Pulse Biosciences (PLSE) 10-Q 1 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 25, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Central Index Key	1,625,101
Trading Symbol	plse
Amendment Flag	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,985,556

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,331	$ 3,386
Investments	14,690	34,683
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,095	412
Total current assets	22,116	38,481
Property and equipment, net	2,339	2,570
Intangible assets, net	5,379	5,878
Goodwill	2,791	2,791
Other asset	101	101
Total assets	32,726	49,821
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,281	782
Accrued expenses	1,657	1,034
Deferred rent, current	410	397
Total current liabilities	3,348	2,213
Deferred rent, less current	1,304	1,613
Total liabilities	4,652	3,826
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized – 50,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value: authorized – 500,000 shares; issued and outstanding – 16,984 shares and 16,819 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	17	17
Additional paid-in-capital	94,825	84,202
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3)	(51)
Accumulated deficit	(66,765)	(38,173)
Total stockholders' equity	28,074	45,995
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 32,726	$ 49,821

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	16,984,000	16,819,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	16,984,000	16,819,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Revenue
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	5,675	4,434	16,230	9,702
Research and development	5,038	2,925	12,174	6,782
Amortization of intangible assets	166	166	499	499
Total operating expenses	10,879	7,525	28,903	16,983
Other income:
Interest income	118	39	311	119
Total other income	118	39	311	119
Net loss	(10,761)	(7,486)	(28,592)	(16,864)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(3)	4	48	5
Comprehensive loss	$ (10,764)	$ (7,482)	$ (28,544)	$ (16,859)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (0.64)	$ (0.52)	$ (1.69)	$ (1.19)
Weighted average shares used to compute net loss per common share - basic and diluted	16,927	14,381	16,883	14,141

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (28,592)	$ (16,864)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	474	196
Amortization of intangible assets	499	499
Stock-based compensation	9,988	6,403
Net premium amortization on investments	(100)
Net discount amortization on investments		24
Landlord incentive for tenant improvements		2,119
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(683)	(244)
Accounts payable	499	649
Accrued expenses	623	207
Other asset		(101)
Deferred rent	(296)	(12)
Net cash used in operating activities	(17,588)	(7,124)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(243)	(2,407)
Purchases of investments	(39,799)	(11,363)
Maturities of investments	35,065	16,034
Sales of investments	24,875
Net cash provided by investing activities	19,898	2,264
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock plan	327
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		34,944
Proceeds from exercises of warrants		50
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock units	(115)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	423	200
Net cash provided by financing activities	635	35,194
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,945	30,334
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,386	2,089
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	6,331	32,423
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	48	5
Equipment purchased in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 39	109
Financing costs not yet paid		$ 101

Description Of The Business

Description Of The Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Description Of The Business [Abstract]
Description Of The Business	1. Description of the Business  Business Description Pulse Biosciences, Inc. is a novel medical therapy company bringing to market its proprietary Nano-Pulse Stimulation™ (NPS™) platform. The Company’s NPS platform is a novel, precise, non-thermal, treatment technology delivering nanosecond duration energy pulses that impact cells in treated tissue while sparing acellular tissue. NPS’s unique mechanism of action disrupts the functions of internal cell structures while maintaining the outer cell membrane initiating a cascade of events within the cell that results in regulated cell death. The novel characteristics of its NPS’s unique mechanism of action has the potential to significantly benefit patients for multiple medical applications, including dermatology, the Company’s first planned commercial application . In pre-clinical studies, NPS has demonstrated an ability to induce immunogenic cell death in several cancer cell lines. The Company believes its NPS may play a role in immune-oncology as a focal tumor treatment that can initiate an adaptive immune response. The Company is currently conducting research and development activities, including clinical studies, in pursuit of commercial applications for its NPS technology , but has not yet commercialized or recognized revenue from its technology. The Company was incorporat ed in Nevada on May 19, 2014 . On June 18, 2018, the Company reincorporated from the State of Nevada to the State of Delaware. The Company’s headquarters and research facility are located in Hayward, California. The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the need for additional capital. The Company has not yet commenced any revenue-generating operations, does not have any cash flows from operations, and will need to raise additional capital to finance its operations. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms and in the amounts necessary to fully fund its operating requirements.  The Company’s long-term success is dependent upon its ability to successfully develop, commercialize, and market its products and technologies, earn revenue, obtain additional capital when needed, and ultimately achieve profitable operations. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and investments of $21.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred a net loss of $28. 6 million, and used $17. 6 million in cash for operating activities. In addition, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $66. 8 million as of September 30, 2018.  On October 26, 2018, the Company received an irrevocable commitment to provide financial support of up to $15,000,000 from Robert W. Duggan, the Company’s chairman of the Board, and the beneficial owner of approximately 35% of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of the date of this Quarterly Report . Such continuing support may take the form of purchase of equity, loans or advances to the Company. The Company believes that, based on its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments together with such continued financial support and commitment from Mr. Duggan , it has the resource s to fund operations for the next twelve months from the issuance date of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements .

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) have been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company’s December 31, 2017 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the information set forth herein. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, as permitted by such rules and regulations, omit certain information and footnote disclosures necessary to present the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year or any future periods. 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 amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes to the Financial Statements. Estimates include, but are not limited to, the valuation of cash equivalents and investments, the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation and the useful lives assigned to long-lived assets. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Significant Accounting Policies There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Pulse and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions, if any, have been eliminated in consolidation. Net Loss per Share The Company calculates basic net loss per share by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. For purposes of this calculation, options to purchase common stock and common stock warrants are considered common stock equivalents. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. Basic and diluted net loss per common share is the same for all periods presented because all warrants, stock options and restricted stock units outstanding are anti-dilutive. The following outstanding stock options, warrants and restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:      Nine-Month Periods Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Common stock warrants 213,485 705,121  Common stock options 2,858,387 2,326,676  Restricted stock units 222,606 229,774  Total 3,294,478 3,261,571    Reclassifications Certain items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current period financial statements. Such reclassifications did not impact the Company's previously reported net loss or financial position. Recent Accounting Pronouncements During February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. The new standard requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet (with the exception of short-term leases). For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or financing in the income statement. This ASU becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and early adoption is permitted. This ASU is required to be applied with a modified retrospective approach and requires application of the new standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company generally does not finance purchases of equipment or other capital assets, but does lease its facilities . The adoption of ASC 842 will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease obligation for the Company’s leases (see Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies). While the Company is still evaluating the full effect this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company anticipates that recognizing right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities will have a material impact upon adoption primarily on its consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures, and will increase total assets and liabilities.

Fair Value Of Financial Instrum

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The authoritative guidance with respect to fair value established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of three categories, as presented below. Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for an identical asset or liability that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include money market funds. Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include commercial paper, corporate bonds, and asset-backed securities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data for the asset or liability which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The Company did not classify any of its investments within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (in thousands):      September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Assets Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,973 $ — $ — $ 5,973 $ 2,758 $ — $ — $ 2,758  U.S. Treasury Securities Investments — 14,690 — 14,690 — — — —  Commercial paper Investments — — — — — 7,210 — 7,210  Corporate bonds Investments — — — — — 19,491 — 19,491  Asset-backed securities Investments — — — — — 7,982 — 7,982  Total assets measured at fair value $ 5,973 $ 14,690 $ — $ 20,663 $ 2,758 $ 34,683 $ — $ 37,441  The Company did not have any financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 assets or liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis and the valuation techniques used did not change compared to the Company’s established practice.

Property And Equipment, Net

Property And Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net	4. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Leasehold improvements $ 2,248 $ 2,257  Laboratory equipment 641 484  Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 248 231  Software 118 79  Construction in progress 39 —  3,294 3,051  Less: Accumulated depreciation (955) (481)  $ 2,339 $ 2,570  Depreciation expense was $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Depreciation expense was $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	5 . Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets primarily consist of a license to utilize certain patents, know-how and technology relating to the Company’s NPS for biomedical applications acquired from Old Dominion University Research Foundation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the University of Southern California. In addition, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement with Old Dominion University’s Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, which includes certain intellectual property rights arising from the research. The Company is amortizing the intangible assets over an estimated useful life of 12 years. Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):      September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Acquired patents and licenses $ 7,985 $ 7,985  Less: Accumulated amortization (2,606) (2,107)  $ 5,379 $ 5,878  A schedule of the amortization of intangible assets for the remainder of 2018 and the succeeding five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):      Year Ending December 31:  2018 (remaining 3 months) $ 166  2019 665  2020 665  2021 665  2022 665  2023 665  Thereafter 1,888  $ 5,379

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	6. Goodwill In 2014, the Company acquired three companies (the “acquisitions”) for aggregate consideration of $5.5 million. In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations , the Company recorded goodwill of $2.8 million in connection with the acquisitions as the consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the net tangible assets and the intangible assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually or whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. Based on the Company’s annual impairment test as of December 31, 2017 the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed and was not aware of any indicators of impairment at such date. In addition, there were no indicators of impairment at September 30, 2018.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	7. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Compensation expense $ 1,006 $ 685  Accrued clinical 137 21  Professional fees 471 211  Other — 52  Supplies 43 65  $ 1,657 $ 1,034

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	8. Stockholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation  Private Placements In February 2017, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company, in a private placement, issued and sold an aggregate of 819,673 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price per share of $6.10 , for net proceeds of approximately $5.0 million. In September 2017, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an existing investor, pursuant to which the Company, in a private placement, issued and sold an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price per share of $15.02 , for net proceeds of approximately $29.9 million. Warrants In connection with a private placement offering of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share in 2014, the Company issued warrants as compensation to the placement agent to purchase a total of 299,625 shares of its common stock at a price of $2.67 per share (the “Private Placement Warrants”). The Private Placement Warrants are exercisable for period of seven years. As of September 30, 2018, a total of 91,876 Private Placement Warrants remained outstanding. In connection with the closing of the Company’s initial public offering in 2016, the Company issued warrants as compensation to its underwriters to purchase a total of 574,985 shares of its common stock at a price of $5.00 per share (the “IPO Warrants”). The IPO Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years. As of September 30, 2018, a total of 121,609 IPO Warrants remained outstanding. Equity Plans 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) previously adopted, and the Company’s stockholders approved, the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan has a 10 -year term, and provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and performance shares to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and any parent or subsidiary of the Company, as the Compensation Committee of the Board may determine. Subject to an annual evergreen increase and adjustment in the case of certain capitalization events, the Company initially reserved 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2017 Plan. In addition, shares remaining available under the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2015 Plan”), and shares reserved but not issued pursuant to outstanding equity awards that expire or terminate without being exercised or that are forfeited or repurchased by the Company will be added to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan is administered by the Board’s Compensation Committee. Effective January 1, 2018, the number of shares of common stock available under the 2017 Plan increased by 672,915 shares pursuant to the evergreen provision of the 2017 Plan. Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, the 2018 share increase is determined based on the least of (i) 1,200,000 shares, (ii) 4% of the Company’s common stock outstanding at December 31 of the immediately preceding year, or (iii) such number of shares as determined by the Board. As of September 30, 2018, 680,061 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2017 Plan. During November 2017, the Board adopted the 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) and reserved 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance pursuant to equity awards granted under the Inducement Plan. The Inducement Plan was adopted without stockholder approval. The Inducement Plan has a 10 -year term, and provides for the grant of equity-based awards, including nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and performance units, and its terms are substantially similar to the 2017 Plan, including with respect to treatment of equity awards in the event of a “merger” or “change in control” as defined under the Inducement Plan. Options issued under the Inducement Plan may have a term up to ten years and have variable vesting provisions. New hire grants generally vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant and 1/ 48th monthly thereafter, over the subsequent 36 months. Equity-based awards issued under the Inducement Plan are only issuable to individuals not previously engaged as employees or non-employee directors of the Company prior to the Inducement Plan’s adoption date. As of September 30, 2018, 377,500 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Inducement Plan. 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Board previously adopted and the stockholders approved the Company’s 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2017 ESPP”). The 2017 ESPP is a broad-based plan that provides employees of the Company and its designated affiliates with the opportunity to become stockholders through periodic payroll deductions that are applied towards the purchase of Company common shares at a discount from the then-current market price. Subject to adjustment in the case of certain capitalization events, a total of 250,000 common shares of the Company were available for purchase at adoption of the 2017 ESPP. Effective January 1, 2018, the number of shares of common stock available under the 2017 ESPP increased by 252,343 shares pursuant to the evergreen provision of the 2017 ESPP. Pursuant to the 2017 ESPP, the annual share increase pursuant to the evergreen provision is determined based on the least of (i) 450,000 shares, (ii) 1.5% of the Company’s common stock outstanding at December 31 of the immediately preceding year, or (iii) such number of shares as determined by the Board. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company issued 23,869 shares of common stock under the 2017 ESPP. As of September 30, 2018, 478,474 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2017 ESPP. A summary of stock option activity under the 2015 Plan, 2017 Plan and Inducement Plan for the nine-months ended September 30 , 2018 is presented below:      Stock Options Outstanding  Weighted  Weighted average  Number average remaining life  of shares exercise price (in years)  Balances — December 31, 2017 2,598,659 $ 16.88 8.2  Options granted 417,000 16.60  Options exercised (116,308) 3.63  Options canceled (40,964) 19.61  Options expired —  Balances — September 30, 2018 2,858,387 $ 17.34 7.9  Exercisable — September 30, 2018 1,206,460 $ 14.41  The table above excludes 192,500 performance stock options granted during the nine-months period ended September 30 , 2018 for which the performance criteria had not been established as of September 30 , 2018.  Stock-based Compensation Total stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following (in thousands):      Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  General and administrative $ 2,483 $ 2,778 $ 7,533 $ 5,287  Research and development 910 572 2,455 1,116  Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,393 $ 3,350 $ 9,988 $ 6,403  The Company estimated the fair value of employee stock options on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model . The estimated fair value of employee stock options is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. The Company reviews, and when deemed appropriate, updates the assumptions used on a periodic basis. Due to the limited trading history of the Company’s common stock, the Company utilizes a portfolio of comparable companies to estimate volatility. The fair value of employee stock options was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:       Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Expected term in years 6.1 6.1 5.3 - 6.1 5.3 - 6.1  Expected volatility 70% 80% 70% 80%  Risk-free interest rate 2.9% 1.8% 2.7 - 2.9% 1.8 - 2.1%  Dividend yield — — — —   The Company estimated the fair value of ESPP on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model . The estimated fair value of ESPP is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. The Company reviews, and when deemed appropriate, updates the assumptions used on a periodic basis. The Company utilizes its estimated volatility in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of ESPP. The fair value of ESPP was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:      Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Expected term in years 0.5 - 1.0 0.5 - 1.0 0.5 - 1.0 0.8 - 1.3  Expected volatility 70% 95% 70% 95%  Risk-free interest rate 2.3 - 2.5% 1.1 - 1.2% 1.9 - 2.5% 1.1 - 1.2%  Dividend yield — — — —  The fair value of restricted stock unit (“RSUs”) awards is determined based on the number of units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. The estimated fair value of RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, the Company granted 160,974 RSUs, all of which vested, pursuant to which no shares were issued, during June 2018. Additional paid in capital was reduced by $0.1 million for tax payments related to shares withheld in connection with the vesting of the RSUs. The stock-based compensation expense related to these RSUs was $0 and $2.1 million and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 68,800 RSUs to certain employees which vest 50% on June 1, 2019 with the remaining 50% vesting on June 1, 2021 . In the event of a change in control, these RSUs vest 100% . The stock-based compensation expense related to these RSUs was approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

Research Grants And Agreements

Research Grants And Agreements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Research Grants And Agreements [Abstract]
Research Grants And Agreements	9. Research Grants and Agreements Sponsored Research Agreement The Company entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement (“SRA”) with Old Dominion University Research Foundation (“ODURF”) during 2014 pursuant to which the Company may annually sponsor research activities performed by ODURF’s Frank Reidy Center. ODURF is compensated by the Company for its conduct of each study in accordance with the budget and payment terms set forth in the applicable task order. During the second quarter of 2017 and the third quarter of 2018, the Company agreed to sponsor $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in research during the subsequent 12 -month period to be funded through monthly payments made upon ODURF certifying, to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction, that ODURF has met its obligations pursuant to the specified task order and statement of work. The principal investigator may transfer funds with the budget as needed without the Company’s approval so long as the obligations of ODURF under the task order and statement of work remain unchanged and unimpaired. As of September 30, 2018, $0.7 million remained payable under this agreement. In addition, during 2017, the Company agreed to provide $0.3 million in research funding to researchers affiliated with ODURF and Eastern Virginia Medical School matching funds made available to those researchers by the Virginia Biosciences Health Research Corporation. The Company’s sponsorship affords access to certain intellectual property, if any, developed during the project. As of September 30, 2018, $ 75,000 remained payable under this agreement. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred costs relating to the SRAs equal to $0.1 million and $0.3 million, res pectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred costs related to the SRAs equal to $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	10. Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases As of September 30, 2018, the Company leases approximately 15,700 square feet for its corporate headquarters in Hayward, California (the “Premises”). The lease commenced on July 1, 2017 and expires in August 202 2 , with an option to extend the lease term for an additional five years. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the landlord provided an allowance for tenant improvements in the amount of $2.1 million, which was recorded as deferred rent at the inception of the lease term. Rent expense associated with future minimum lease payments is reduced by amortization of the tenant improvement allowance over the life of the lease. An offsetting amount was recorded as leasehold improvements at the inception of the lease term. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lease term. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 30, 2018 are as follows (in thousands):      Year Ending December 31:  2018 (remaining 3 months) $ 132  2019 536  2020 554  2021 574  2022 392  $ 2,188  The Company leased approximately 4,300 square feet of corporate offices and research facilities in Burlingame, California, at a monthly cost of approximately $21,000 . This lease expired on June 30, 2017 . During the three-month periods ended September 30 , 2018 and 2017, rent expense, including common area maintenance charges, was approximately $57,000 and $0.1 million, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 30 , 2018 and 2017, rent expense, including common area maintenance charges, was approximately $0.2 million , and $0.2 million , respectively. Indemnification The Company and certain directors have received subpoenas from the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting documents and other information in connection with an investigation into trading in the Company’s stock in advance of the Company’s September 2017 private placement equity financing. The Company is cooperating with the investigation. The Company maintains indemnification agreements with its directors and officers that may require the Company to indemnify them against liabilities that arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, except as prohibited by applicable law. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate a possible loss, if any, associated with the matter described above. From time to time, the Company may be involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings relating to securities laws, product liability, patent infringement, contract disputes and other matters relating to various claims that arise in the normal course of our business in addition to governmental and other regulatory investigations and proceedings. In addition, third parties may, from time to time, assert claims against the Company in the form of letters and other communications. The Company currently believes that these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business; however, the results of litigation and claims are inherently unpredictable. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	11. Related Party Transactions Kenneth A. Clark, a director of the Company since November 2017, is a member of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati (“WSGR”), which also serves as the outside corporate counsel to the Company. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred expenses for legal services rendered by WSGR totaling approximately $ 0.3 million and $ 1.1 million , respectively.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) have been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company’s December 31, 2017 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the information set forth herein. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, as permitted by such rules and regulations, omit certain information and footnote disclosures necessary to present the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year or any future periods.
Use Of Estimates	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 amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes to the Financial Statements. Estimates include, but are not limited to, the valuation of cash equivalents and investments, the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation and the useful lives assigned to long-lived assets. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Pulse and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions, if any, have been eliminated in consolidation.
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss per Share The Company calculates basic net loss per share by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. For purposes of this calculation, options to purchase common stock and common stock warrants are considered common stock equivalents. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. Basic and diluted net loss per common share is the same for all periods presented because all warrants, stock options and restricted stock units outstanding are anti-dilutive. The following outstanding stock options, warrants and restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:      Nine-Month Periods Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Common stock warrants 213,485 705,121  Common stock options 2,858,387 2,326,676  Restricted stock units 222,606 229,774  Total 3,294,478 3,261,571   
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain items in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current period financial statements. Such reclassifications did not impact the Company's previously reported net loss or financial position.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements During February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. The new standard requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet (with the exception of short-term leases). For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or financing in the income statement. This ASU becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and early adoption is permitted. This ASU is required to be applied with a modified retrospective approach and requires application of the new standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company generally does not finance purchases of equipment or other capital assets, but does lease its facilities . The adoption of ASC 842 will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease obligation for the Company’s leases (see Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies). While the Company is still evaluating the full effect this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company anticipates that recognizing right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities will have a material impact upon adoption primarily on its consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures, and will increase total assets and liabilities.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Anti-Dilutive Shares Excluded From Computation Of Diluted Net Loss Per Share	   Nine-Month Periods Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Common stock warrants 213,485 705,121  Common stock options 2,858,387 2,326,676  Restricted stock units 222,606 229,774  Total 3,294,478 3,261,571 

Fair Value Of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis	   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  Assets Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,973 $ — $ — $ 5,973 $ 2,758 $ — $ — $ 2,758  U.S. Treasury Securities Investments — 14,690 — 14,690 — — — —  Commercial paper Investments — — — — — 7,210 — 7,210  Corporate bonds Investments — — — — — 19,491 — 19,491  Asset-backed securities Investments — — — — — 7,982 — 7,982  Total assets measured at fair value $ 5,973 $ 14,690 $ — $ 20,663 $ 2,758 $ 34,683 $ — $ 37,441 

Property And Equipment, Net (Ta

Property And Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property And Equipment, Net	   September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Leasehold improvements $ 2,248 $ 2,257  Laboratory equipment 641 484  Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 248 231  Software 118 79  Construction in progress 39 —  3,294 3,051  Less: Accumulated depreciation (955) (481)  $ 2,339 $ 2,570 

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets, Net	   September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Acquired patents and licenses $ 7,985 $ 7,985  Less: Accumulated amortization (2,606) (2,107)  $ 5,379 $ 5,878 
Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets	   Year Ending December 31:  2018 (remaining 3 months) $ 166  2019 665  2020 665  2021 665  2022 665  2023 665  Thereafter 1,888  $ 5,379 

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	   September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Compensation expense $ 1,006 $ 685  Accrued clinical 137 21  Professional fees 471 211  Other — 52  Supplies 43 65  $ 1,657 $ 1,034 

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_2

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	   Stock Options Outstanding  Weighted  Weighted average  Number average remaining life  of shares exercise price (in years)  Balances — December 31, 2017 2,598,659 $ 16.88 8.2  Options granted 417,000 16.60  Options exercised (116,308) 3.63  Options canceled (40,964) 19.61  Options expired —  Balances — September 30, 2018 2,858,387 $ 17.34 7.9  Exercisable — September 30, 2018 1,206,460 $ 14.41 
Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	   Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  General and administrative $ 2,483 $ 2,778 $ 7,533 $ 5,287  Research and development 910 572 2,455 1,116  Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,393 $ 3,350 $ 9,988 $ 6,403 
Common Stock Options [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Employee Stock Options	   Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Expected term in years 6.1 6.1 5.3 - 6.1 5.3 - 6.1  Expected volatility 70% 80% 70% 80%  Risk-free interest rate 2.9% 1.8% 2.7 - 2.9% 1.8 - 2.1%  Dividend yield — — — — 
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Employee Stock Options	   Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Expected term in years 0.5 - 1.0 0.5 - 1.0 0.5 - 1.0 0.8 - 1.3  Expected volatility 70% 95% 70% 95%  Risk-free interest rate 2.3 - 2.5% 1.1 - 1.2% 1.9 - 2.5% 1.1 - 1.2%  Dividend yield — — — — 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments	   Year Ending December 31:  2018 (remaining 3 months) $ 132  2019 536  2020 554  2021 574  2022 392  $ 2,188 

Description Of The Business (Na

Description Of The Business (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 26, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,331,000	$ 32,423,000	$ 6,331,000	$ 32,423,000		$ 3,386,000	$ 2,089,000
Net loss	(10,761,000)	$ (7,486,000)	(28,592,000)	(16,864,000)
Cash used in operating activities			(17,588,000)	$ (7,124,000)
Accumulated deficit	$ (66,765,000)		$ (66,765,000)			$ (38,173,000)
Chairman, Robert W. Duggan [Member] | Beneficial Owner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Commitment to provide financial support					$ 15,000,000
Ownership percentage					35.00%

Summary Of Significant Accoun_4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Anti-Dilutive Shares Excluded From Computation Of Diluted Net Loss Per Share) (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	3,294,478	3,261,571
Common Stock Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	213,485	705,121
Common Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	2,858,387	2,326,676
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	222,606	229,774

Fair Value Of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Transfers between level 1, 2, or 3	$ 0

Fair Value Of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Of Financial Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Total assets measured at fair value	$ 20,663	$ 37,441
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
ASSETS
Total cash and cash equivalents	5,973	2,758
Investments [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments	14,690
Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		7,210
Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		19,491
Investments [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		7,982
Level 1 [Member]
ASSETS
Total assets measured at fair value	5,973	2,758
Level 1 [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
ASSETS
Total cash and cash equivalents	5,973	2,758
Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Total assets measured at fair value	14,690	34,683
Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments	$ 14,690
Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		7,210
Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		19,491
Level 2 [Member] | Investments [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
ASSETS
Total investments		$ 7,982

Property And Equipment, Net (Na

Property And Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 200	$ 100	$ 474	$ 196

Property And Equipment, Net (Sc

Property And Equipment, Net (Schedule Of Property And Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	$ 3,294	$ 3,051
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(955)	(481)
Equipment, net	2,339	2,570
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	2,248	2,257
Laboratory Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	641	484
Furniture, Fixtures, And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	248	231
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	118	$ 79
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment, gross	$ 39

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrati

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible asset useful life	12 years

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedul

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule Of Intangible Assets, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Less: Accumulated amortization	$ (2,606)	$ (2,107)
Intangible assets, net	5,379	5,878
Acquired Patents And Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, gross	$ 7,985	$ 7,985

Intangible Assets, Net (Sched_2

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
2018 (remaining 3 months)	$ 166
2,019	665
2,020	665
2,021	665
2,022	665
2,023	665
Thereafter	1,888
Intangible assets, net	$ 5,379	$ 5,878

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details)

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,791,000	$ 2,791,000	$ 2,800,000
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0
TPI, BEM And NB [Member]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Aggregate consideration			$ 5,500,000

Accrued Expenses (Schedule Of A

Accrued Expenses (Schedule Of Accrued Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation expense	$ 1,006	$ 685
Accrued clinical	137	21
Professional fees	471	211
Other		52
Supplies	43	65
Accrued expenses	$ 1,657	$ 1,034

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_3

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Feb. 07, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, par value				$ 0.001			$ 0.001		$ 0.001
Proceeds from issuance of common stock								$ 34,944
Common stock, shares issued				16,984,000			16,984,000		16,819,000
Total stock-based compensation expense				$ 3,393	$ 3,350		$ 9,988	6,403
Cash received from option exercises							$ 423	200
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued				23,869			23,869
Shares authorized				250,000			250,000
Additional common stock reserved for issuance	252,343
Increase in shares available for issuance threshold of common stock outstanding, number of shares							450,000
Increase in shares available for issuance threshold of common stock outstanding, percent outstanding							1.50%
Shares available for grant				478,474			478,474
2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Term period							10 years
Shares authorized										1,000,000
Shares available for grant				377,500			377,500
2017 Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Term period							10 years
Shares authorized				1,500,000			1,500,000
Additional common stock reserved for issuance	672,915
Increase in shares available for issuance threshold of common stock outstanding, number of shares							1,200,000
Increase in shares available for issuance threshold of common stock outstanding, percent outstanding							4.00%
Shares available for grant				680,061			680,061
First Vesting Portion [Member] | 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage							25.00%
Second Vesting Portion (Per Month) [Member] | 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting period							36 months
Vesting percentage							0.02%
General And Administrative [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense				$ 2,483	2,778		$ 7,533	5,287
Research And Development [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense				$ 910	$ 572		$ 2,455	$ 1,116
Common Stock Options [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Options granted							417,000
Warrants exercised							116,308
Exercise price				$ 14.41			$ 14.41
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Units granted during period					68,800
Total stock-based compensation expense				$ 100			$ 300
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | First Vesting Portion [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					50.00%
Cliff vest date							Jun. 1, 2019
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Second Vesting Portion (Per Month) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					50.00%
Cliff vest date							Jun. 1, 2021
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Change In Control [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					100.00%
Performance Shares [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Options granted							192,500
Private Placement [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, par value												$ 0.001
Officer [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Units granted during period						160,974
Reduction to APIC from shares withheld for tax							$ 100
Total stock-based compensation expense				$ 0			$ 2,100
Common Stock [Member] | Private Placement [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Shares sold		2,000,000	819,673
Common stock, par value		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Price per share		$ 15.02	$ 6.10
Net proceeds		$ 29,900	$ 5,000
MDB Capital Group, LLC [Member] | Initial Public Offering [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Price per share											$ 5
Warrants outstanding				121,609			121,609
Exercisable period of warrants or rights							5 years
Number of common shares called by issuance of warrants											574,985
MDB Capital Group, LLC [Member] | Private Placement [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Price per share												$ 2.67
Warrants outstanding				91,876			91,876
Exercisable period of warrants or rights							7 years
Number of common shares called by issuance of warrants												299,625

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_4

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Common Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	2,598,659
Options granted, Number of shares	417,000
Options exercised, Number of shares	(116,308)
Options canceled, Number of shares	(40,964)
Options expired, Number of shares
Ending Balance, Number of shares	2,858,387	2,598,659
Exercisable, Number of shares	1,206,460
Beginning Balance, Weighted average exercise price per share	$ 16.88
Options granted, Weighted average exercise price per share	16.60
Options exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share	3.63
Options canceled, Weighted average exercise price per share	19.61
Options expired, Weighted average exercise price per share
Ending Balance, Weighted average exercise price per share	17.34	$ 16.88
Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price per share	$ 14.41
Weighted average remaining life	7 years 10 months 24 days	8 years 2 months 12 days

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_5

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 3,393	$ 3,350	$ 9,988	$ 6,403
General And Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	2,483	2,778	7,533	5,287
Research And Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 910	$ 572	$ 2,455	$ 1,116

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_6

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Employee Stock Options) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Common Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	70.00%	80.00%	70.00%	80.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.90%	1.80%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum			2.70%	1.80%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum			2.90%	2.10%
Dividend yield
Common Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term in years			5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Common Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term in years	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	70.00%	95.00%	70.00%	95.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	2.30%	1.10%	1.90%	1.10%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.50%	1.20%	2.50%	1.20%
Dividend yield
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term in years	6 months	6 months	6 months	9 months 18 days
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term in years	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year 3 months 18 days

Research Grants And Agreements

Research Grants And Agreements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development expense	$ 5,038	$ 2,925		$ 12,174	$ 6,782
Sponsored Research Agreement ("SRA") [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development expense	100	$ 300		$ 600	$ 600
ODURF [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Period of time for Sponsored Research Agreement ("SRA")				12 months
ODURF [Member] | Sponsored Research Agreement ("SRA") [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development expense	800		$ 700
Remaining sponsorship	700			$ 700
ODURF And Eastern Virginia Medical School [Member] | Sponsored Research Agreement ("SRA") [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development expense						$ 300
Remaining sponsorship	$ 75			$ 75

Commitments And Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)ft²$ / mo	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017ft²
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease, monthly expense | $ / mo			21,000
Area Of Lease | ft²	4,300		4,300			15,700
Optional lease term extension period			5 years
Rent expense, including common area maintenance charges	$ 57	$ 100	$ 200	$ 200
Corporate HQ [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration date			Aug. 31, 2022
Corporate Offices And Research Facilities [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration date			Jun. 30, 2017
Landlord [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Initial tenant leashold improvements					$ 2,100

Commitments And Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2018 (remaining 3 months)	$ 132
2,019	536
2,020	554
2,021	574
2,022	392
Total minimum lease payments	$ 2,188

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich And Rosati (WSGR) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expenses	$ 0.3	$ 1.1