2013, the Company entered into a two-year services agreement with one of its shareholders (“Shareholder A”), to render consulting services in consideration for a monthly fee of $ 1 25 30 30,000 8.10 During December 2015, the Company paid for administration support services provided during 2015 a $ 15 1 In August 2013, the Company entered in to a consulting agreement with an entity owned by one of its shareholders (“Shareholder B”), who was also a co-founder of the Company and a member of the Board. Pursuant to the agreement, Shareholder B was appointed as the Company’s chief financial officer in consideration for a monthly fee of $ 6 15 80 70 In August 2013, the Company entered in to a consulting agreement with an entity owned by one of its shareholders (“Shareholder C”), who was also a co-founder of the Company and a member of the Board. Pursuant to the agreement, Shareholder C was appointed as the Company’s chief executive officer in consideration for a monthly fee of $ 15 19 90 250 28 engaged with Shareholder C Shareholder C Shareholder C 50 Balances with related parties: December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Other accounts payables $ 50 $ 1 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Research and development expense $ - $ 318 $ 312 General and administrative expense $ 79 $ 207 $ 196

Employee benefits plan

Employee benefits plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	13. Employee benefits plan Pursuant to the Israeli Severance Pay Law 1963 (the “Israeli Severance Pay Law”), Israeli employees are entitled to severance pay equal to one month’s salary for each year of employment, or a portion thereof. The Israeli employees of the Company. agreed to the terms set forth under Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law, according to which amounts deposited in severance pay funds by the Company shall be the only severance payments released to the employee upon termination of employment, voluntarily or involuntarily. As a result, no assets or liabilities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as the Company is legally released from the obligation to employees once the deposit amount has been paid. Such payments are recorded as severance expenses. The severance expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $ 36 65 131 Since 2015, the Company’s U.S. operations maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 100 4 14 42 11 Since 2015, the Company’s U.S. operations maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 100% of each participant’s contributions up to 4%. Contributions to the U.S. Plan are recorded during the year contributed as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Total employer 401(k) contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $14, $42, $11, respectively. In June 2016, following a decision to downsize the Company and focus on one product platform, the Subsidiary terminated the employment agreements of certain employees. These employees were entitled to payments upon their involuntary termination. The employee termination process was completed by the end of 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Subsidiary paid a total of $ 1,907 145 1,762 19 In July 2017, following a decision to downsize the Company activities, the Subsidiary terminated the employment agreements of certain employees. One employee was entitled to payments upon her involuntary termination. The employee termination process was completed by July 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Subsidiary paid a total of $ 53

Financial income, net

Financial income, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Financial income, net Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Interest income $ 39 $ 90 $ 186 Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net 4 (22) (39) Other expenses (5) (8) (12) Total $ 38 $ 60 $ 135

Summary of significant accoun22

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”) and are stated in U.S. dollars. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of continuity of operations, realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The actual results may ultimately differ from these aforementioned estimates and assumptions. The Company’s management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable and based upon information available at the time they were made.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bioblast Pharma Ltd. and its Subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Financial Statements Disclosure [Policy Text Block]	Financial statements in U.S. dollars The Company finances its operation primarily in U.S. dollars, and a significant part of the Company’s expenses are denominated and determined in U.S. dollars. The Company’s management believes that the U.S dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates and expects to continue to operate in the foreseeable future. Thus, the functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Parent and the Subsidiary’s transactions and balances denominated in U.S. dollars are presented at their original amounts. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been remeasured to U.S. dollars in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). All transaction gains and losses from remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statements of operations as financial income or expenses, as appropriate.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash equivalents All highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash, are not restricted to withdrawal or use, and of which included a period to maturity that did not exceed three months at time of deposit, are considered cash equivalents.
Short Term Bank Deposits [Policy Text Block]	Short-term bank deposits Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year. Short–term bank deposits are presented at their amortized cost, including accrued interest, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s bank deposits were in U.S. dollars and bore interest at a rate of 1.25
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment information Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits are invested in major banks in Israel and the United States. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore bear minimal risk. The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair value of financial instruments The Company has no financial instruments that are measured at fair value. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits, receivables and prepaid expenses, trade payables and other accounts payable, approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of such instruments.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. % Computers and software 33 Electronic equipment 15 Office furniture and equipment 6 Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease period
Other Long Term Assets [Policy Text Block]	Long-term assets Long-term assets include long-term deposits related to motor vehicles under operating leases, presented at their cost and deposits to secure credit line for the Company’s employee’s credit cards. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, long-term assets also include deferred tax assets.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of long-lived assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In 2017 the Company decided to terminate its current leases and to write down its fixed assets (see Note 4).
Contingent Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and other claims and assessments. The Company assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company records charges for the losses it anticipates incurring in connection with litigation and claims against it when it concludes a
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Warrants to purchase Ordinary shares issued in connection with an offering of Ordinary shares are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity because they are free standing financial instruments that are legally detachable, separately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its own shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of Ordinary shares upon exercise. In addition, the Ordinary shares warrants require physical settlement and do not provide any guarantee of value or return. Ordinary shares warrants are initially recorded at their relative fair value and are not subsequently remeasured.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company applies ASC 718 and ASC 505-50 “Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”) with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employee consultants. The Company accounts for all share-based compensation granted to employees and non-employees using a fair value method. Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date fair value of employees’ and directors’ Ordinary share option grants and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, usually the vesting period, on the graded vesting attribution method. The expenses are adjusted for actual forfeitures on a quarterly basis. Share-based compensation awards to non-employees are subject to revaluation over their vesting terms. For modification of share compensation awards, the Company records the incremental fair value of the modified award as share-based compensation on the date of modification for vested awards or over the remaining vesting period for unvested awards. The incremental compensation is the excess of the fair value of the modified award on the date of modification over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. The Company recognizes, as expense, the estimated fair value of all share-based payments to employees which is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the graded vesting attribution approach over the vesting period of the award. In periods that the Company grants Ordinary share options, fair value assumptions are based on volatility, interest, dividend yield, and expected term over which the Ordinary share options will be outstanding. The computation of expected volatility is based on an average historical share price volatility based on an analysis of reported data for a peer group of comparable publicly traded companies, which were selected based upon industry similarities. The interest rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury risk-free interest rate in effect at the time of grant. The expected lives of the options were estimated using the simplified method.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income taxes The consolidated financial statements reflect provisions for Israeli, U.S. federal and state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent future tax consequences of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and for loss carryforwards using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will be sustained, none of the benefit attributable to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized for any tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its tax expenses.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basic and diluted loss per share The Company computes basic loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders by dividing net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary share outstanding for the period. The Company computes diluted loss per Ordinary share after giving consideration to all potentially dilutive Ordinary shares, including Ordinary share options and warrants outstanding during the period except where the effect of such non-participating securities would be antidilutive. Since the Company reported net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders are the same as basic net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders for those periods. All Ordinary share warrants and Ordinary share options have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because such securities would have an antidilutive impact due to net losses reported for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Adoption of New Standards [Policy Text Block]	Adoption of new standards In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 related to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance will require all implications on income tax caused by awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It will allow an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. It also will allow an employer to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to adopt ASU 2016-09 in 2016. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 was issued to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance provided in Topic 718 to a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The amendments provided in ASU 2017-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including its adoption in any interim period. The amendments provided in ASU 2017-09 should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary of significant accoun23

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives, Depreciation Rates [Table Text Block]	% Computers and software 33 Electronic equipment 15 Office furniture and equipment 6

Receivables and prepaid expen24

Receivables and prepaid expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses [Abstract]
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses Disclosure [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Government authorities $ 28 $ 52 Prepaid expenses 68 611 $ 96 $ 663

Property and equipment, net (Ta

Property and equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Cost: Computers and software $ - $ 50 Electronic equipment - 20 Office furniture and equipment - 39 Leasehold improvements - 2 $ - $ 111 Accumulated depreciation: - 40 Depreciated cost $ - $ 71

Other accounts payable (Tables)

Other accounts payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Employees and payroll accruals $ 38 $ 677 Accrued expenses 403 554 $ 441 $ 1,231

Warrants (Tables)

Warrants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block]	The following Ordinary shares warrants were issued by the Company: Shares of Ordinary Shares Underlying Exercise Price Issuance Expiration Issued in connection with: Warrants Per Share Date Date Registered direct offering of Ordinary shares 216,129 $ 22.50 March 22, 2016 September 22, 2021 Total 216,129

Share option plans (Tables)

Share option plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair value of each Ordinary share option issued was estimated at the date of grant using the following weighted-average assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate - 1.2%-2.1% 1.3% -1.9% Expected option term (years) - 5.0-7.0 5.1-7.0 Expected price volatility - 79.3%-90.6% 70.4%-83.7% Dividend yield - 0% 0%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Weighted- Average Weighted- Remaining Aggregate Number of Average Contractual Intrinsic Stock Options Exercise Price Term (Years) Value Outstanding, January 1, 2017 530,356 $ 17.05 7.63 $ 419,840 Exercised (63,906) *) - Forfeited/Expired (193,005) $ 29.30 - - Outstanding, December 31, 2017 273,445 $ 12.40 7.63 $ 38,079 Exercisable, December 31, 2017 256,099 $ 17.67 6.07 $ 38,079 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 273,445 $ 12.40 7.63 $ 38,079
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Share-based compensation expense is classified in the consolidated statements of operations as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Research and development expenses $ 198 $ 531 $ 381 Pre-commercialization expenses (11) (147) 159 General and administrative expenses 221 316 2,083 $ 408 $ 700 $ 2,623

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Loss before provision for income taxes consists of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Domestic (Israel) $ 5,582 $ 15,765 $ 13,388 Foreign (U.S.) 335 41 1,953 $ 5,917 $ 15,806 $ 15,341
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The components of income tax provision consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Current Provision for income taxes: Domestic (Israel) $ - $ 5 $ - Foreign (U.S.) 39 166 24 Total current provision for income taxes $ 39 $ 171 $ 24 Previous years adjustments – foreign (16) 50 - Deferred tax benefit – foreign 5 (5) - Total provision for income tax $ 28 $ 216 $ 24
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Operating loss roll forward $ 8,459 $ 5,685 Reserves and allowances 1,018 1,956 Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance 9,477 7,641 Valuation allowance (9,477) (7,636) $ - $ 5

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Balances with related parties: December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. dollars in thousands Other accounts payables $ 50 $ 1
Schedule Of Related Party Expenses [Table Text Block]	Related parties’ expenses: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Research and development expense $ - $ 318 $ 312 General and administrative expense $ 79 $ 207 $ 196

Financial income, net (Tables)

Financial income, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]	Financial income, net are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. dollars in thousands Interest income $ 39 $ 90 $ 186 Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net 4 (22) (39) Other expenses (5) (8) (12) Total $ 38 $ 60 $ 135

Nature of business (Details Tex

Nature of business (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
General [Line Items]
Loss	$ (5,945)	$ (16,022)	$ (15,365)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	(45,754)	$ (39,809)
Cash Equivalents And Short Term Investments	$ 3,526

Summary of significant accoun33

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017
Computers and software [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Straight Line Depreciation Percentage	33.00%
Electronic equipment [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Straight Line Depreciation Percentage	15.00%
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Straight Line Depreciation Percentage	6.00%

Summary of significant accoun34

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		1.25%
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	the shorter of the estimated useful life

Receivables and prepaid expen35

Receivables and prepaid expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses [Line Items]
Government authorities	$ 28	$ 52
Prepaid expenses	68	611
Receivables and Prepaid Expenses, Current	$ 96	$ 663

Property and equipment, net (De

Property and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 0	$ 111
Accumulated depreciation:	0	40
Depreciated cost	0	71
Computers and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	0	50
Electronic equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	0	20
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	0	39
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$ 0	$ 2

Property and equipment, net (37

Property and equipment, net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 64	$ 38	$ 17
Write Off of Property and Equipment	$ 52

Other accounts payable (Details

Other accounts payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OTHER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE [Line Items]
Employees and payroll accruals	$ 38	$ 677
Accrued expenses	403	554
Accounts Payable, Other, Current	$ 441	$ 1,231

Commitments and contingent li39

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 65	$ 100	$ 104
Guarantee For Performance Of Lease Agreement		26
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net		47	46	43
Penalty Paid, Early Termination of Lease Contract	$ 16
Payments for Advisory Services Related to Merger Opportunities		160
Parent [Member]
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS [Line Items]
Guarantee For Performance Of Lease Agreement		$ 3
Subsidiaries [Member]
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense			$ 80	$ 36

Ordinary shares (Details Textua

Ordinary shares (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	[1]	Dec. 31, 2017₪ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016₪ / shares
Stockholders' Equity, Reverse Stock Split	five to one
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares		432,258
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues | $		$ 6,089	$ 6,089
Shares Issued, Price Per Share | $ / shares		$ 15.50
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | ₪ / shares					₪ 0.05	₪ 0.05
[1]	All references to ordinary shares amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1:5 reverse shares Split, which was approved after balance sheet date, as if it had taken place as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

Warrants (Details)

Warrants (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Shares of Ordinary Shares Underlying Warrants | shares	216,129
Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 22.50
Issuance Date	Mar. 22, 2016
Expiration Date	Sep. 22, 2021

Share option plans (Details)

Share option plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum		1.20%	1.30%
Risk-free interest rate ,Maximum		2.10%	1.90%
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%
Expected option term (years)	0 years
Expected price volatility, Maninum		79.30%	70.40%
Expected price volatility, Maximum		90.60%	83.70%
Expected price volatility	0.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Expected option term (years)		5 years	5 years 1 month 6 days
Maximum [Member]
Expected option term (years)		7 years	7 years

Share option plans (Details 1)

Share option plans (Details 1) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of Options Outstanding, January 1, 2017 (in shares)		530,356
Number of Stock Options, Exercised		(63,906)
Number of Stock Options, Forfeited/Expired		(193,005)
Number of Options Outstanding, December 31, 2017 (in shares)		273,445	530,356
Number of Stock Options, Exercisable, December 31, 2017		256,099
Number of Options Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 (in shares)		273,445
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding, January 1, 2017 (in dollars per share)		$ 17.05
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	[1]
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited/Expired		29.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)		12.40	$ 17.05
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable, December 31, 2017		17.67
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017		$ 12.40
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		7 years 7 months 17 days	7 years 7 months 17 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Exercisable, December 31,2017		6 years 25 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017		7 years 7 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding		$ 38,079	$ 419,840
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable, December 31, 2017		38,079
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017		$ 38,079
[1]	Represents an amount lower than $1.

Share option plans (Details 2)

Share option plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation	$ 408	$ 700	$ 2,623
Research and development expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation	198	531	381
Pre-commercialization expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation	(11)	(147)	159
General and administrative expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation	$ 221	$ 316	$ 2,083

Share option plans (Details Tex

Share option plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	193,004	1,110,137
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost			$ 46
Share-based Compensation, Amount Reversed	$ 26	$ 1,424
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Amount Reversed	144	130
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Amount Reversed	107	287
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Amount Reversed	$ 11	$ 1,007
Incentive Option Plan 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	669,194
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	331,841
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 12.40	$ 1.56	$ 4.16
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 424
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	11 months 5 days

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Domestic (Israel)	$ 5,582	$ 15,765	$ 13,388
Foreign (U.S.)	335	41	1,953
Total	$ 5,917	$ 15,806	$ 15,341

Income taxes (Details 1)

Income taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Provision for income taxes:
Domestic (Israel)	$ 0	$ 5	$ 0
Foreign (U.S.)	39	166	24
Total current provision for income taxes	39	171	24
Previous years adjustments - foreign	(16)	50	0
Deferred tax benefit - foreign	5	(5)	0
Total provision for income tax	$ 28	$ 216	$ 24

Income taxes (Details 2)

Income taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating loss roll forward	$ 8,459	$ 5,685
Reserves and allowances	1,018	1,956
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	9,477	7,641
Valuation allowance	(9,477)	(7,636)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 0	$ 5

Income taxes (Details Textual)

Income taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards		$ 36,778
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		24.00%	25.00%	26.50%
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic		$ 5,582	$ 15,765	$ 13,388
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	23.00%
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent		$ 24
Subsidiaries [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		24.00%

Related party transactions (Det

Related party transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other accounts payable	$ 441	$ 1,231
Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other accounts payable	$ 50	$ 1

Related party transactions (D51

Related party transactions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Research and development expense	$ 2,517	$ 8,881	$ 7,694
General and administrative expense	2,959	5,900	6,953
Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Research and development expense	0	318	312
General and administrative expense	$ 79	$ 207	$ 196

Related party transactions (D52

Related party transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation		$ 30					$ 1
Payments for Other Fees	$ 50			$ 25
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		30,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 8.10
Employee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for Other Fees			$ 15
Family Of Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for Other Fees			$ 1
Advisor [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation								$ 28
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation				19		$ 15		$ 250
One Time Bonus				90
Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation					$ 15	$ 6
One Time Bonus				$ 80
Payments For Bonus									$ 70

Employee benefits plan (Details

Employee benefits plan (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Severance Costs	$ 36	$ 65	$ 131
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$ 14	42	$ 11
Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities		19
Termination Expenses	$ 53	1,907
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Termination Expenses		145
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Termination Expenses		$ 1,762

Financial income, net (Details)

Financial income, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest income	$ 39	$ 90	$ 186
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net	4	(22)	(39)
Other expenses	(5)	(8)	(12)
Total	$ 38	$ 60	$ 135