Novelion Therapeutics (NVLN) 10-K 16 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 12, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NVLN
Entity Registrant Name	NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	827,809
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,703,204
Entity Public Float			$ 149,963,502

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 55,430	$ 108,927
Restricted cash	253	390
Accounts receivable, net	22,191	9,339
Inventories - current	15,886	15,718
Insurance proceeds receivable	0	22,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,183	9,762
Total current assets	104,943	166,136
Inventories - non-current	33,940	59,003
Property and equipment, net	2,920	4,159
Intangible assets, net	225,272	250,324
Other non-current assets	2,247	1,160
Total assets	369,322	480,782
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,800	17,609
Accrued liabilities	41,838	37,180
Provision for legal settlements - current	8,596	64,010
Total current liabilities	64,234	118,799
Convertible notes, net	258,538	225,584
Provision for legal settlements - non-current	31,016	0
Other non-current liabilities	596	612
Total liabilities	354,384	344,995
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, without par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 18,702 and 18,530 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	551,925	551,259
Additional paid-in-capital	73,185	69,149
Accumulated deficit	(713,974)	(587,208)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	103,802	102,587
Total shareholders’ equity	14,938	135,787
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 369,322	$ 480,782

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, without par value (in dollars per share)
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	18,702	18,530
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	18,702	18,530

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 138,438,000	$ 13,574,000	$ 0
Cost of product sales	77,220,000	5,971,000	0
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	96,472,000	29,525,000	16,222,000
Research and development	49,008,000	14,784,000	9,790,000
Restructuring charges	2,536,000	0	0
Termination fee	0	0	(2,667,000)
Total operating expenses	148,016,000	44,309,000	23,345,000
Loss from operations	(86,798,000)	(36,706,000)	(23,345,000)
Interest (expense) income, net	(39,037,000)	(2,960,000)	277,000
Fair value loss on investment	0	(10,740,000)	0
Other (expense) income, net	(292,000)	(1,999,000)	81,000
Loss before provision for income taxes	(126,127,000)	(52,405,000)	(22,987,000)
Provision for income taxes	(583,000)	(465,000)	(22,000)
Net loss	$ (126,710,000)	$ (52,870,000)	$ (23,009,000)
Net loss per common share—basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (6.81)	$ (4.69)	$ (2.20)
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic and diluted (in shares)	18,616	11,284	10,434

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (126,710)	$ (52,870)	$ (23,009)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	1,215	(382)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,215	(382)	0
Comprehensive loss	$ (125,495)	$ (53,252)	$ (23,009)

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		10,239,594,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 156,512	$ 467,034	$ 97,838	$ (511,329)	$ 102,969
Net loss	(23,009)			(23,009)
Stock-based compensation expense	2,330		2,330
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		313,095,000
Exercise of stock options	5,508	$ 8,077	(2,569)
Shares issued in connection with vesting of RSUs (in shares)		12,800,000
Shares issued in connection with vesting of RSUs	0	$ 222	(222)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		10,565,489,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	141,341	$ 475,333	97,377	(534,338)	102,969
Net loss	(52,870)			(52,870)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(382)				(382)
Stock-based compensation expense	797		797
Shares issued in connection with the Acquisition of Aegerion (in shares)		6,060,288,000
Shares issued in connection with Acquisition of Aegerion	59,381	$ 59,381
Shares issued in a private placement net of share issuance costs (in shares)		1,904,546,000
Shares issued in private placement, net of share issuance costs	21,481	$ 16,545	4,936
Cash distribution to shareholders	(15,000)		(15,000)
Aralez shares distributed to shareholders	(19,296)		(19,296)
Uncertain tax position liability recovery	335		335
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		18,530,323,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	135,787	$ 551,259	69,149	(587,208)	102,587
Net loss	(126,710)			(126,710)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,215				1,215
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 4,537		4,537
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	70,820,000	70,820,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 499	$ 666	(167)
Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares withheld for taxes (in shares)		100,792,000
Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares withheld for taxes	(390)		(390)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		18,701,935,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	14,938	$ 551,925	73,185	(713,974)	$ 103,802
Adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation	$ 0		$ 56	$ (56)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash used in operating activities
Net loss	$ (126,710,000)	$ (52,870,000)	$ (23,009,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	2,050,000	264,000	576,000
Amortization of intangible assets	25,052,000	2,134,000	0
Stock-based compensation	4,537,000	797,000	2,330,000
Non-cash interest expense	32,954,000	2,676,000	0
Provision for inventory excess and obsolescence	18,814,000	0	0
Fair value change in contingent consideration	0	2,042,000	0
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss	(832,000)	118,000	(120,000)
Fair value loss on investment	0	10,704,000	0
Deferred income taxes	138,000	(214,000)	18,000
Other non-cash operating activities	83,000	50,000	(25,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisition:
Accounts receivable	(12,852,000)	(893,000)	10,000
Inventories	6,081,000	2,079,000	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	19,541,000	705,000	442,000
Accounts payable	(3,932,000)	4,441,000	(184,000)
Accrued and other liabilities	(19,823,000)	(6,389,000)	603,000
Net cash used in operating activities	(54,899,000)	(34,356,000)	(19,359,000)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(754,000)	(155,000)	(9,000)
Cash acquired in Merger	0	28,290,000	0
Loan receivable	0	(3,000,000)	0
Net proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	0	192,000	43,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(754,000)	25,327,000	34,000
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Issuance of common shares	109,000	21,481,000	5,508,000
Cash distribution to common shareholders	0	(15,000,000)	0
Settlement of Backstop Agreement	0	15,000,000	0
Aralez investment	0	(45,000,000)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	109,000	(23,519,000)	5,508,000
Exchange rate effect on cash	2,047,000	(349,000)	(267,000)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(53,497,000)	(32,897,000)	(14,084,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	108,927,000	141,824,000	155,908,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	55,430,000	108,927,000	141,824,000
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	6,500,000	33,000	0
Cash paid for taxes	1,671,000	105,000	0
Non-cash investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 122,000	$ 61,000	$ 0

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Novelion Therapeutics Inc. ("Novelion" or the "Company") is a rare disease biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new standards of care for individuals living with rare diseases. Novelion has international operations, two commercial products, lomitapide and metreleptin, and one orphan drug-designated product candidate, zuretinol acetate (“zuretinol”). Lomitapide, which is marketed in the United States ("U.S.") under the brand name JUXTAPID (lomitapide) capsules, is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein (“LDL”) apheresis where available, to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“LDL-C”), total cholesterol (“TC”), apolipoprotein B (“apo B”) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“non-HDL-C”) in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (“HoFH”). Lomitapide is also approved in the European Union (“EU”), under the brand name LOJUXTA, for the treatment of adult patients with HoFH, as well as in Japan, Canada, and a limited number of other countries. Metreleptin, a recombinant analog of human leptin, is currently marketed in the U.S. under the brand name MYALEPT (metreleptin for injection). MYALEPT is approved in the U.S. as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy (“GL”). On November 29, 2016, QLT Inc. ("QLT") completed its acquisition of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Aegerion”), through the merger (“the Merger”) of its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Isotope Acquisition Corp. (“MergerCo”) with and into Aegerion, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of June 14, 2016, among QLT, Aegerion and MergerCo. Upon closing the acquisition, QLT changed its name to Novelion. As a result of the Merger, Aegerion became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Novelion. Financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 include the combined operations of Novelion and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the financial results of Aegerion. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As presented in the consolidated financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company incurred a net loss of $126.7 million and used $54.9 million in cash to fund operating activities. As described in Note 19, on March 15, 2018, the Company closed on and received $20.0 million in proceeds from a new loan agreement, bringing the Company’s unrestricted cash balance at March 15, 2018 to approximately $57.6 million . The Company expects to fund its current and planned operating requirements principally through its existing cash resources, and other potential financing methods, including the possibility of utilizing equity. The Company believes that its existing funds are sufficient to satisfy its operating needs and its working capital, milestone payments, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and legal settlement expenditures for at least the next twelve months from the issuance of the financial statements. The Company may, from time to time, also seek additional funding, primarily designed to fund potential additional indications for metreleptin, through strategic alliances and additional equity and/or debt financings or from other sources, should it identify a significant new opportunity.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Principles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles	Summary of Significant Accounting Principles Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). All amounts herein are expressed in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise noted. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include operations of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods presented. The Company's estimates often are based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. For any given individual estimate or assumption made by us, there may also be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known. Reporting and Functional Currency The Company's reporting currency is the USD and its operations utilize the USD or local currency as the functional currency, where applicable. Transactions in other currencies are recorded in the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses arising from re-measurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the period in which they occur. For foreign entities where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies are translated into USD at end-of-period exchange rates and the resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents primarily amounts deposited to collateralize the Company’s corporate credit card program and a letter of credit for the Company’s facility lease in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Accounts Receivable, net The majority of the Company's accounts receivable arises from product sales and primarily represents amounts due from distributors, named patients, and other entities. The Company monitors the financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers to properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. The Company provides reserves against accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from a customer’s inability to pay. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged or written-off against the reserve. To date, the Company's historical reserves and write-offs of accounts receivable have not been significant. Inventories and Cost of Product Sales Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is maintained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets until the inventory is sold, donated as part of the Company’s compassionate use program, or used for clinical development. Inventory that is sold is recognized as cost of product sales in the consolidated statements of operations, inventory that is donated as part of the Company’s compassionate use program is recognized as a selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense in the consolidated statements of operations, expired inventory is disposed of and the related costs are recognized as cost of product sales in the consolidated statements of operations, and inventory used for clinical development is recognized as research and development expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Inventories are reviewed periodically to identify slow-moving inventory based on sales activity, both projected and historical, as well as product shelf-life. The portion of the slow-moving inventory not expected to be sold within one year is classified as non-current inventory in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes an analysis of sales levels by product type, the expiration date of the Company’s finished goods on-hand at each balance sheet date, as well as the anticipated unit forecast for demand for each product. Any changes to the demand of either product may result in a reserve for excess and obsolescence if the Company believes inventory will expire prior to being commercially sold, and such charge will be recorded to cost of product sales. If the asset becomes impaired or is abandoned, the carrying value is written down to its net realizable value, and an impairment charge is recorded in the period in which the impairment occurs. In evaluating the recoverability of inventories produced, the Company considers the probability that revenue will be obtained from the future sale of the related inventory. Cost of product sales includes the cost of inventory sold, manufacturing and supply chain costs, product shipping and handling costs, charges for excess and obsolete inventory, amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as royalties payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ("UPenn") related to the sale of lomitapide and royalties payable to Amgen Inc. ("Amgen"), Rockefeller University and Bristol-Myers Squibb ("BMS") related to the sale of metreleptin. Prepaid Manufacturing Costs Cash advances paid by the Company prior to receipt of inventory are recorded as prepaid manufacturing costs and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances are subject to forfeiture if the Company terminates the scheduled production. The Company expects the carrying value of the prepaid manufacturing costs to be fully realized. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $4.1 million and $1.4 million was recorded as prepaid manufacturing costs, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated economic lives of three to five years for office furniture, fixtures, research equipment and other equipment, and three years for computer software and hardware. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining lease term, which include lease extensions when reasonably assured. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Intangible Assets Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized, on a straight-line basis, to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment if certain triggering events occur. Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment testing and assessments of remaining useful lives are performed when a triggering event occurs that could indicate a potential impairment or change in useful life. Such testing first entails comparison of the carrying value of the long-lived asset to the undiscounted cash flows expected from that asset. If impairment is indicated by this test, the long-lived assets are written down by the amount, if any, by which the discounted cash flows expected from the long-lived asset exceed its carrying value. Business Combinations The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether or not each such transaction should be accounted for as a business combination by assessing whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs. If the Company determines that an acquisition qualifies as a business, the Company applies the acquisition method of accounting which requires that the purchase price be allocated to the net assets acquired at their respective fair values. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company has no goodwill on its consolidated balance sheets as December 31, 2017 or 2016. The Company reports provisional amounts when measurements are incomplete as of the end of the reporting period. Additionally, the Company completes the purchase price allocation within a measurement period which does not extend beyond one year after the acquisition date. Contingent consideration in a business combination is included as part of the acquisition cost and is recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. Fair value is generally estimated by using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow approach. Any liability resulting from contingent consideration is re-measured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. These changes in fair value are recognized on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of SG&A expenses. The present-value models used to estimate the fair values of acquired inventories and intangibles incorporate significant assumptions, including, but not limited to: assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval; estimated selling price, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows from potential product sales and related expenses; and the appropriate discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, the assessment of the asset’s lifecycle and the competitive trends impacting the assets, including consideration of any technical, legal, regulatory or economic barrier. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The Company's consolidated financial statements include the results from operations of an acquired business after the transaction date. Contingencies The Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for litigation related matters when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is not probable or a range cannot reasonably be estimated, no liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Insurance recoveries related to potential claims are recognized up to the amount of the recorded liability when coverage is confirmed and the estimated recoveries are probable of payment. These recoveries are not netted against the related liabilities for financial statement presentation. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the Company has no further performance obligations. The Company records distribution and other fees paid to its distributors as a reduction of revenue. Revenue is recorded net of estimated discounts and rebates, primarily including those provided to Medicare and Medicaid. Allowances are recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time revenues from product sales are recognized. Allowances for government rebates and discounts are established based on the actual payer information, which is reasonably estimable at the time of delivery. These allowances are adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that may impact such allowances in the quarter those changes are known. To date, such adjustments have not been significant. We receive royalty revenues on sales by our licensees. We record these revenues based on estimates of the sales occurred during the relevant period and the applicable royalty rate. Differences between actual and estimated royalty revenues are adjusted for in the period in which they become known, typically the following quarter. Historically, adjustments have not been material when compared to actual amounts paid by licensees. The Company also offers a branded co-pay assistance program for eligible patients with commercial insurance in the U.S. who are on JUXTAPID or MYALEPT therapy. The branded co-pay assistance program assists commercially insured patients who have coverage for JUXTAPID or MYALEPT, and is intended to reduce each participating patient’s portion of the financial responsibility for JUXTAPID’s or MYALEPT’s purchase price up to a specified dollar amount of assistance. The Company records revenue net of amounts paid under the branded specific co-pay assistance program for each patient. Lomitapide In the U.S., JUXTAPID is only available for distribution through a specialty pharmacy. Until the November 2017 transition to the new specialty pharmacy described in the following paragraph, the product was shipped directly to the patient and prior authorization and confirmation of coverage level by a patient’s private insurance plan or government payer were prerequisites to shipment. Revenue from sales in the U.S. covered by the patient’s private insurance plan or government payer was recognized once the product had been received by the patient. For uninsured amounts billed directly to the patient, revenue was recognized at the time of cash receipt as collectability was not reasonably assured at the time the product was received by the patient. To the extent amounts were billed in advance of delivery to the patient, the Company deferred revenue until the product was received by the patient. In the second quarter of 2017, to improve distribution efficiency, the Company's subsidiary signed a letter of intent for the distribution of JUXTAPID with the same specialty pharmacy that distributes MYALEPT in the U.S. The agreement was signed and finalized in October 2017 and the transition of this distribution model was completed in November 2017. Subsequent to completion of the transition, revenue from sales of JUXTAPID in the U.S. has been recognized upon product shipment to the distributor (sell-in method). The Company also records revenue on sales in countries where lomitapide is available on a named patient basis, typically paid for by a government authority or institution. In many cases, these sales are processed through a third-party distributor that takes title to the product upon acceptance. Because of factors such as the pricing, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to delivery to the end-customer, and the limited contractual return rights, these distributors typically only hold inventory to supply specific orders for the product. The Company recognizes revenue for sales under these named patient programs upon product acceptance by the third-party distributor. In the event the payer’s creditworthiness has not been established, the Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Metreleptin Sales of metreleptin are facilitated through third-party distributors that take title to the product upon acceptance. Because of factors such as pricing, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to delivery to the end-customer, and the limited contractual return rights, these distributors typically only hold inventory to supply specific orders for the product. The Company recognizes revenue for sales upon product acceptance by the third-party distributor. In the event the payer’s creditworthiness has not been established, the Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Prior to the second quarter of 2017, due to insufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the gross-to-net adjustments for rebates related to payors and insurance providers at the time of receipt by the distributor, the Company accounted for MYALEPT shipments using a deferred revenue recognition model (sell-through method). Under the deferred revenue recognition model, the Company did not recognize revenue upon product shipment. For product shipments, the Company invoiced the distributor, recorded deferred revenue at the gross invoice sales price, classified the cost basis of the product held by the distributor as a separate component of inventory, and recognized revenue when delivered to the patient. Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, the Company determined that there was sufficient history to reasonably estimate expected rebates, and, to align its existing and anticipated revenue streams of products sold within the U.S., began recognizing sales of MYALEPT upon product shipment to the distributor (sell-in method). For the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, the Company recognized a one-time increase in net revenue of $2.3 million resulting from this change in estimate, representing previously deferred product sales. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses comprise costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related costs, stock-based compensation, facilities-related overhead, clinical trial costs, costs to support certain medical affairs activities, manufacturing costs for clinical and pre-clinical materials as well as other contracted services, license fees, and other external costs. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. Income Taxes Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of future net tax assets resulting in an increase or decrease to net income. Income tax credits, such as investment tax credits, are included as part of the provision for income taxes. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. Significant estimates are required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes and uncertain tax positions. Some of these estimates are based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations. Various internal and external factors may have favorable or unfavorable effects on the Company’s future effective tax rate. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in tax laws, regulations and/or rates, changing interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations, changes in estimates of prior years’ items, results of tax audits by tax authorities, future levels of research and development spending, changes in estimates related to repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and changes in overall levels of pre-tax earnings. The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on whether the Company is able to generate sufficient capital gains and taxable income prior to expiration of any loss carry forward balance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The assessment of whether or not a valuation allowance is required often requires significant judgment including the long-range forecast of future taxable income and the evaluation of tax planning initiatives. Adjustments to the deferred tax valuation allowances are made to earnings in the period when such assessments are made. The Company records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. There is inherent uncertainty in quantifying income tax positions. The Company has recorded tax benefits for those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will result upon ultimate settlement with a tax authority that has all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will result, no tax benefit has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Penalties and interest are recorded as a component of income tax expense. Stock-Based Compensation For service-based awards, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period. For awards that vest or begin vesting upon achievement of a performance condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense when achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable using a straight-line model over the implicit service period. Certain of the Company’s awards that contain performance conditions also require the Company to estimate the number of awards that will vest, which the Company estimates when the performance condition is deemed probable of achievement. For awards that vest upon the achievement of a market condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the derived service period. For equity awards that have previously been modified, any incremental increase in the fair value over the original award has been recorded as compensation expense on the date of the modification for vested awards or over the remaining service period for unvested awards. The Company has a Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan ("DDSU Plan") for the Company’s directors. Given that vested Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") are convertible to cash only, the Company recognizes compensation expense for DSUs based on the market price of the Company’s shares. The Company also records an accrued liability to recognize the expected financial obligation related to the future settlement of these DSUs as they vest. Each reporting period, the expected obligation is revalued for changes in the market value of Novelion’s common shares. The Company issues restricted stock units ("RSUs") to its employees and directors as consideration for their provision of future services. Restricted stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the fair value market price of Novelion’s common shares on the grant date and is recognized over the requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period. RSUs can only be exchanged and settled for Novelion’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting. Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss combines net loss and other comprehensive items. Other comprehensive items represent certain amounts that are reported as components of shareholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, including currency translation adjustments. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of related activity on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), using the prospective method as required. ASU 2015-11 states that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements— Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) : Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles of current U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt”, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is still present and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 represents a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance including industry-specific guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and related ASUs, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of that date The Company established an implementation team to assist with its assessment of the impact of the new revenue guidance on its operations, consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company’s assessment has included performing analysis for each revenue stream identified, assessing the potential differences in recognition and measurement that may result from adopting this standard and assessing whether the Company meets certain practical expedients. Based on the results of the assessment, the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized upon adoption and there is no cumulative prior period adjustment to be recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption. The Company also anticipates changes to its disclosures to comply with the new disclosure requirements under the guidance. The Company is implementing the necessary changes to its revenue recognition accounting policies and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), its new standard on accounting for leases. The new guidance will require the Company to recognize the assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations created by those leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those periods. The standard requires the application of the modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain expedients. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Refer to additional details of the Company’s lease obligations in Note 14. On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 states that a statement of cash flows should explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All updates should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. On May 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"), to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2017-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. On November 29, 2016, Novelion completed its acquisition of Aegerion and each share of Aegerion’s common stock was exchanged for 1.0256 Novelion ("pre-Consolidation") common shares (the "Exchange Ratio"). Immediately after the Merger, the Company had 18,530,323 common shares outstanding; former shareholders of Novelion held approximately 68% of the Company, and former stockholders of Aegerion held approximately 32% of the Company. The Merger has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method, with Novelion as the accounting acquirer and Aegerion as the “acquired” company. The operating results of Aegerion from November 29, 2016 are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 reflect the acquisition of Aegerion. The acquisition consideration in connection with the Merger was approximately $62.4 million , and the Company allocated the acquisition consideration to various tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, which were finalized during 2017. Amount (in thousands, except for share and per share information) Number of Novelion common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Aegerion 6,060,288 Novelion share price on November 29, 2016 $ 9.75 Fair value of Novelion common shares issued to Aegerion stockholders $ 59,088 Liabilities assumed (2) 3,000 Stock compensation assumed (1) 293 Total acquisition consideration $ 62,381 (1) Represents the fair value of Aegerion in-the-money options and RSUs attributed to pre-combination services that were outstanding on November 29, 2016 and settled in connection with the Merger. All the outstanding out-of-the-money Aegerion stock options were cancelled as of the Merger date. (2) Represents amounts borrowed under the term loan facility provided by QLT to Aegerion on June 14, 2016, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement. At the time, Aegerion had borrowed $3.0 million against the term loan and the loan remained outstanding as of November 29, 2016. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date. There were no adjustments identified subsequent to the acquisition date. November 29, 2016 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,290 Restricted cash 390 Accounts receivable (1) 8,182 Inventories 76,800 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,839 Insurance proceeds receivable 22,000 Property and equipment, net 4,020 Intangible assets 252,458 Other assets 1,352 Accounts payable (11,459 ) Accrued liabilities (41,883 ) Provision for legal settlement (2) (63,968 ) Convertible notes (222,908 ) Other liabilities (732 ) Net assets acquired $ 62,381 (1) As of the Merger date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated the book value acquired. The amount not expected to be collected was insignificant. (2) Legal Matters - Aegerion has been the subject of certain ongoing investigations and other legal proceedings. See Note 18 for further information regarding these and other legal proceedings. The valuation of the intangible assets acquired and related amortization periods are as follows: Amount Amortization period Developed Technology: (in thousands) (in years) Lomitapide $ 42,300 10.75 Metreleptin 210,158 9.25 Total $ 252,458 The fair values of the intangibles were determined using a multi-period excess earnings approach. Under this method, an intangible asset fair value is equal to the present value of the after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at 11% . The fair values of the purchased inventories were also determined using a discounted present value income approach. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at 11% . There was no goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition. The Company recognized acquisition-related transaction costs associated with the Merger during the year ended December 31, 2016 totaling approximately $4.0 million . These costs, which related primarily to bank fees, legal and accounting services, and fees for other professional services, were expensed as incurred, and reported as SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Actual and Pro Forma Impact of Acquisition The following table presents the amount of Aegerion net product sales and net loss included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from November 29, 2016 through December 31, 2016 : November 29, 2016 - December 31, 2016 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net revenues $ 13,574 Net loss $ (6,276 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.34 ) The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the financial results as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net product sales $ 153,245 $ 239,887 Net loss $ (207,773 ) $ (96,348 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (18.41 ) $ (9.23 ) This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to reflect what the Company’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2015, nor does it project the future results of operations of the Company or reflect the expected realization of any cost savings associated with the acquisition. The actual results of operations of the Company may differ significantly from the pro forma adjustments reflected here due to many factors. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes various assumptions, including those related to the purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from Aegerion. Terminated Merger Transaction On June 8, 2015, QLT entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended and restated on each of July 16, 2015 and August 26, 2015) (the "InSite Merger Agreement") with InSite Vision Incorporated, a Delaware corporation ("InSite"). On September 15, 2015, the InSite Merger Agreement was terminated by InSite's board of directors. As a result, InSite paid QLT a termination fee of $2.7 million . In addition, in conjunction with the entry into the InSite Merger Agreement, on June 8, 2015 QLT granted InSite a secured line of credit (the "Secured Note") for up to $9.9 million to fund continuing operations through to the completion of the proposed InSite merger. Upon termination of the InSite Merger Agreement, InSite’s repayment obligations under the Secured Note were accelerated and InSite paid QLT the full amount owed of $5.8 million on September 15, 2015, which consisted of $5.7 million of principal drawn from the Secured Note and $0.1 million of accrued interest. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , QLT incurred $10.2 million of consulting and transaction fees in connection with QLT’s pursuit of the InSite Merger, and such fees have been reflected as part of SG&A expenses on the consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended.

Terminated Merger Transaction

Terminated Merger Transaction	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Terminated Merger Transaction	Acquisition Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. On November 29, 2016, Novelion completed its acquisition of Aegerion and each share of Aegerion’s common stock was exchanged for 1.0256 Novelion ("pre-Consolidation") common shares (the "Exchange Ratio"). Immediately after the Merger, the Company had 18,530,323 common shares outstanding; former shareholders of Novelion held approximately 68% of the Company, and former stockholders of Aegerion held approximately 32% of the Company. The Merger has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method, with Novelion as the accounting acquirer and Aegerion as the “acquired” company. The operating results of Aegerion from November 29, 2016 are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 reflect the acquisition of Aegerion. The acquisition consideration in connection with the Merger was approximately $62.4 million , and the Company allocated the acquisition consideration to various tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, which were finalized during 2017. Amount (in thousands, except for share and per share information) Number of Novelion common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Aegerion 6,060,288 Novelion share price on November 29, 2016 $ 9.75 Fair value of Novelion common shares issued to Aegerion stockholders $ 59,088 Liabilities assumed (2) 3,000 Stock compensation assumed (1) 293 Total acquisition consideration $ 62,381 (1) Represents the fair value of Aegerion in-the-money options and RSUs attributed to pre-combination services that were outstanding on November 29, 2016 and settled in connection with the Merger. All the outstanding out-of-the-money Aegerion stock options were cancelled as of the Merger date. (2) Represents amounts borrowed under the term loan facility provided by QLT to Aegerion on June 14, 2016, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement. At the time, Aegerion had borrowed $3.0 million against the term loan and the loan remained outstanding as of November 29, 2016. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date. There were no adjustments identified subsequent to the acquisition date. November 29, 2016 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,290 Restricted cash 390 Accounts receivable (1) 8,182 Inventories 76,800 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,839 Insurance proceeds receivable 22,000 Property and equipment, net 4,020 Intangible assets 252,458 Other assets 1,352 Accounts payable (11,459 ) Accrued liabilities (41,883 ) Provision for legal settlement (2) (63,968 ) Convertible notes (222,908 ) Other liabilities (732 ) Net assets acquired $ 62,381 (1) As of the Merger date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated the book value acquired. The amount not expected to be collected was insignificant. (2) Legal Matters - Aegerion has been the subject of certain ongoing investigations and other legal proceedings. See Note 18 for further information regarding these and other legal proceedings. The valuation of the intangible assets acquired and related amortization periods are as follows: Amount Amortization period Developed Technology: (in thousands) (in years) Lomitapide $ 42,300 10.75 Metreleptin 210,158 9.25 Total $ 252,458 The fair values of the intangibles were determined using a multi-period excess earnings approach. Under this method, an intangible asset fair value is equal to the present value of the after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at 11% . The fair values of the purchased inventories were also determined using a discounted present value income approach. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at 11% . There was no goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition. The Company recognized acquisition-related transaction costs associated with the Merger during the year ended December 31, 2016 totaling approximately $4.0 million . These costs, which related primarily to bank fees, legal and accounting services, and fees for other professional services, were expensed as incurred, and reported as SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Actual and Pro Forma Impact of Acquisition The following table presents the amount of Aegerion net product sales and net loss included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from November 29, 2016 through December 31, 2016 : November 29, 2016 - December 31, 2016 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net revenues $ 13,574 Net loss $ (6,276 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.34 ) The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the financial results as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net product sales $ 153,245 $ 239,887 Net loss $ (207,773 ) $ (96,348 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (18.41 ) $ (9.23 ) This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to reflect what the Company’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2015, nor does it project the future results of operations of the Company or reflect the expected realization of any cost savings associated with the acquisition. The actual results of operations of the Company may differ significantly from the pro forma adjustments reflected here due to many factors. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes various assumptions, including those related to the purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from Aegerion. Terminated Merger Transaction On June 8, 2015, QLT entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended and restated on each of July 16, 2015 and August 26, 2015) (the "InSite Merger Agreement") with InSite Vision Incorporated, a Delaware corporation ("InSite"). On September 15, 2015, the InSite Merger Agreement was terminated by InSite's board of directors. As a result, InSite paid QLT a termination fee of $2.7 million . In addition, in conjunction with the entry into the InSite Merger Agreement, on June 8, 2015 QLT granted InSite a secured line of credit (the "Secured Note") for up to $9.9 million to fund continuing operations through to the completion of the proposed InSite merger. Upon termination of the InSite Merger Agreement, InSite’s repayment obligations under the Secured Note were accelerated and InSite paid QLT the full amount owed of $5.8 million on September 15, 2015, which consisted of $5.7 million of principal drawn from the Secured Note and $0.1 million of accrued interest. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , QLT incurred $10.2 million of consulting and transaction fees in connection with QLT’s pursuit of the InSite Merger, and such fees have been reflected as part of SG&A expenses on the consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended.

Strategic Transactions

Strategic Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Strategic Transactions	Strategic Transactions Aralez Investment and Distribution On December 7, 2015, QLT entered into an Amended and Restated Share Subscription Agreement (the "Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement") with Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. ("Tribute"), POZEN Inc. ("POZEN"), Aralez Pharmaceuticals plc, (formally known as Aguono Limited) ("Aralez Ireland") and certain other investors for the purpose of returning capital to QLT's shareholders in either Aralez Shares (approximately 0.13629 of an Aralez Share for each common share of the Company) or cash, subject to pro-ration (the "Aralez Distribution"), up to a maximum of $15.0 million funded pursuant to the terms of the Backstop Agreement as described below. In connection with the Aralez Distribution, on June 8, 2015, QLT entered into a share purchase agreement (as amended, the "Backstop Agreement") with Broadfin Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd. ("Broadfin") and the JW Partners, LP, JW Opportunities Fund, LLC and JW Opportunities Master Fund, Ltd. (together the "JW Parties"), pursuant to which Broadfin and the JW Parties agreed to purchase up to $15.0 million of the Aralez Shares from QLT at $6.25 per share. This arrangement provided QLT’s shareholders with the opportunity to elect to receive, in lieu of Aralez Shares, up to an aggregate of $15.0 million in cash, subject to proration among the shareholders. On February 5, 2016, QLT purchased 7,200,000 Aralez Shares (representing 10.1% of the issued and outstanding Aralez Shares), for an aggregate price of $45.0 million . On April 5, 2016 (the "Distribution Date"), QLT distributed 4,799,619 Aralez Shares with a fair value of $19.3 million , and $15.0 million of cash to shareholders of record on February 16, 2016. At that time of the transaction, a member of QLT's Board of Directors was an affiliate of Aralez. QLT held the Aralez Shares from February 5, 2016 to the Distribution Date and the Aralez Shares were marked-to-market. As a result, QLT recognized a $10.7 million loss during the year ended December 31, 2016 , reflecting the change in value from the acquisition date to the Distribution Date. Pursuant to QLT’s financial advisory services agreement with Greenhill dated December 4, 2014 (as amended, the "Greenhill Agreement"), QLT paid Greenhill a $4.0 million advisory fee in connection with the completion of QLT’s $45.0 million investment in Aralez and exploration of other strategic initiatives described in Note 4 . The recognition and payment of the advisory fee was both contingent upon the satisfaction of various terms and conditions, which were met on February 5, 2016, and subject to the outcome of certain external factors and uncertainties, which were settled by February 5, 2016 but were beyond the Company’s control. Private Placement related to Aralez On June 8, 2015, QLT entered into a Share Purchase and Registration Rights Agreement (as amended, the "Share Purchase and Registration Rights Agreement") with Broadfin, JW Partners, LP, JW Opportunities Fund, LLC, EcoR1 Capital Fund Qualified, L.P. and EcoR1 Capital Fund, LP (the "QLT Investors"). The Share Purchase and Registration Rights Agreement provided that QLT would, following the completion of the Aralez Distribution, issue and sell to the QLT Investors a certain number of QLT common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $20.0 million , reflecting a per share purchase price of $1.87 . In light of the termination of the InSite Merger Agreement and the board’s determination that QLT’s cash requirements at that time did not justify the dilution that would be caused by this private placement, on April 28, 2016, QLT and the QLT Investors mutually agreed to terminate the Share Purchase and Registration Rights Agreement.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The components of inventories are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Work-in-process $ 22,579 $ 20,219 Finished goods 27,247 54,502 Total 49,826 74,721 Less: Inventories - current (15,886 ) (15,718 ) Inventories - non-current $ 33,940 $ 59,003 As part of the Merger, the Company acquired inventories with a value of $76.8 million . A portion of inventory is classified as non-current as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 based on forecasted consumption exceeding one year. Based upon a review of projected sales, remaining product shelf-life and respective fair values, an $18.8 million charge for excess and obsolete inventory was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017 . There was no charge for excess or obsolete inventory in the consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2016 or 2015 .

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 1,686 $ 1,869 Office furniture and equipment 1,743 539 Research equipment — 1,962 Computer and office equipment 3,768 10,236 Construction in progress 123 339 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost 7,320 14,945 Less accumulated depreciation (4,400 ) (10,786 ) Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 2,920 $ 4,159 As a result of the expired office lease in Vancouver, British Columbia, we disposed of computer and office equipment in 2017 and removed the associated cost and accumulated depreciation from the related accounts. Less than $0.1 million of loss was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Depreciation expense was $2.0 million , $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , there were no impairment charges recorded. Additionally, the Company reviewed the useful lives of the intangibles as of December 31, 2017 and believes the useful lives are still reasonable. Intangible asset balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Developed technology - lomitapide $ 42,300 $ (4,262 ) $ 38,038 Developed technology - metreleptin 210,158 (22,924 ) 187,234 Total intangible assets $ 252,458 $ (27,186 ) $ 225,272 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Developed technology - lomitapide $ 42,300 $ (328 ) $ 41,972 Developed technology - metreleptin 210,158 (1,806 ) 208,352 Total intangible assets $ 252,458 $ (2,134 ) $ 250,324 Amortization expense was $25.1 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. There was no amortization expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2017 , the estimated amortization expense related to these intangibles for future periods is as follows: Amount Years Ending December 31, (in thousands) 2018 $ 25,095 2019 25,095 2020 25,095 2021 25,095 2022 25,095 Thereafter 99,797 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 225,272

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Accrued employee compensation and related costs $ 7,755 $ 7,920 Accrued professional fees 4,118 3,466 Accrued sales allowances 13,471 7,849 Accrued royalties 3,588 3,301 Other accrued liabilities 12,906 14,644 Total $ 41,838 $ 37,180 The following table summarizes combined activity for lomitapide and metreleptin in the sales allowance and reserve for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . There was no sales allowance in 2015 as the Company did not have any commercial products and did not generate any revenues. December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 7,849 $ — Provision 23,087 7,849 Payments (17,465 ) — Ending balance $ 13,471 $ 7,849 During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company incurred $2.5 million in restructuring charges primarily related to the consolidation of similar positions during the integration of the business subsequent to the Merger. There were no restructuring expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The restructuring charges consisted primarily of severance and benefits costs. The following table sets forth the components of the restructuring charge and payments made against the reserve for the year ended December 31, 2017 : December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Beginning restructuring balance $ — Costs incurred 2,536 Cash paid (2,788 ) Other adjustments 262 Ending restructuring balance $ 10

Convertible Notes, net

Convertible Notes, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Notes, net	Convertible Notes, net In August 2014, Aegerion issued Convertible Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $325.0 million . The Convertible Notes are governed by the terms of an indenture and a supplemental indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as the Trustee. The following are the key terms of the Convertible Notes: • The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations and bear interest at a rate of 2.0% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2015. The Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2019 , unless earlier repurchased or converted. • After the Merger, the Convertible Notes are convertible into Novelion’s common shares at a conversion rate of 4.9817 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, as adjusted for the Exchange Ratio and the Consolidation. If the holders elect to convert the Convertible Notes, Aegerion can settle the conversion of the Convertible Notes through payment or delivery of cash, common shares, or a combination of cash and common shares, in its discretion. • On or after February 15, 2019 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their Convertible Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at the option of the holder. • The indenture does not contain any financial covenants or restrict Aegerion’s ability to repurchase Aegerion’s securities, pay dividends or make restricted payments in the event of a transaction that substantially increases Aegerion’s level of indebtedness. • The indenture contains customary terms and covenants and events of default. If an event of default (other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving Aegerion) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to Aegerion, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Convertible Notes by written notice to Aegerion and the Trustee, may declare 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the Convertible Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration of acceleration, such principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving Aegerion, 100% of the principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Convertible Notes will become due and payable automatically. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indenture provides that, upon Aegerion’s election, and for up to 180 days , the sole remedy for an event of default relating to certain failures by Aegerion to comply with certain reporting covenants in the indenture consists exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes were re-measured at fair value at the Merger date, and the fair value of the Convertible Notes as of the Merger date was approximately $222.9 million , which was determined by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing services. The pricing services utilize pricing models incorporating variables such as coupon, maturity, conversion ratio, parity, corporate actions and equity market closing prices to calculate conversion premiums and sensitivity values to estimate the fair value of the Convertible Notes. As of the Merger date, management attributed the fair value entirely to the liability component of the Convertible Notes for the following reasons: (1) as of the Merger date, the conversion price ( $200.74 ) was significantly higher than the price of Novelion common shares ( $9.75 ), and (2) management did not expect the price of Novelion common shares to increase above the conversion price before the Convertible Notes mature in August 2019. The Company’s outstanding Convertible Note balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Liability component: Principal $ 324,998 $ 324,998 Less: debt discount (66,460 ) (99,414 ) Net carrying amount $ 258,538 $ 225,584 The expected life of the debt was equal to the five year term on the Convertible Notes. The effective interest rate on the liability component was 16.42% for the period from the acquisition date through December 31, 2017 . The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Contractual interest expense $ 6,500 $ 577 Amortization of debt discount 32,954 2,676 Total interest expense $ 39,454 $ 3,253 Future minimum payments under the Convertible Notes as are as follows: Years Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2018 $ 6,500 2019 331,498 337,998 Less amounts representing interest (13,000 ) Less debt discount, net (66,460 ) Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2017 $ 258,538

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value is established that distinguishes between fair value measurements based on market data (observable inputs) and those based on the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). This hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability based on management’s best estimate of inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 are summarized in the table below: Significant Quoted Prices in Other Significant Active Markets for Observable Unobservable Balance at Identical Assets Inputs Inputs December 31, (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2017 (in thousands) Financial Instruments: Money market funds $ 20,046 $ — $ — $ 20,046 Restricted cash 253 — — 253 Total Financial Instruments $ 20,299 $ — $ — $ 20,299 The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 are summarized in the table below: Significant Quoted Prices in Other Significant Active Markets for Observable Unobservable Balance at Identical Assets Inputs Inputs December 31, (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2016 (in thousands) Financial Instruments: Money market funds $ 68,234 $ — $ — $ 68,234 Restricted cash 390 — — 390 Total Financial Instruments $ 68,624 $ — $ — $ 68,624 The fair value of the Convertible Notes, which differs from their carrying values, is influenced by interest rates, the Company’s share price and share price volatility and is determined by prices for the Convertible Notes observed in market trading which are Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $258.3 million and $240.4 million , respectively. The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their immediate or short-term maturities. These financial instruments are also exposed to credit risks. To limit the Company’s credit exposure, cash and cash equivalents are deposited with high-quality financial institutions in accordance with its treasury policy goal to preserve capital and maintain liquidity. The Company’s treasury policy limits investments to certain money market securities issued by governments, financial institutions and corporations with investment-grade credit ratings, and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by issuer. The Company maintains its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in bank accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in these accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. The Company is subject to credit risk from its accounts receivable related to product sales of lomitapide and metreleptin. The majority of the Company's accounts receivable arises from product sales and primarily represents amounts due from distributors, named patients, and other entities. The Company monitors the financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers to properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile, and provides reserves against accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from a customer’s inability to pay. The Company does not recognize revenue for uninsured amounts billed directly to a patient until the time of cash receipt as collectability is not reasonably assured at the time the product is received by the customer. To date, the Company has not incurred any material credit losses.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share	Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of unrestricted common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. Since the Company has had net losses for all periods presented, all potentially dilutive securities were determined to be anti-dilutive. Accordingly, basic and diluted net loss per common share are equal. The following table sets forth potential common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants, the vesting of restricted stock units and the conversion of the Convertible Notes (prior to consideration of the treasury stock and if-converted methods), which were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share because such instruments were anti-dilutive: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Stock options 2,025 1,715 86 Unvested restricted stock units 445 1,029 — Warrants 14,515 14,515 568 Convertible notes 1,619 1,619 — Total 18,604 18,878 654

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Share Capital	Share Capital (a) Private Placement On June 14, 2016, the Company entered into a unit subscription agreement (the "Unit Subscription Agreement") with the investors party thereto (the "Investors"). Pursuant to the Unit Subscription Agreement, immediately prior to the Merger, the Investors acquired units, for $8.80 per unit, on a post-Consolidation basis, consisting of (i) 2,472,727 Novelion common shares, which include up to 568,181 Novelion common shares issuable upon exercise of fully paid-up warrants, and (ii) warrants (the "Unit Subscription Agreement Warrants") which were exercisable for up to an aggregate of 2,644,952 Novelion common shares at an exercise price of $0.05 per share on the same terms and conditions as the Merger Agreement Warrants (collectively with the Merger Agreement Warrants, the “Warrants”). The net consideration received from the private placement was $21.5 million ( $21.8 million gross consideration net of $0.3 million of share issuance costs), which was recorded as equity and allocated based on the relative fair values of the common shares and the paid-up warrants at the time of issuance. The Unit Subscription Agreement Warrants were issued on the same terms and conditions as the Merger Agreement Warrants. The Company accounted for the paid-up warrants issued in the Private Placement in accordance with the guidance regarding the accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock. The paid-up warrants met the requirements to be accounted for as equity instruments. The proceeds related to the sale of the paid-up warrants are included in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. (b) Cash, Share and Warrant Distributions On April 5, 2016, based on shareholder election, Novelion distributed $15.0 million of cash and 4,799,619 Aralez Shares, with a fair value of $19.3 million , to its shareholders of record on February 16, 2016 in accordance with the Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement. On November 23, 2016, the Company issued 10,565,879 Merger Agreement Warrants to its shareholders of record on November 17, 2016. As of December 31, 2017 , the Merger Agreement Warrants were recognized as a liability on the Company's consolidated balance sheet with a fair value of zero , as the exercise of such warrant was not deemed probable. The Merger Agreement Warrants have been cancelled subsequent to December 31, 2017 . The Company accounts for the contingent warrants in accordance with the guidance regarding the accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock. The contingent warrants met the requirements to be accounted for as derivative instruments as the contingent warrants are variable and indexed to an event other than the fair value of the Company’s shares.

Stock-based Payments

Stock-based Payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Payments	Stock-based Payments Under the Amended and Restated Novelion 2017 Equity Incentive Plan ("NVLN Plan"), under which it may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees, directors and consultants of Novelion and its affiliates. Common shares of Novelion will be issued upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of RSUs. Under the terms of the NVLN Plan, Novelion is entitled to grant awards in respect of its unissued common shares up to a maximum of 4,760,000 shares. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has 2,277,417 shares of common shares available for issuance under its NVLN Plan. In April 2017, the Board of Directors adopted the Company's 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"), to enable eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries to use payroll deductions to purchase shares of stock in offerings under the plan. A total of 278,710 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. Common shares of Novelion will be issued upon exercise of ESPP grants. The Company issues stock options, RSUs and ESPP grants with service conditions, which are generally the vesting periods of the awards. The Company has also issued RSUs that vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance conditions or the satisfaction of certain market conditions. Generally, the stock options, RSUs and ESPP grants expire within 10 years of grant. Determining the Fair Value of Stock Awards (a) Stock Options The fair value of stock options is measured with service-based and performance-based vesting criteria to employees, consultants and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In general, the stock options vest over three to four years. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. The expected volatility and expected life of the Company’s stock options are projected based upon historical and other economic data trended into future years. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected life of the Company’s stock options. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to implied yields available from U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $3.15 , $7.12 , and CAD $10.60 , respectively. The following weighted-average assumptions were used to value stock options granted in each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Expected stock price volatility 38.57 % 38.23 % 41.30 % Risk-free interest rate 2.04 % 1.93 % 1.40 % Expected life of options (years) 6.25 6.19 6.80 Expected dividend yield — — — The Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows: Weighted Weighted- Average Average Remaining Aggregate Number of Exercise Price Contractual Intrinsic Stock Options Per Share Life (years) Value Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,714,593 $ 9.01 9.6 $ 528 Granted 1,391,125 7.70 Exercised (70,820 ) 7.15 Forfeited/cancelled (1,009,483 ) 9.48 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,025,415 $ 8.00 7.5 $ — Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 2,025,415 $ 8.00 7.5 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 430,851 $ 8.89 3.3 $ — As of December 31, 2017 , the total future unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options is $4.4 million and is expected to be recorded over a weighted average period of 2.56 years. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the weighted average exercise price of stock options granted was $7.70 , $8.27 and CAD $4.84 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $4.9 million ; there was no intrinsic value for the options exercised in 2017 and 2016 . The Company received $0.5 million and $5.5 million in cash proceeds from option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015 , respectively; there was no cash proceeds received from option exercises in 2016 . (b) Deferred Share Units (DSUs) The Company has a Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan ("DDSU Plan") for the Company’s directors. Under the Company's DDSU Plan, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, directors can receive all or a percentage of their equity-based compensation in the form of DSUs. DSUs vest in thirty-six ( 36 ) successive and equal monthly installments beginning on the first day of the first month after the grant date. A vested DSU can only be settled by conversion to cash ( no shares are issued), and is automatically converted after the director ceases to be a member of the Board unless the director is removed from the Board for just cause. Prior to conversion, the value of each DSU, at any point in time, is equivalent to the latest closing price of Novelion’s common shares on that trading day. When converted to cash, the value of a vested DSU is equivalent to the closing price of a common share of Novelion on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date. Given that vested DSUs are convertible to cash only, the Company recognizes compensation expense for DSUs based on the market price of the Company’s shares. The Company also records an accrued liability to recognize the expected financial obligation related to the future settlement of these DSUs as they vest. Each reporting period, the expected obligation is revalued for changes in the market value of the Company’s common shares. The obligation to settle DSUs in cash is recorded as a liability in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and is marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period. Cash payments under the DDSU Plan were immaterial and less than $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and no cash payment was made under the DDSU Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015 . The cash payments in 2016 related to two former members of the Novelion board of directors who departed from the board after the acquisition closed on November 29, 2016. The Company’s obligation to settle the remaining vested and unsettled 28,400 common shares underlying DSUs held by former directors was not significant as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. In connection with the Merger, the vesting provisions applicable to all of the outstanding and unvested DSUs were accelerated on November 29, 2016. The acceleration of the vesting provisions of all the outstanding and unvested DSUs during the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted in additional DSU compensation expense of $0.06 million recognized in the Company's 2016 results of operations. There were no additional DSU activities in 2017 . (c) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) The Company issues restricted stock units ("RSUs") to its employees and directors as consideration for their provision of future services. Restricted stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the fair value market price of the Company’s common shares on the grant date and is recognized over the requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period. RSUs can only be exchanged and settled for the Company’s common shares, on a one -to-one basis, upon vesting. The Company has outstanding time-vested, market-based and performance-based RSUs. Time-vested RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive common shares at the end of a vesting period, subject solely to the employee’s continuing employment. The majority of time-vested RSUs vest over two to three years. All the market-based RSUs vest when the Company’s stock price is equal to or greater than the value of the original new hire strike price and expire on July 29, 2019. The performance-based RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock if specified performance goals are achieved during the performance period and the grantee remains employed during the subsequent vesting period. The majority of performance-based RSUs vest in three equal annual installments beginning upon goal achievement. Upon vesting, each RSU represents the right to receive one common share of the Company. The Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows: Weighted- Average Number of Grant Date RSUs Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,028,881 $ 8.82 Granted 218,500 4.59 Vested (150,556 ) 11.54 Forfeited/cancelled (651,808 ) 9.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 445,017 $ 8.29 RSUs are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of vesting restrictions. The compensation expense associated with RSUs with time-based and performance-based vesting conditions is measured based on the fair value market price of the Company's common shares on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the vesting restrictions lapse. As of December 31, 2017 , the total future unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs is $2.5 million and is expected to be recorded over a weighted average period of 1.35 years. (d) Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) The ESPP permits eligible employees to acquire shares of the Company's common stock through periodic payroll deductions of up to 15% of base compensation. The price at which the common stock may be purchased is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the first day of the applicable offering period or on the last day of the respective purchase period. The ESPP is deemed compensatory and compensation costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company estimates the fair value of the ESPP shares at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 Expected stock price volatility 48.51 % Risk-free interest rate 1.45 % Expected life of options (years) 0.50 Expected dividend yield — The weighted average per share fair value of purchase rights granted in 2017 was $1.06 . Total expense recognized for these purchase rights was less than $0.1 million in 2017. As of December 31, 2017 , no shares had been issued under the ESPP. (e) Stock-based Compensation Expense The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Selling, general and administrative $ 3,721 $ 683 $ 1,108 Research and development 816 155 1,267 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 4,537 $ 838 $ 2,375

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the “Plan”) in which substantially all of its and its subsidiaries' permanent U.S. employees are eligible to participate. Employee contributions are voluntary and are determined on an individual basis, limited by the maximum amounts allowable under the U.S. federal tax regulations. The Company makes matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% of employees’ contributions to the Plan up to the maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, for certain employees outside of the U.S., the Company contributes amounts for retirement benefits required by applicable local laws. The Company recorded employer contribution expense of approximately $0.8 million and $0.03 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. There was no employer contribution expense recorded during the year ended December 31, 2015 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Loss before provision for income taxes, classified by source of (loss)/income, is as follow: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) U.S. $ (69,034 ) $ (9,521 ) $ — Canada (24,177 ) (46,733 ) (22,987 ) Other Foreign (32,916 ) 3,849 — Loss before provision for income taxes $ (126,127 ) $ (52,405 ) $ (22,987 ) (Provision) benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current (provision) benefit: U.S. $ 106 $ (2 ) $ — Canada (3 ) 105 — Other Foreign (633 ) (517 ) — (530 ) (414 ) — Deferred (provision): Canada — — (22 ) Other Foreign (53 ) (51 ) — (53 ) (51 ) (22 ) (Provision) for income taxes $ (583 ) $ (465 ) $ (22 ) Differences between the Company’s statutory income tax rates and its effective income tax rates, as applied to the loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are reconciled as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Canadian statutory tax rates 26 % 26 % 26 % Loss before income taxes $ (126,127 ) $ (52,405 ) $ (22,987 ) Expected income tax benefit 32,793 13,625 5,977 Net increase in valuation allowance (13,895 ) (13,684 ) (2,486 ) Investment tax credits (172 ) 868 (222 ) Stock-based compensation (270 ) (133 ) (606 ) Foreign rate differential 1,198 532 — U.S. and Canada rate change (19,774 ) — — Non-taxable expenditures — — 76 Change in uncertain tax positions (20 ) — (1,784 ) Adjustments to capital losses for settlement of uncertain tax positions — — (560 ) Other (443 ) (1,673 ) (417 ) (Provision) for income taxes $ (583 ) $ (465 ) $ (22 ) Deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. The primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 68,915 $ 51,808 Research and development credits 14,198 14,028 Stock-based compensation 761 108 Capitalized research expenses 1,028 2,124 Capital loss carryforwards 39,087 37,452 Depreciable and amortizable assets 10,859 13,597 Other temporary differences 11,761 13,736 Total gross deferred tax assets 146,609 132,853 Valuation allowance (145,753 ) (131,858 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 856 $ 995 As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has a $0.9 million net deferred tax asset attributable to its profitable foreign subsidiaries. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017 , the Company has a $145.8 million valuation allowance recorded against its U.S., Canadian and Swiss deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased approximately $13.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 , primarily due to the deferred tax assets established in connection with the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards. If the Company is subsequently able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which the remaining valuation allowance has been established, the Company may be required to recognize these deferred tax assets through the reduction of the valuation allowance which could result in a material benefit to results of operations in the period in which the benefit is determined. The Company has evaluated the positive and negative evidence bearing upon the realizability of its deferred tax assets and concluded that based on the Company’s history of operating losses that it is more likely than not that the benefit of its U.S., Canadian and Swiss deferred tax assets will not be realized. Therefore, Company has provided a valuation allowance against its U.S., Canadian and Swiss deferred tax assets for all years presented. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had approximately $267.2 million of U.S., Canadian and foreign net operating losses (“NOL”) of which $60.5 million relate to the Company's U.S. subsidiaries, $176.9 million relate to Canada and $29.8 million relate to the Company's Swiss subsidiary. The U.S. federal NOL carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2025 through 2037 , if not utilized. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company also had approximately $39.3 million of U.S. state NOL carryforwards that will expire at various dates from 2029 through 2037 , if not utilized. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company also had approximately $13.5 million of Canadian national and provincial research and development credits available for carryforward. The research and development credit carryforwards will expire at various dates through 2036 . As of December 31, 2017 , the Company's Canadian Scientific, Research and Experimental Development pool was $11.4 million . Furthermore, as of December 31, 2017 , the Company had approximately $289.5 million of Canadian capital loss carryforwards, which carryforward indefinitely. The deferred tax benefit of these loss carryforwards and research and development credits is ultimately subject to final determination by the respective taxation authorities. Upon acquiring a company that has U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state tax credits, the Company prepared an assessment to determine if it has a legal right to use the acquired net operating losses and tax credits. In performing this assessment, the Company followed the regulations within the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Sections 382 and 383. The Company determined that the U.S. net operating losses and tax credits acquired in the Aegerion acquisition are subject to limitations under IRC Sections 382 and 383. Due to the ownership changes, the Company determined that its U.S. subsidiaries, including Aegerion, will only be able to utilize approximately $13.3 million of its pre-ownership change NOLs before expiration as a result of the annual Section 382 limitation. The Company has adjusted its NOL carryforward and the amounts above reflect the reduction for pre-ownership change NOLs that will expire before becoming available. The total available post-ownership change NOLs total $47.2 million . The Company has not performed a formal analysis to determine if the post-ownership change NOLs are subject to limitation under IRC Sections 382 and 383. The U.S. subsidiaries may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of subsequent shifts in share ownership that could further limit the use of the available net operating losses and credits. The Company recorded a provision for uncertain tax positions ("UTP") of approximately $7.8 million offset by $7.4 million of the Company's deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 , for a net of $0.4 million for the provision for UTP as of December 31, 2017 . The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s provision for UTP: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Total provision for UTP as of January 1, $ 7,660 $ 7,278 $ 5,557 Current year acquisitions — 911 — Increases related to current year tax positions 62 — 347 Changes in tax positions of a prior period 55 — 1,934 Lapse due to statute of limitations — (342 ) — Settlements with taxing authorities — (187 ) (560 ) Total provision for UTP as of December 31, 7,777 7,660 7,278 Deferred tax assets available to offset provision for UTP (7,360 ) (7,279 ) (6,936 ) Total provision for UTP as of December 31, $ 417 $ 381 $ 342 As of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company has accrued an insignificant amount of interest as a result of the deferred assets available to offset its provision for UTP. The increase in provision for UTP during 2016 was the result of transfer pricing adjustments made at the Company’s Swiss subsidiary as a result of its acquisition of Aegerion. During 2016, the Company settled a dispute with the Canadian Revenue Authority surrounding its capital loss carryover as a result of the remaining contingent consideration owed from the Company's previous sale of its subsidiaries, QLT USA, Inc., and Eligard ® to TOLMAR Holding, Inc., which resulted in a decrease of unrecognized tax benefits. Additionally, during 2016, the period in which the 2008 Canadian income tax return was subject to reassessment expired, which resulted in a reduction of the provision for UTP surrounding its share buyback costs that arose during that tax year. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in Canada, the U.S., and various U.S. states and in foreign jurisdictions. The Canadian income tax returns are generally subject to tax examination for the tax years ended December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2017. The U.S., U.S. state and foreign income tax returns are generally subject to tax examinations for the tax years ended December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2017. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted upon examination by the tax authorities. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). This Act includes significant changes in U.S. tax law, including a reduction in the corporate tax rates and creating a territorial tax system with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings of U.S. subsidiaries. The Act reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate from the current rate of 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. As a result of the Act, the Company was required to revalue its existing U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 from the 35% federal rate in effect through the end of 2017, to the new 21% rate. As a result of the change in law, the Company recorded a current period tax expense of $21.5 million and a corresponding reduction in the associated valuation allowance for a net adjustment of zero to its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Act will require the Company to pay tax on the unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries through December 31, 2017. The Company has estimated that its foreign subsidiaries are in an overall net earnings deficit and as such would have no incremental U.S. tax and therefore has recorded no tax liability on its unremitted earnings at December 31, 2017. As a result of the enactment of the Act, the Company has reviewed the unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and estimated that because the foreign subsidiaries are in an overall earnings deficit at December 31, 2017 that there is no incremental amount of earnings to include in its U.S. taxable income, and no incremental U.S. tax due to the current year losses. As a result, the Company does not have any untaxed, undistributed earnings. However, the Company is indefinitely invested in the foreign subsidiaries, and has not provided deferred taxes for any other basis differences in its foreign subsidiaries. The Act creates a new requirement that certain income earned by a foreign subsidiary must be included in the income of the foreign subsidiaries U.S. shareholder. This income (called Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, or "GILTI") is defined as the excess of a foreign subsidiary's income over a nominal return on fixed assets. The Company expects to be subject to this inclusion in future years. The Company has elected to treat the effects of this provision as a period cost, and therefore has not considered the impacts of GILTI on its deferred taxes as of December 31, 2017. The Company’s preliminary estimate of the Act and the remeasurement of the Company's U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities is subject to the finalization of the its analysis related to certain matters, such as developing interpretations of the provisions of the Act, changes to certain estimates and the filing of the Company's U.S. tax returns. U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting the Act may require further adjustments and changes in the Company's estimates. In conjunction with the tax law changes, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Act.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company currently operates as one business segment, pharmaceuticals, and is focused on the development and commercialization of two commercial products. The Company's Chief Operating Officer is currently the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). The Company does not operate any separate lines of business or separate business entities with respect to its products. Accordingly, the Company does not accumulate discrete financial information with respect to separate service lines and does not have separate reportable segments. Enterprise-wide disclosures about net revenues and long-lived assets by geographic area and information relating to major customers are presented below. Net Revenues The following table summarizes total net revenues from external customers by product and by geographic region, based on the location of the customer. In 2015, the Company did not have any commercial products and did not generate any revenues. Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. Brazil Other Foreign Countries Total (in thousands) Lomitapide $ 46,431 $ 6,659 $ 19,040 $ 72,130 Metreleptin 50,972 6,837 8,499 66,308 Total net revenues $ 97,403 $ 13,496 $ 27,539 $ 138,438 Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. Brazil Other Foreign Countries Total (in thousands) Lomitapide $ 6,134 $ — $ 2,487 $ 8,621 Metreleptin 4,685 — 268 4,953 Total net revenues $ 10,819 $ — $ 2,755 $ 13,574 In 2017, net revenues generated from customers outside of the U.S. and Brazil, as listed in the column “Other Foreign Countries,” was primarily comprised of revenues from Japan, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, and Greece. In 2016, net revenues generated from customers outside of the U.S. were primarily derived from named patient sales in Argentina, Colombia and Italy. Significant Customers For the year ended December 31, 2017 , two customers accounted for 70% of the Company’s net revenues; of these two customers, one customer accounted for 63% of the Company’s December 31, 2017 accounts receivable balance. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , one customer accounted for 35% of the Company's net revenues, and 29% of the Company's December 31, 2016 accounts receivable balance. Long-lived Assets The Company’s long-lived assets are primarily comprised of intangible assets and property and equipment. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 100% of the Company's intangible assets were held by the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Aegerion. Of that, 65% and 66% of the intangible assets were attributable to Aegerion's U.S. business, with the remaining 35% and 34% attributable to Aegerion's European holding company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 75% and 93% , respectively, of the Company's property and equipment resided in the Company's U.S. subsidiaries, with the remaining 25% and 7% resided in the Company's Canadian and other foreign subsidiaries.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Leases The Company leased certain office facilities and office equipment pursuant to operating leases during the year ended December 31, 2017 . The future minimum payments for office space and office equipment over the next five years are summarized as follows: Lease Commitments Year Ending December 31,: (in thousands) 2018 $ 2,973 2019 949 2020 195 2021 52 2022 25 Thereafter 25 Total $ 4,219 Rent expense pursuant to operating leases was approximately $3.3 million , $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Other Commitments Amgen Licensing Agreements Metreleptin . In connection with Aegerion's acquisition of MYALEPT in January 2015, Aegerion acquired a license agreement between Amgen Inc. (“Amgen”) and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., dated February 7, 2006 (the “Amgen License”) pursuant to which an exclusive worldwide license was obtained from Amgen to certain know-how and patents and patent applications covering the composition of matter and methods of use of metreleptin to develop, manufacture and commercialize a preparation containing metreleptin (the “Amgen Licensed Products”). As part of the Amgen License, an exclusive sublicense of Amgen’s exclusive rights to certain metreleptin-related patents and patent applications owned by the Rockefeller University and exclusively licensed to Amgen under a license agreement dated April 14, 1995, as amended (the “Rockefeller License”) and an exclusive sublicense of Amgen’s non-exclusive rights to certain metreleptin-related patents and patent applications owned by The Regents of the University of California and non-exclusively licensed to Amgen under a license agreement dated July 13, 2005 (the “UCSF License”) were obtained. Amgen retains rights to conduct research, development, manufacturing and commercialization activities with respect to products other than the Amgen Licensed Products. Sublicenses under the licenses are permitted and are subject to certain limitations, including Amgen’s right of first offer for any out-license, partnership, co-development, commercialization, co-promotion or similar agreement related to metreleptin or the Amgen Licensed Products, which expires in February 2021. Under this license agreement, Amgen must notify Aegerion of any potential third-party partnership regarding any intellectual property rights controlled by Amgen in the neurology field and Aegerion will have a right of first negotiation for any license, partnership, co-development, commercialization, co-promotion or similar agreement, which expires in February 2021. Aegerion is required to make royalty payments to Amgen on net sales of each Amgen Licensed Product on a country-by-country basis (i) at a royalty rate in the low double digits where the Amgen Licensed Product has patent protection or market exclusivity granted by a regulatory authority at the time of regulatory approval in the applicable country during the applicable royalty term, which runs on a country-by-country basis until the later of (a) the expiration of the last-to-expire valid claim covering an Amgen Licensed Product in the applicable country, (b) expiration of any market exclusivity granted by a regulatory authority, and (c) ten years from the date on which an Amgen Licensed Product is first sold to a third party in a country after regulatory approval for the Amgen Licensed Product has been granted in such country ("Amgen Royalty Term") or (ii) at a royalty rate in the mid-single digits to low double digits where the Amgen Licensed Product receives patent protection or market exclusivity following the time of regulatory approval in the applicable country, in either case subject to a variety of customary reductions. Under the Amgen License, Aegerion is also required to directly meet certain payment obligations under the Rockefeller License and UCSF License. Aegerion is required to make royalty payments to Rockefeller University on net sales of each product with patent rights or know-how in the field of obesity genes, obesity gene products, and molecules that modulate or mediate their action and/or regulation on a country-by-country basis at a range of royalty rates in the low single digits depending on whether the product has an orphan product designation or not until the later to occur of expiration of (i) patent protection, (ii) any market exclusivity period granted in the applicable country, or (iii) any data exclusivity period in the applicable country (with certain limitations related to the number of units sold). In February 2015, Aegerion paid a one-time $5.0 million milestone payment to Rockefeller University, which was due twelve months following the receipt of marketing approval for MYALEPT in the U.S. Aegerion is also required to pay to Rockefeller University a percentage in the low double digits of any upfront license fees or one-time fees Aegerion receives in consideration for any sublicense of the licensed rights. There are no material payment obligations outstanding under the UCSF License. Also, in connection with the acquisition of metreleptin, Aegerion entered into a letter agreement with AstraZeneca pursuant to which Aegerion agreed to make royalty payments payable by AstraZeneca and its affiliates to BMS with respect to net sales of metreleptin in the U.S. The time-based royalty rate ranges from mid-single digits to low double digits, increasing annually in years 2016 to 2019 from rates in the low single digits to low double digits, peaking in years 2019 to 2020 at a rate in the low double digits before decreasing in years 2022 through 2025 to rates in the high single digits to mid-single digits. The royalty obligation to BMS terminates in 2026. The Amgen License will terminate upon the expiration of the last Amgen Royalty Term for any Amgen Licensed Product. Aegerion has the right to terminate the Amgen License for convenience upon 90 days prior written notice to Amgen or for Amgen’s uncured material breach of the Amgen License, or becoming subject to specified bankruptcy or liquidation events. Amgen may terminate the Amgen License for Aegerion’s uncured failure to make payments to Amgen or if Aegerion is the subject of specified bankruptcy or liquidation events. Aegerion made royalty payments to Amgen, Rockefeller University and BMS related to the sales of MYALEPT through November 29, 2016. There were no royalty payments made to these parties from November 30, 2016 to December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Aegerion made aggregate royalty payments of $9.7 million to Amgen, Rockefeller University and BMS, and had $2.9 million and $2.0 million in aggregate royalties payable as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. University of Pennsylvania Licensing Agreements Lomitapide . In May 2006, Aegerion entered into a license agreement with The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (“UPenn”) pursuant to which it obtained an exclusive, worldwide license from UPenn to certain know-how and a range of patent rights applicable to lomitapide. In particular, Aegerion obtained a license to certain patent and patent applications owned by UPenn relating to the dosing of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors, including lomitapide, and certain patents and patent applications and know-how covering the composition of matter of lomitapide that were assigned to UPenn by BMS in the field of monotherapy or in combination with other dyslipidemic therapies, which are therapies for the treatment of patients, with abnormally high or low levels of plasma cholesterol or triglycerides. Aegerion is obligated under this license agreement to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop, commercialize, market and sell at least one product covered by the licensed patent rights, such as lomitapide. In addition, Aegerion will be required to make specified royalty payments on net sales of products, at a range of royalty rates in the high single digits on net sales of lomitapide in countries where lomitapide has patent protection, and of any other products covered by the license (subject to a variety of customary reductions), and share with UPenn specified percentages of sublicensing royalties and certain other consideration that Aegerion receives under any sublicenses that Aegerion may grant. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Aegerion made $3.1 million in royalty payments to UPenn. Aegerion made royalty payments to UPenn through November 29, 2016, and there were no royalty payments made from November 30, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Additionally, Aegerion accrued an additional $0.7 million and $1.3 million in royalties to UPenn as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . This license agreement will remain in effect on a country-by-country basis until the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed patent right in the applicable country. Aegerion has the right to terminate this license agreement for UPenn’s uncured material breach of the license agreement or for convenience upon 60 days ’ prior written notice to UPenn, subject to certain specific conditions and consequences. UPenn may terminate this license agreement for Aegerion’s uncured material breach of the license agreement, its uncured failure to make payments to UPenn or if Aegerion is the subject of specified bankruptcy or liquidation events. Indemnities In connection with the sale of assets, the Company provided indemnities with respect to certain matters, including product liability, patent infringement, contractual breaches and misrepresentations, and the Company provides other indemnities to third parties under the clinical trial, license, service, supply and other agreements that it enters into in the normal course of its business. If the indemnified party were to make a successful claim pursuant to the terms of the indemnity, the Company would be required to reimburse the loss. These indemnities are generally subject to threshold amounts, specified claims periods and other restrictions and limitations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , no amounts have been accrued in connection with such indemnities. Development and Post Marketing Regulatory Commitments Novelion and Aegerion have engaged Contract Research Organizations ("CROs") to provide research, safety and project management services (the "Services") in connection with the execution of their potential clinical trials and existing registries. Services would only give rise to liabilities to the extent that services are provided to Novelion or Aegerion, as applicable, and pass through expenses are incurred. As of December 31, 2017 , the Services have not yet been performed and the Company has potential commitments of approximately $47.0 million under these agreements. The amount reflected is based on the existing contracts and does not reflect any inflation, future modification to, or termination of, the existing contracts or anticipated or potential new contracts. Legal Matters As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the insurance proceeds receivable and provision for legal settlements are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Insurance Proceeds Receivable Class action lawsuit insurance proceeds $ — $ 22,000 Provision for Legal Settlements Class action lawsuit settlement $ — $ (22,250 ) DOJ and SEC settlement (39,612 ) (40,635 ) Relator legal settlement — (620 ) Relators legal fees — (405 ) Other litigation settlement — (100 ) Total provision for legal settlements (39,612 ) (64,010 ) Less: Provision for legal settlements - current (8,596 ) (64,010 ) Provision for legal settlements - non-current $ (31,016 ) $ — DOJ/SEC Investigations In late 2013, Aegerion received a subpoena from Department of Justice (the "DOJ"), represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, requesting documents regarding its marketing and sale of JUXTAPID in the U.S., as well as related public disclosures. In late 2014, Aegerion received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requesting certain information related to Aegerion’s sales activities and disclosures related to JUXTAPID. The SEC also requested documents and information on a number of other topics, including documents related to the investigations by government authorities in Brazil into whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated Brazilian anti-corruption laws, and whether Aegerion’s activities in Brazil violated the FCPA. In May 2016, Aegerion reached preliminary agreements in principle with the DOJ and the SEC to resolve their investigations into U.S. commercial activities and disclosures relating to JUXTAPID. On September 22, 2017, Aegerion entered into a series of agreements in an effort to resolve investigations being conducted by the DOJ and the SEC regarding these topics. The terms of these agreements were substantially similar to the preliminary agreements in principle. In connection with the SEC investigation, Aegerion consented to the entry of a final judgment, on September 25, 2017, in connection with a complaint filed by the SEC without admitting or denying the allegations set forth in the complaint (the "SEC Judgment"). The complaint alleged negligent violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, related to certain statements made by Aegerion in 2013 regarding the conversion rate for JUXTAPID prescriptions. The SEC Judgment provides that Aegerion must pay a civil penalty in the amount of $4.1 million , to be paid in installments over three years, plus interest on any unpaid balance at a rate of 1.75% per annum. As of December 31, 2017 , $1.2 million remains due as a current liability and $1.6 million remains due as a non-current liability. Aegerion’s payment of this civil penalty is subject to acceleration in the event of certain change of control transactions or certain transfers of Aegerion’s rights in JUXTAPID or MYALEPT. Aegerion’s payment schedule is also subject to acceleration in the event that Aegerion fails to satisfy its payment obligations under the SEC Judgment. The SEC Judgment was approved by a U.S. District Court judge on September 25, 2017. In connection with the DOJ investigation, Aegerion entered into a Plea Agreement, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (“DPA”), a Civil Settlement, certain State Settlement Agreements, and a Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction (“FDA Consent Decree”). Under the DOJ Plea Agreement, Aegerion agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor misbranding violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA"). On November 20, 2017, the U.S. District Court rejected Aegerion’s Plea Agreement. On January 12, 2018, Aegerion entered into a new Plea Agreement with the DOJ. On January 30, 2018, a U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Aegerion after accepting Aegerion’s guilty criminal plea. The Court did not impose a criminal fine and instead ordered Aegerion to pay restitution, in the amount of $7.2 million payable over three years, plus interest on any unpaid balance at a rate of 1.75% per annum, into a fund managed by an independent claims administrator. Of the total $7.2 million of restitution fund, $2.9 million is recorded as a current liability and $4.3 million is recorded as a non-current liability. As contemplated by the Plea Agreement, Aegerion was further sentenced to a three -year term of probation. Among the terms of probation, Aegerion must (i) comply with federal, state and local laws, (ii) pay restitution in accordance with the payment schedule set by the Court, (iii) notify its probation officer of any prosecution, major civil litigation or administrative proceeding, (iv) seek permission of its probation officer prior to selling, assigning or transferring assets, (v) notify its probation officer of any material change in its economic circumstances, (vi) forbear from disparaging the factual basis of Aegerion’s plea or denying that Aegerion itself is guilty, and (vii) comply with the DPA and CIA. Reports prepared by the independent review organization and FDA Auditor, as discussed below, must be provided to its probation officer. Under the terms of the DPA, Aegerion admitted it engaged in conduct that constituted a conspiracy to violate the HIPAA. The DPA provides that Aegerion must continue to cooperate fully with the DOJ concerning its investigation into other individuals or entities. The DPA provides that Aegerion must maintain a robust Compliance and Ethics Program (as defined in the DPA) that requires, among other things, a designated Compliance Officer and Compliance Committee; written compliance policies and procedures; a training program focused on Aegerion’s compliance policies and procedures; a disclosure program to allow individuals to report potential legal and/or compliance violations, including violations of HIPAA; a non-retaliation policy; and a monitoring and auditing program. Under the DPA, Aegerion, as well as the Board of Directors of the Company (or a designated committee thereof), must also conduct regular reviews of its Compliance and Ethics Program, provide certifications to the DOJ that the program is believed to be effective and notify the DOJ of any probable violations of HIPAA. In the event Aegerion breaches the DPA, there is a risk the government would seek to impose remedies provided for in the DPA, including instituting criminal prosecution against Aegerion and/or seeking to impose stipulated penalties against Aegerion. The DPA is subject to review and supervision by a U.S. District Court judge. Aegerion also entered into the DOJ Civil Settlement Agreement to resolve allegations by the DOJ that false claims for JUXTAPID were submitted to governmental healthcare programs. The DOJ Civil Settlement Agreement requires Aegerion to pay a civil settlement in the amount of $28.8 million , which includes up to $2.7 million designated for certain U.S. states relating to Medicaid expenditures for JUXTAPID, to be paid in installments over three years. In addition, a $0.8 million of interest under the preliminary agreements in principle with the DOJ has been paid subsequent to December 31, 2017. Of the $28.8 million , $3.7 million is recorded as a current liability and $25.1 million is recorded as a non-current liability. Aegerion’s payment of this civil settlement amount is subject to acceleration in the event of certain change of control transactions or certain transfers of Aegerion’s rights in JUXTAPID or MYALEPT. In the event that Aegerion fails to satisfy its obligations under the DOJ Civil Settlement Agreement, Aegerion could be subject to additional penalties or litigation. Aegerion also agreed to enter into the State Settlement Agreements to resolve claims under state law analogues to the federal False Claims Act. The terms of the State Settlement Agreements are substantially similar to those set forth in the DOJ Civil Settlement Agreement. As noted above, participating states will receive up to $2.7 million in the aggregate from the $28.8 million amount to be paid pursuant to the DOJ Civil Settlement Agreement. Aegerion also agreed to the FDA Consent Decree with the DOJ and the FDA to resolve a separate civil complaint alleging that the company violated the FDCA by failing to comply with the JUXTAPID REMS program and the requirement to provide adequate directions for all of the uses for which it distributed JUXTAPID. The FDA Consent Decree requires Aegerion, among other things, to comply with the JUXTAPID REMS program; retain a qualified independent auditor to conduct annual audits of its compliance with the JUXTAPID REMS program; and remediate any noncompliance identified by the auditor within specified timeframes. In the event Aegerion fails to comply with the JUXTAPID REMS program or any other provisions of the FDA Consent Decree, Aegerion could be subject to additional administrative remedies, civil or criminal penalties and/or stipulated damages. Aegerion is required to notify the FDA in advance of certain changes in control, or changes in its business that may affect its operations, assets, rights or liabilities in the United States. The FDA Consent Decree does not take effect until it is approved by the Court and the injunction order is issued. Separately, Aegerion entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement (“CIA”) with the Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”). The CIA requires Aegerion, among other things, to maintain a Compliance Program (as defined in the CIA) that includes: the designation of a Compliance Officer and a Compliance Committee; comprehensive written policies and procedures regarding the operation of the Compliance Program and appropriate conduct related to sales, marketing, reimbursement, incentive compensation and other matters; training and education regarding the Compliance Program and requirements of the CIA; a centralized annual risk assessment and mitigation process; an independent review and analysis of Aegerion’s systems, transactions, risk assessment and mitigation process and other compliance activities; a disclosure program that allows individuals to report issues or questions associated with Aegerion’s policies, conduct, practices or procedures; a field force monitoring program to evaluate and monitor sales personnel’s interactions with healthcare professionals; monitoring of non-promotional activities, including consultants, donations to independent third-party patient assistance programs and other types of grants; certain requirements for the variable compensation programs for its U.S. sales personnel; and an executive financial recoupment program that puts at risk of forfeiture and recoupment performance pay for certain of Aegerion’s and the Company’s executives. Under the CIA, Aegerion, as well as the Board of Directors of the Company (or a designated committee thereof), must also conduct regular reviews of Aegerion’s Compliance Program and provide an annual resolution or certification to OIG that the program is believed to be effective. Additionally, Aegerion must obtain management certifications from certain employees who are expected to monitor and oversee Aegerion’s activities, which must be provided to OIG. Aegerion has reporting obligations under the CIA, including with respect to any ongoing investigation or legal proceeding involving an allegation that Aegerion has engaged in any fraudulent activities or committed a crime, any communications with FDA regarding improper promotion or marketing of Aegerion’s products and any probable violations of criminal, civil or administrative laws applicable to federal healthcare programs. In the event Aegerion breaches the CIA, there is a risk the government would seek to impose remedies provided for in the CIA, including seeking to impose stipulated penalties against Aegerion and/or seeking to exclude Aegerion from participation in federal healthcare programs. Investigations in Brazil Federal and state authorities in Brazil are conducting an investigation to determine whether there have been violations of Brazilian laws related to the sales of JUXTAPID in Brazil. In July 2016, the Ethics Council of Interfarma fined Aegerion's subsidiary in Brazil ("Aegerion Brazil") approximately $0.5 million for violations of the industry association’s Code of Conduct, to which Aegerion Brazil is bound due to its affiliation with Interfarma. Also, the Board of Directors of Interfarma imposed an additional penalty of suspension of Aegerion Brazil’s membership, without suspension of Aegerion Brazil’s membership contribution, for a period of 180 days for Aegerion Brazil to demonstrate the implementation of effective measures to cease alleged irregular conduct, or exclusion of the Company's membership in Interfarma if such measures are not implemented. Aegerion Brazil paid approximately $0.5 million related to this fine during the third quarter of 2016. In March 2017, after the suspension period ended, Interfarma’s Board of Directors decided to reintegrate Aegerion Brazil, enabling it to participate regularly in Interfarma activities, subject to meeting certain obligations. Also, in July 2016, Aegerion Brazil received an inquiry from a Public Prosecutor Office of the Brazilian State of Paraná asking it to respond to questions related to media coverage regarding JUXTAPID and its relationship with a patient association to which Aegerion made donations for patient support. This preliminary inquiry was later reclassified as a civil inquiry, which is a preliminary procedure by the Public Prosecutor's Office that aims to verify if there are enough elements for it to file a formal lawsuit or to dismiss the inquiry. In June 2017, the Federal Public Prosecutor of the City of São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, requested that a Brazilian federal court provide federal investigators with access to the bank records of certain individuals and entities, including Aegerion Brazil, certain former Aegerion Brazil employees, a Brazilian patient association, and certain Brazilian physicians. The Court has not yet ruled on the Federal Public Prosecutor’s request. The Public Prosecutors in Paraná and São José dos Campos continue to gather information in connection with their respective investigations. At this time, the Company does not know whether the inquiries of the Public Prosecutors in Paraná or São José dos Campos will result in the commencement of any formal proceeding against Aegerion, but if Aegerion’s activities in Brazil are found to violate any laws or governmental regulations, Aegerion may be subject to significant civil lawsuits to be filed by the Public Prosecution office, and administrative penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities and additional damages and fines. Under certain circumstances, Aegerion could be barred from further sales to federal and/or state governments in Brazil, including sales of JUXTAPID and/or MYALEPT, due to penalties imposed by Brazilian regulatory authorities or through civil actions initiated by federal or state public prosecutors. As of the filing date of this Annual Report, the Company cannot determine if a loss is probable as a result of the investigations and inquiry in Brazil and whether the outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and, as a result, no amounts have been recorded for a loss contingency. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit In January 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Aegerion and certain of its former executive officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts alleging certain misstatements and omissions related to the marketing of JUXTAPID and Aegerion’s financial performance in violation of the federal securities laws. On July 22, 2016, co-lead plaintiffs and defendants filed a joint motion to stay the briefing schedule while they pursued mediation, which the Court granted on August 10, 2016. Through mediation, the co-lead plaintiffs and defendants reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation on November 29, 2016. On January 17, 2017, the co-lead plaintiffs filed a stipulation of settlement with the Court that contained the settlement terms as agreed upon by the parties, including that Aegerion and its insurance carriers would contribute $22.3 million to a settlement fund for the putative class. The insurance carriers agreed to cover $22.0 million of this amount, with Aegerion responsible for the remainder of $0.3 million . On June 29, 2017, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement. Aegerion and its insurance carriers contributed their respective portions of the settlement fund as of July 14, 2017. Class members had until October 31, 2017, to object to or file objections or postmark requests to opt-out of the settlement. No class members filed objections to the settlement by the October 31 deadline. On November 30, 2017, the Court approved the settlement and dismissed the action in its entirety with prejudice. Qui Tam Litigation In March 2014, an amended qui tam complaint was filed under seal in the District of Massachusetts against Aegerion, two former executive officers and a former employee. United States ex rel Clarke v. Aegerion Pharm. Inc. , No. 13-cv-11785-IT. On September 22, 2017, the U.S. filed a notice of intervention as to Aegerion. On September 27, 2017, the qui tam relators filed a second amended complaint naming additional parties, including a former board member, former executives, and former employees of Aegerion, as well as other third parties. The second amended complaint noted that the relators would file a joint stipulation of dismissal with respect to Aegerion upon the completion of certain conditions set forth in the Civil Settlement Agreement. On October 27, 2017, the court granted Aegerion and relators’ joint motion to stay proceedings until sentencing in the criminal matter is complete. On February 20, 2018, Aegerion was dismissed from the qui tam lawsuit. Contingent Consideration Receivable Related to the Sale of Visudyne® On September 24, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Visudyne business to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. ("Valeant"). Subject to the achievement of certain future milestones, the Company was eligible to receive the following additional consideration: (i) a milestone payment of $5.0 million if receipt of the registration required for commercial sale of the Qcellus ™ laser in the U.S. (the Laser Registration) is obtained by December 31, 2013, $2.5 million if the Laser Registration is obtained after December 31, 2013 but before January 1, 2015, and $0 if the Laser Registration is obtained thereafter (the "Laser Earn-Out Payment"); (ii) up to $5.0 million in each calendar year commencing January 1, 2013 (up to a maximum of $15.0 million in the aggregate) for annual net royalties exceeding $8.5 million pursuant to the Amended and Restated PDT Product Development, Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Novartis Pharma AG (the "Novartis Agreement") or from other third-party sales of Visudyne outside of the U.S.; and (iii) a royalty on net sales attributable to new indications for Visudyne, if any should be approved by the FDA. On September 26, 2013, the FDA approved the premarket approval application ("PMA") supplement for the Qcellus laser and on October 10, 2013, the Company invoiced Valeant for the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment. Valeant subsequently disputed payment on the basis that it believes the Laser Earn-Out Payment remains contingent upon receipt of additional governmental authorizations with regard to the Qcellus laser. As a result, on September 22, 2015 the Company commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Valeant for breach of contract. In December 2017, we agreed to a settlement of this litigation in exchange for a settlement payment from Valeant of $0.5 million , and such receivable was recorded as other income in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Related to the Sale of the PPDS Technology On April 3, 2013, Novelion completed the sale of its punctal plug drug delivery system technology for approximately $1.3 million (the "PPDS Technology") to Mati Therapeutics Inc. ("Mati") pursuant to the terms of Novelion’s asset purchase agreement with Mati (the "Mati Agreement"). Under the terms of the Mati Agreement, Novelion is eligible to receive future potential payments upon completion of certain product development and commercialization milestones that could reach $19.5 million (or exceed that amount if more than two products are commercialized), a low single digit royalty on worldwide net sales of all products using or developed from the PPDS Technology and a fee on payments received by Mati in respect of the PPDS Technology other than net sales revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company received no proceeds related to the collection of this contingent consideration.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On March 15, 2018, Aegerion entered into a new loan and security agreement (the “New Loan Agreement”) with affiliates of Broadfin Capital, LLC (“Broadfin Capital”) and Sarissa Capital Management LP (“Sarissa Capital” and, together with Broadfin Capital, the “Lenders”), pursuant to which the Lenders provided a single-draw term loan to Aegerion in an aggregate amount of $20.0 million (the “New Loan”), and secured by substantially all of Aegerion’s assets, subordinated to the intercompany loan entered between QLT and Aegerion on June 14, 2016 (which intercompany loan was amended and restated in connection with Aegerion’s entry into the New Loan Agreement). Interest on the New Loan accrues at 9.00% per annum and the New Loan matures on the earliest of (i) August 1, 2019, (ii) 30 days prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes, (iii) the date that any restructuring or recapitalization of all or substantially all of the Convertible Notes, including any exchange offer or similar transaction, is substantially consummated, and (iv) upon acceleration of the obligations under the New Loan Agreement. Following an event of default and so long as an event of default is continuing the interest rate would increase by 3% per annum. Interest will accrue and compound quarterly in arrears and is not be payable in cash until the New Loan Maturity Date or any earlier time that interest and principal become due and payable under the New Loan. The New Loan may be prepaid, in whole or in part, by Aegerion at any time without premium or penalty. The Lenders or their affiliates are also investors in the Company’s common shares, and two members of our Board of Directors are affiliates of the Lenders. In connection with the New Loan Agreement, the Lenders were issued warrants to purchase approximately 1.8 million Novelion common shares. The warrants have an exercise price equal to $4.40 per share, representing the volume weighted average price of Novelion common shares for the 20 trading days ending March 14, 2018, and have a term of four years.

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) The following table contains quarterly financial information for the years ended 2017 and 2016. Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 September 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenues $ 38,908 $ 28,669 $ 40,877 $ 29,984 Cost of product sales 16,993 29,505 14,277 16,445 Loss from operations (13,964 ) (39,399 ) (11,772 ) (21,663 ) Net loss (24,568 ) (49,744 ) (21,436 ) (30,962 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (1.32 ) (2.67 ) (1.15 ) (1.67 ) Quarter Ended December 31, 2016 September 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenues $ 13,574 $ — $ — $ — Cost of product sales 5,971 — — — Loss from operations (14,360 ) (6,017 ) (7,403 ) (8,926 ) Net loss (19,920 ) (5,936 ) (5,120 ) (21,894 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (1.48 ) (0.55 ) (0.50 ) (2.05 )

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). All amounts herein are expressed in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise noted. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include operations of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated
Reclassifications	.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods presented. The Company's estimates often are based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. For any given individual estimate or assumption made by us, there may also be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
Reporting and Functional Currency	Reporting and Functional Currency The Company's reporting currency is the USD and its operations utilize the USD or local currency as the functional currency, where applicable. Transactions in other currencies are recorded in the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses arising from re-measurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the period in which they occur. For foreign entities where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies are translated into USD at end-of-period exchange rates and the resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents primarily amounts deposited to collateralize the Company’s corporate credit card program and a letter of credit for the Company’s facility lease in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Accounts Receivable, net	Accounts Receivable, net The majority of the Company's accounts receivable arises from product sales and primarily represents amounts due from distributors, named patients, and other entities. The Company monitors the financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers to properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. The Company provides reserves against accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from a customer’s inability to pay. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged or written-off against the reserve. To date, the Company's historical reserves and write-offs of accounts receivable have not been significant.
Inventories and Cost of Product Sales	Inventories and Cost of Product Sales Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is maintained on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets until the inventory is sold, donated as part of the Company’s compassionate use program, or used for clinical development. Inventory that is sold is recognized as cost of product sales in the consolidated statements of operations, inventory that is donated as part of the Company’s compassionate use program is recognized as a selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense in the consolidated statements of operations, expired inventory is disposed of and the related costs are recognized as cost of product sales in the consolidated statements of operations, and inventory used for clinical development is recognized as research and development expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Inventories are reviewed periodically to identify slow-moving inventory based on sales activity, both projected and historical, as well as product shelf-life. The portion of the slow-moving inventory not expected to be sold within one year is classified as non-current inventory in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes an analysis of sales levels by product type, the expiration date of the Company’s finished goods on-hand at each balance sheet date, as well as the anticipated unit forecast for demand for each product. Any changes to the demand of either product may result in a reserve for excess and obsolescence if the Company believes inventory will expire prior to being commercially sold, and such charge will be recorded to cost of product sales. If the asset becomes impaired or is abandoned, the carrying value is written down to its net realizable value, and an impairment charge is recorded in the period in which the impairment occurs. In evaluating the recoverability of inventories produced, the Company considers the probability that revenue will be obtained from the future sale of the related inventory. Cost of product sales includes the cost of inventory sold, manufacturing and supply chain costs, product shipping and handling costs, charges for excess and obsolete inventory, amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as royalties payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ("UPenn") related to the sale of lomitapide and royalties payable to Amgen Inc. ("Amgen"), Rockefeller University and Bristol-Myers Squibb ("BMS") related to the sale of metreleptin.
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for litigation related matters when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is not probable or a range cannot reasonably be estimated, no liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Insurance recoveries related to potential claims are recognized up to the amount of the recorded liability when coverage is confirmed and the estimated recoveries are probable of payment. These recoveries are not netted against the related liabilities for financial statement presentation
Prepaid Manufacturing Costs	Prepaid Manufacturing Costs Cash advances paid by the Company prior to receipt of inventory are recorded as prepaid manufacturing costs and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances are subject to forfeiture if the Company terminates the scheduled production. The Company expects the carrying value of the prepaid manufacturing costs to be fully realized.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated economic lives of three to five years for office furniture, fixtures, research equipment and other equipment, and three years for computer software and hardware. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining lease term, which include lease extensions when reasonably assured. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized, on a straight-line basis, to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment if certain triggering events occur.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment testing and assessments of remaining useful lives are performed when a triggering event occurs that could indicate a potential impairment or change in useful life. Such testing first entails comparison of the carrying value of the long-lived asset to the undiscounted cash flows expected from that asset. If impairment is indicated by this test, the long-lived assets are written down by the amount, if any, by which the discounted cash flows expected from the long-lived asset exceed its carrying value.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether or not each such transaction should be accounted for as a business combination by assessing whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs. If the Company determines that an acquisition qualifies as a business, the Company applies the acquisition method of accounting which requires that the purchase price be allocated to the net assets acquired at their respective fair values. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company has no goodwill on its consolidated balance sheets as December 31, 2017 or 2016. The Company reports provisional amounts when measurements are incomplete as of the end of the reporting period. Additionally, the Company completes the purchase price allocation within a measurement period which does not extend beyond one year after the acquisition date. Contingent consideration in a business combination is included as part of the acquisition cost and is recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. Fair value is generally estimated by using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow approach. Any liability resulting from contingent consideration is re-measured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. These changes in fair value are recognized on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of SG&A expenses. The present-value models used to estimate the fair values of acquired inventories and intangibles incorporate significant assumptions, including, but not limited to: assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval; estimated selling price, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows from potential product sales and related expenses; and the appropriate discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, the assessment of the asset’s lifecycle and the competitive trends impacting the assets, including consideration of any technical, legal, regulatory or economic barrier. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The Company's consolidated financial statements include the results from operations of an acquired business after the transaction date.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the Company has no further performance obligations. The Company records distribution and other fees paid to its distributors as a reduction of revenue. Revenue is recorded net of estimated discounts and rebates, primarily including those provided to Medicare and Medicaid. Allowances are recorded as a reduction of revenue at the time revenues from product sales are recognized. Allowances for government rebates and discounts are established based on the actual payer information, which is reasonably estimable at the time of delivery. These allowances are adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that may impact such allowances in the quarter those changes are known. To date, such adjustments have not been significant. We receive royalty revenues on sales by our licensees. We record these revenues based on estimates of the sales occurred during the relevant period and the applicable royalty rate. Differences between actual and estimated royalty revenues are adjusted for in the period in which they become known, typically the following quarter. Historically, adjustments have not been material when compared to actual amounts paid by licensees. The Company also offers a branded co-pay assistance program for eligible patients with commercial insurance in the U.S. who are on JUXTAPID or MYALEPT therapy. The branded co-pay assistance program assists commercially insured patients who have coverage for JUXTAPID or MYALEPT, and is intended to reduce each participating patient’s portion of the financial responsibility for JUXTAPID’s or MYALEPT’s purchase price up to a specified dollar amount of assistance. The Company records revenue net of amounts paid under the branded specific co-pay assistance program for each patient. Lomitapide In the U.S., JUXTAPID is only available for distribution through a specialty pharmacy. Until the November 2017 transition to the new specialty pharmacy described in the following paragraph, the product was shipped directly to the patient and prior authorization and confirmation of coverage level by a patient’s private insurance plan or government payer were prerequisites to shipment. Revenue from sales in the U.S. covered by the patient’s private insurance plan or government payer was recognized once the product had been received by the patient. For uninsured amounts billed directly to the patient, revenue was recognized at the time of cash receipt as collectability was not reasonably assured at the time the product was received by the patient. To the extent amounts were billed in advance of delivery to the patient, the Company deferred revenue until the product was received by the patient. In the second quarter of 2017, to improve distribution efficiency, the Company's subsidiary signed a letter of intent for the distribution of JUXTAPID with the same specialty pharmacy that distributes MYALEPT in the U.S. The agreement was signed and finalized in October 2017 and the transition of this distribution model was completed in November 2017. Subsequent to completion of the transition, revenue from sales of JUXTAPID in the U.S. has been recognized upon product shipment to the distributor (sell-in method). The Company also records revenue on sales in countries where lomitapide is available on a named patient basis, typically paid for by a government authority or institution. In many cases, these sales are processed through a third-party distributor that takes title to the product upon acceptance. Because of factors such as the pricing, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to delivery to the end-customer, and the limited contractual return rights, these distributors typically only hold inventory to supply specific orders for the product. The Company recognizes revenue for sales under these named patient programs upon product acceptance by the third-party distributor. In the event the payer’s creditworthiness has not been established, the Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Metreleptin Sales of metreleptin are facilitated through third-party distributors that take title to the product upon acceptance. Because of factors such as pricing, the limited number of patients, the short period from product sale to delivery to the end-customer, and the limited contractual return rights, these distributors typically only hold inventory to supply specific orders for the product. The Company recognizes revenue for sales upon product acceptance by the third-party distributor. In the event the payer’s creditworthiness has not been established, the Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis if all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Prior to the second quarter of 2017, due to insufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the gross-to-net adjustments for rebates related to payors and insurance providers at the time of receipt by the distributor, the Company accounted for MYALEPT shipments using a deferred revenue recognition model (sell-through method). Under the deferred revenue recognition model, the Company did not recognize revenue upon product shipment. For product shipments, the Company invoiced the distributor, recorded deferred revenue at the gross invoice sales price, classified the cost basis of the product held by the distributor as a separate component of inventory, and recognized revenue when delivered to the patient. Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, the Company determined that there was sufficient history to reasonably estimate expected rebates, and, to align its existing and anticipated revenue streams of products sold within the U.S., began recognizing sales of MYALEPT upon product shipment to the distributor (sell-in method). For the three-month period ended June 30, 2017, the Company recognized a one-time increase in net revenue of $2.3 million resulting from this change in estimate, representing previously deferred product sales.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses comprise costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related costs, stock-based compensation, facilities-related overhead, clinical trial costs, costs to support certain medical affairs activities, manufacturing costs for clinical and pre-clinical materials as well as other contracted services, license fees, and other external costs. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of future net tax assets resulting in an increase or decrease to net income. Income tax credits, such as investment tax credits, are included as part of the provision for income taxes. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. Significant estimates are required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes and uncertain tax positions. Some of these estimates are based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations. Various internal and external factors may have favorable or unfavorable effects on the Company’s future effective tax rate. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in tax laws, regulations and/or rates, changing interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations, changes in estimates of prior years’ items, results of tax audits by tax authorities, future levels of research and development spending, changes in estimates related to repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and changes in overall levels of pre-tax earnings. The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on whether the Company is able to generate sufficient capital gains and taxable income prior to expiration of any loss carry forward balance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The assessment of whether or not a valuation allowance is required often requires significant judgment including the long-range forecast of future taxable income and the evaluation of tax planning initiatives. Adjustments to the deferred tax valuation allowances are made to earnings in the period when such assessments are made. The Company records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. There is inherent uncertainty in quantifying income tax positions. The Company has recorded tax benefits for those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will result upon ultimate settlement with a tax authority that has all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will result, no tax benefit has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Penalties and interest are recorded as a component of income tax expense.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation For service-based awards, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period. For awards that vest or begin vesting upon achievement of a performance condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense when achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable using a straight-line model over the implicit service period. Certain of the Company’s awards that contain performance conditions also require the Company to estimate the number of awards that will vest, which the Company estimates when the performance condition is deemed probable of achievement. For awards that vest upon the achievement of a market condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the derived service period. For equity awards that have previously been modified, any incremental increase in the fair value over the original award has been recorded as compensation expense on the date of the modification for vested awards or over the remaining service period for unvested awards. The Company has a Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan ("DDSU Plan") for the Company’s directors. Given that vested Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") are convertible to cash only, the Company recognizes compensation expense for DSUs based on the market price of the Company’s shares. The Company also records an accrued liability to recognize the expected financial obligation related to the future settlement of these DSUs as they vest. Each reporting period, the expected obligation is revalued for changes in the market value of Novelion’s common shares. The Company issues restricted stock units ("RSUs") to its employees and directors as consideration for their provision of future services. Restricted stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the fair value market price of Novelion’s common shares on the grant date and is recognized over the requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period. RSUs can only be exchanged and settled for Novelion’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting.
Comprehensive Loss	Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss combines net loss and other comprehensive items. Other comprehensive items represent certain amounts that are reported as components of shareholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, including currency translation adjustments.
Recent Accounting Standards and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of related activity on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), using the prospective method as required. ASU 2015-11 states that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements— Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) : Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles of current U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt”, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is still present and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 represents a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance including industry-specific guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and related ASUs, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of that date The Company established an implementation team to assist with its assessment of the impact of the new revenue guidance on its operations, consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company’s assessment has included performing analysis for each revenue stream identified, assessing the potential differences in recognition and measurement that may result from adopting this standard and assessing whether the Company meets certain practical expedients. Based on the results of the assessment, the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized upon adoption and there is no cumulative prior period adjustment to be recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption. The Company also anticipates changes to its disclosures to comply with the new disclosure requirements under the guidance. The Company is implementing the necessary changes to its revenue recognition accounting policies and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), its new standard on accounting for leases. The new guidance will require the Company to recognize the assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations created by those leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those periods. The standard requires the application of the modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain expedients. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Refer to additional details of the Company’s lease obligations in Note 14. On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 states that a statement of cash flows should explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All updates should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. On May 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"), to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2017-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value is established that distinguishes between fair value measurements based on market data (observable inputs) and those based on the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). This hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability based on management’s best estimate of inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their immediate or short-term maturities. These financial instruments are also exposed to credit risks. To limit the Company’s credit exposure, cash and cash equivalents are deposited with high-quality financial institutions in accordance with its treasury policy goal to preserve capital and maintain liquidity. The Company’s treasury policy limits investments to certain money market securities issued by governments, financial institutions and corporations with investment-grade credit ratings, and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by issuer. The Company maintains its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in bank accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in these accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds.
Concentration Credit Risk	The Company is subject to credit risk from its accounts receivable related to product sales of lomitapide and metreleptin. The majority of the Company's accounts receivable arises from product sales and primarily represents amounts due from distributors, named patients, and other entities. The Company monitors the financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers to properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile, and provides reserves against accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from a customer’s inability to pay. The Company does not recognize revenue for uninsured amounts billed directly to a patient until the time of cash receipt as collectability is not reasonably assured at the time the product is received by the customer. To date, the Company has not incurred any material credit losses.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The acquisition consideration in connection with the Merger was approximately $62.4 million , and the Company allocated the acquisition consideration to various tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, which were finalized during 2017. Amount (in thousands, except for share and per share information) Number of Novelion common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Aegerion 6,060,288 Novelion share price on November 29, 2016 $ 9.75 Fair value of Novelion common shares issued to Aegerion stockholders $ 59,088 Liabilities assumed (2) 3,000 Stock compensation assumed (1) 293 Total acquisition consideration $ 62,381 (1) Represents the fair value of Aegerion in-the-money options and RSUs attributed to pre-combination services that were outstanding on November 29, 2016 and settled in connection with the Merger. All the outstanding out-of-the-money Aegerion stock options were cancelled as of the Merger date. (2) Represents amounts borrowed under the term loan facility provided by QLT to Aegerion on June 14, 2016, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement. At the time, Aegerion had borrowed $3.0 million against the term loan and the loan remained outstanding as of November 29, 2016. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date. There were no adjustments identified subsequent to the acquisition date. November 29, 2016 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,290 Restricted cash 390 Accounts receivable (1) 8,182 Inventories 76,800 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,839 Insurance proceeds receivable 22,000 Property and equipment, net 4,020 Intangible assets 252,458 Other assets 1,352 Accounts payable (11,459 ) Accrued liabilities (41,883 ) Provision for legal settlement (2) (63,968 ) Convertible notes (222,908 ) Other liabilities (732 ) Net assets acquired $ 62,381 (1) As of the Merger date, the fair value of accounts receivable approximated the book value acquired. The amount not expected to be collected was insignificant. (2) Legal Matters - Aegerion has been the subject of certain ongoing investigations and other legal proceedings. See Note 18 for further information regarding these and other legal proceedings.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The valuation of the intangible assets acquired and related amortization periods are as follows: Amount Amortization period Developed Technology: (in thousands) (in years) Lomitapide $ 42,300 10.75 Metreleptin 210,158 9.25 Total $ 252,458
Schedule of Pro Forma Impact of Acquisition	The following table presents the amount of Aegerion net product sales and net loss included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from November 29, 2016 through December 31, 2016 : November 29, 2016 - December 31, 2016 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net revenues $ 13,574 Net loss $ (6,276 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.34 ) The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the financial results as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except for per share information) Net product sales $ 153,245 $ 239,887 Net loss $ (207,773 ) $ (96,348 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (18.41 ) $ (9.23 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	The components of inventories are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Work-in-process $ 22,579 $ 20,219 Finished goods 27,247 54,502 Total 49,826 74,721 Less: Inventories - current (15,886 ) (15,718 ) Inventories - non-current $ 33,940 $ 59,003

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 1,686 $ 1,869 Office furniture and equipment 1,743 539 Research equipment — 1,962 Computer and office equipment 3,768 10,236 Construction in progress 123 339 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost 7,320 14,945 Less accumulated depreciation (4,400 ) (10,786 ) Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 2,920 $ 4,159

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible asset balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Developed technology - lomitapide $ 42,300 $ (4,262 ) $ 38,038 Developed technology - metreleptin 210,158 (22,924 ) 187,234 Total intangible assets $ 252,458 $ (27,186 ) $ 225,272 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Developed technology - lomitapide $ 42,300 $ (328 ) $ 41,972 Developed technology - metreleptin 210,158 (1,806 ) 208,352 Total intangible assets $ 252,458 $ (2,134 ) $ 250,324
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Acquired Intangibles	As of December 31, 2017 , the estimated amortization expense related to these intangibles for future periods is as follows: Amount Years Ending December 31, (in thousands) 2018 $ 25,095 2019 25,095 2020 25,095 2021 25,095 2022 25,095 Thereafter 99,797 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 225,272

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Accrued employee compensation and related costs $ 7,755 $ 7,920 Accrued professional fees 4,118 3,466 Accrued sales allowances 13,471 7,849 Accrued royalties 3,588 3,301 Other accrued liabilities 12,906 14,644 Total $ 41,838 $ 37,180
Schedule of Combined Activity in Sales Allowances and Reserves	The following table summarizes combined activity for lomitapide and metreleptin in the sales allowance and reserve for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . There was no sales allowance in 2015 as the Company did not have any commercial products and did not generate any revenues. December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 7,849 $ — Provision 23,087 7,849 Payments (17,465 ) — Ending balance $ 13,471 $ 7,849
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Payments	The following table sets forth the components of the restructuring charge and payments made against the reserve for the year ended December 31, 2017 : December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Beginning restructuring balance $ — Costs incurred 2,536 Cash paid (2,788 ) Other adjustments 262 Ending restructuring balance $ 10

Convertible Notes, net (Tables)

Convertible Notes, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Convertible Note Balances	The Company’s outstanding Convertible Note balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Liability component: Principal $ 324,998 $ 324,998 Less: debt discount (66,460 ) (99,414 ) Net carrying amount $ 258,538 $ 225,584
Schedule of Total Interest Expense Recognized Related to Convertible Notes	The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Contractual interest expense $ 6,500 $ 577 Amortization of debt discount 32,954 2,676 Total interest expense $ 39,454 $ 3,253
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Under Term Loan Agreements	Future minimum payments under the Convertible Notes as are as follows: Years Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2018 $ 6,500 2019 331,498 337,998 Less amounts representing interest (13,000 ) Less debt discount, net (66,460 ) Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2017 $ 258,538

Fair Value of Financial Instr35

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 are summarized in the table below: Significant Quoted Prices in Other Significant Active Markets for Observable Unobservable Balance at Identical Assets Inputs Inputs December 31, (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2017 (in thousands) Financial Instruments: Money market funds $ 20,046 $ — $ — $ 20,046 Restricted cash 253 — — 253 Total Financial Instruments $ 20,299 $ — $ — $ 20,299 The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 are summarized in the table below: Significant Quoted Prices in Other Significant Active Markets for Observable Unobservable Balance at Identical Assets Inputs Inputs December 31, (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2016 (in thousands) Financial Instruments: Money market funds $ 68,234 $ — $ — $ 68,234 Restricted cash 390 — — 390 Total Financial Instruments $ 68,624 $ — $ — $ 68,624

Basic and Diluted Net Loss pe36

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Anti-Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share	The following table sets forth potential common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants, the vesting of restricted stock units and the conversion of the Convertible Notes (prior to consideration of the treasury stock and if-converted methods), which were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share because such instruments were anti-dilutive: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Stock options 2,025 1,715 86 Unvested restricted stock units 445 1,029 — Warrants 14,515 14,515 568 Convertible notes 1,619 1,619 — Total 18,604 18,878 654

Stock-based Payments (Tables)

Stock-based Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions to Estimate Fair Value	The following weighted-average assumptions were used to value stock options granted in each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Expected stock price volatility 38.57 % 38.23 % 41.30 % Risk-free interest rate 2.04 % 1.93 % 1.40 % Expected life of options (years) 6.25 6.19 6.80 Expected dividend yield — — —
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows: Weighted Weighted- Average Average Remaining Aggregate Number of Exercise Price Contractual Intrinsic Stock Options Per Share Life (years) Value Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,714,593 $ 9.01 9.6 $ 528 Granted 1,391,125 7.70 Exercised (70,820 ) 7.15 Forfeited/cancelled (1,009,483 ) 9.48 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,025,415 $ 8.00 7.5 $ — Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 2,025,415 $ 8.00 7.5 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 430,851 $ 8.89 3.3 $ —
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity	The Company’s RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows: Weighted- Average Number of Grant Date RSUs Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,028,881 $ 8.82 Granted 218,500 4.59 Vested (150,556 ) 11.54 Forfeited/cancelled (651,808 ) 9.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 445,017 $ 8.29
Schedule of Allocation of Stock-Based Compensation Expense to Statements of Operations	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Selling, general and administrative $ 3,721 $ 683 $ 1,108 Research and development 816 155 1,267 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 4,537 $ 838 $ 2,375

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of (Loss)/Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	Loss before provision for income taxes, classified by source of (loss)/income, is as follow: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) U.S. $ (69,034 ) $ (9,521 ) $ — Canada (24,177 ) (46,733 ) (22,987 ) Other Foreign (32,916 ) 3,849 — Loss before provision for income taxes $ (126,127 ) $ (52,405 ) $ (22,987 )
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes	(Provision) benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current (provision) benefit: U.S. $ 106 $ (2 ) $ — Canada (3 ) 105 — Other Foreign (633 ) (517 ) — (530 ) (414 ) — Deferred (provision): Canada — — (22 ) Other Foreign (53 ) (51 ) — (53 ) (51 ) (22 ) (Provision) for income taxes $ (583 ) $ (465 ) $ (22 )
Schedule of Statutory and Effective Income Tax Rates	Differences between the Company’s statutory income tax rates and its effective income tax rates, as applied to the loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are reconciled as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Canadian statutory tax rates 26 % 26 % 26 % Loss before income taxes $ (126,127 ) $ (52,405 ) $ (22,987 ) Expected income tax benefit 32,793 13,625 5,977 Net increase in valuation allowance (13,895 ) (13,684 ) (2,486 ) Investment tax credits (172 ) 868 (222 ) Stock-based compensation (270 ) (133 ) (606 ) Foreign rate differential 1,198 532 — U.S. and Canada rate change (19,774 ) — — Non-taxable expenditures — — 76 Change in uncertain tax positions (20 ) — (1,784 ) Adjustments to capital losses for settlement of uncertain tax positions — — (560 ) Other (443 ) (1,673 ) (417 ) (Provision) for income taxes $ (583 ) $ (465 ) $ (22 )
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 68,915 $ 51,808 Research and development credits 14,198 14,028 Stock-based compensation 761 108 Capitalized research expenses 1,028 2,124 Capital loss carryforwards 39,087 37,452 Depreciable and amortizable assets 10,859 13,597 Other temporary differences 11,761 13,736 Total gross deferred tax assets 146,609 132,853 Valuation allowance (145,753 ) (131,858 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 856 $ 995
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s provision for UTP: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Total provision for UTP as of January 1, $ 7,660 $ 7,278 $ 5,557 Current year acquisitions — 911 — Increases related to current year tax positions 62 — 347 Changes in tax positions of a prior period 55 — 1,934 Lapse due to statute of limitations — (342 ) — Settlements with taxing authorities — (187 ) (560 ) Total provision for UTP as of December 31, 7,777 7,660 7,278 Deferred tax assets available to offset provision for UTP (7,360 ) (7,279 ) (6,936 ) Total provision for UTP as of December 31, $ 417 $ 381 $ 342

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Product Sales from External Customers	The following table summarizes total net revenues from external customers by product and by geographic region, based on the location of the customer. In 2015, the Company did not have any commercial products and did not generate any revenues. Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. Brazil Other Foreign Countries Total (in thousands) Lomitapide $ 46,431 $ 6,659 $ 19,040 $ 72,130 Metreleptin 50,972 6,837 8,499 66,308 Total net revenues $ 97,403 $ 13,496 $ 27,539 $ 138,438 Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. Brazil Other Foreign Countries Total (in thousands) Lomitapide $ 6,134 $ — $ 2,487 $ 8,621 Metreleptin 4,685 — 268 4,953 Total net revenues $ 10,819 $ — $ 2,755 $ 13,574

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The future minimum payments for office space and office equipment over the next five years are summarized as follows: Lease Commitments Year Ending December 31,: (in thousands) 2018 $ 2,973 2019 949 2020 195 2021 52 2022 25 Thereafter 25 Total $ 4,219
Schedule of Insurance Proceeds and Provision for Legal Settlements	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the insurance proceeds receivable and provision for legal settlements are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Insurance Proceeds Receivable Class action lawsuit insurance proceeds $ — $ 22,000 Provision for Legal Settlements Class action lawsuit settlement $ — $ (22,250 ) DOJ and SEC settlement (39,612 ) (40,635 ) Relator legal settlement — (620 ) Relators legal fees — (405 ) Other litigation settlement — (100 ) Total provision for legal settlements (39,612 ) (64,010 ) Less: Provision for legal settlements - current (8,596 ) (64,010 ) Provision for legal settlements - non-current $ (31,016 ) $ —

Selected Quarterly Financial 41

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	The following table contains quarterly financial information for the years ended 2017 and 2016. Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 September 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenues $ 38,908 $ 28,669 $ 40,877 $ 29,984 Cost of product sales 16,993 29,505 14,277 16,445 Loss from operations (13,964 ) (39,399 ) (11,772 ) (21,663 ) Net loss (24,568 ) (49,744 ) (21,436 ) (30,962 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (1.32 ) (2.67 ) (1.15 ) (1.67 ) Quarter Ended December 31, 2016 September 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenues $ 13,574 $ — $ — $ — Cost of product sales 5,971 — — — Loss from operations (14,360 ) (6,017 ) (7,403 ) (8,926 ) Net loss (19,920 ) (5,936 ) (5,120 ) (21,894 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (1.48 ) (0.55 ) (0.50 ) (2.05 )

Description of Business (Detail

Description of Business (Details)	Mar. 15, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)drugproduct	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)drugproduct	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of commercial products | product		2								2
Number of drug-designated products | drug		1								1
Net loss		$ 24,568,000	$ 49,744,000	$ 21,436,000	$ 30,962,000	$ 19,920,000	$ 5,936,000	$ 5,120,000	$ 21,894,000	$ 126,710,000	$ 52,870,000	$ 23,009,000
Cash used to fund operating activities										54,899,000	34,356,000	19,359,000
Unrestricted cash balance		$ 55,430,000				$ 108,927,000				$ 55,430,000	$ 108,927,000	$ 141,824,000	$ 155,908,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash balance	$ 57,600,000
Subsequent Event | Loans Payable | Lenders | New Loan | Aegerion
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from new loan agreement	$ 20,000,000

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Prepaid manufacturing costs		$ 4,100,000	$ 1,400,000
Goodwill		0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits		$ 0	$ 0
Metreleptin | Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate | Scenario, Adjustment
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized	$ 2,300,000
Office Furniture, Fixtures, Research Equipment and Others | Minimum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives		3 years
Office Furniture, Fixtures, Research Equipment and Others | Maximum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives		5 years
Computer Software and Hardware
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives		3 years

Acquisition - Additional Inform

Acquisition - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash flow discount rates used to calculate fair value		11.00%
Inventories
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash flow discount rates used to calculate fair value		11.00%
Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	18,530,323
Aegerion
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Exchange ratio upon consummation of merger		1.0256
Percentage of combined company stock	68.00%
Percentage of combined company stock owned after merger	32.00%
Total consideration transferred		$ 62,381,000
Goodwill recorded as part of acquisition		$ 0
Business acquisition transaction costs charged to selling, general and administrative expenses			$ 4,000,000

Acquisition - Fair Value of Con

Acquisition - Fair Value of Consideration Paid (Details) - Aegerion $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Nov. 29, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Liabilities assumed	$ 3,000
Stock compensation assumed	293
Total acquisition consideration	$ 62,381
Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Novelion common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Aegerion (in shares) | shares	6,060,288
Novelion share price on November 29, 2016 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9.75
Fair value of Novelion common shares issued to Aegerion stockholders	$ 59,088

Acquisition - Fair Value of Ass

Acquisition - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - Aegerion $ in Thousands	Nov. 29, 2016USD ($)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,290
Restricted cash	390
Accounts receivable	8,182
Inventories	76,800
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,839
Insurance proceeds receivable	22,000
Property and equipment, net	4,020
Intangible assets	252,458
Other assets	1,352
Accounts payable	(11,459)
Accrued liabilities	(41,883)
Provision for legal settlement	(63,968)
Convertible notes	(222,908)
Other liabilities	(732)
Net assets acquired	$ 62,381

Acquisition - Finite-Lived Inta

Acquisition - Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - Developed Technology $ in Thousands	Nov. 29, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles assets acquired	$ 252,458
Lomitapide
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles assets acquired	$ 42,300
Amortization period (in years)	10 years 9 months
Metreleptin
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles assets acquired	$ 210,158
Amortization period (in years)	9 years 3 months

Acquisition - Pro Forma Informa

Acquisition - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Aegerion - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net revenues, since acquisition date	$ 13,574
Net loss, since acquisition date	$ (6,276)
Basic loss per share, since acquisition date (in dollars per share)	$ (0.34)
Diluted loss per share, since acquisition date (in dollars per share)	$ (0.34)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Net product sales, pro-forma		$ 153,245	$ 239,887
Net loss, pro-forma		$ (207,773)	$ (96,348)
Basic loss per share, pro-forma (in dollars per share)		$ (18.41)	$ (9.23)
Diluted loss per share, pro-forma (in dollars per share)		$ (18.41)	$ (9.23)

Terminated Merger Transaction (

Terminated Merger Transaction (Details) - The InSite Merger - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 08, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fee received in connection with termination of merger agreement	$ 2.7
Selling, general and administrative
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Breakup fees paid in connection with termination of merger agreement		$ 10.2
QLT, Inc. | Secured Line of Credit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 9.9
Contingent consideration paid	5.8
Contingent consideration, principal paid	5.7
Contingent consideration, accrued interest paid	$ 0.1

Strategic Transactions (Details

Strategic Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 05, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 05, 2016	Dec. 07, 2015	Jun. 08, 2015
Aralez
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Return of capital cash component, maximum					$ 15,000,000
Price per share (in usd per share)					$ 6.25
Business combinations, shares acquired (in shares)	7,200,000
Percentage of voting interest acquired in business combination	10.10%
Total consideration transferred	$ 45,000,000
Special election distribution paid to common shareholders, shares (in shares)			4,799,619
Special election distribution paid to common shareholders, fair value			$ 19,300,000
Special election distribution payable to common shareholders, cash paid			$ 15,000,000
Loss reflecting the change in value from the acquisition date to the distribution date		$ 10,700,000
Investment advisory fees	$ 4,000,000
Private Placement | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Return of capital cash component, maximum				$ 15,000,000
Price per share (in usd per share)					$ 1.87
Common stock, value, subscriptions					$ 20,000,000
Private Placement | Aralez | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Special election distribution payable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)				$ 0.13629

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Work-in-process	$ 22,579	$ 20,219
Finished goods	27,247	54,502
Total	49,826	74,721
Less: Inventories - current	(15,886)	(15,718)
Inventories - non-current	$ 33,940	$ 59,003

Inventories - Additional Inform

Inventories - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 29, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
Provision for inventory excess and obsolescence	$ 18,814,000	$ 0	$ 0
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory acquired as part of the merger				$ 76,800,000

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	$ 7,320	$ 14,945
Less accumulated depreciation	(4,400)	(10,786)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	2,920	4,159
Loss recognized on disposition of assets (less than $0.1 million)	0	10,704	$ 0
Depreciation expense	2,050	264	$ 576
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	1,686	1,869
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	1,743	539
Research equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	0	1,962
Computer and office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	3,768	10,236
Loss recognized on disposition of assets (less than $0.1 million)	100
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	$ 123	$ 339

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0
Amortization expense of intangibles	$ 25,052,000	$ 2,134,000	$ 0

Intangible Assets - Carrying Va

Intangible Assets - Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 252,458	$ 252,458
Accumulated Amortization	(27,186)	(2,134)
Net Carrying Value	225,272	250,324
Developed Technology Rights | Lomitapide
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	42,300	42,300
Accumulated Amortization	(4,262)	(328)
Net Carrying Value	38,038	41,972
Developed Technology Rights | Metreleptin
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	210,158	210,158
Accumulated Amortization	(22,924)	(1,806)
Net Carrying Value	$ 187,234	$ 208,352

Intangible Assets - Estimated A

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 25,095
2,019	25,095
2,020	25,095
2,021	25,095
2,022	25,095
Thereafter	99,797
Net Carrying Value	$ 225,272	$ 250,324

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued employee compensation and related costs	$ 7,755	$ 7,920
Accrued professional fees	4,118	3,466
Accrued sales allowances	13,471	7,849
Accrued royalties	3,588	3,301
Other accrued liabilities	12,906	14,644
Total	$ 41,838	$ 37,180

Accrued Liabilities - Activity

Accrued Liabilities - Activity in Sales Allowance and Reserves (Details) - Sales Allowances - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 0
Lopetamide and Metreleptin
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 7,849,000	0
Provision	23,087,000	7,849,000
Payments	(17,465,000)	0
Ending balance	$ 13,471,000	$ 7,849,000

Accrued Liabilities - Additiona

Accrued Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ 2,536,000	$ 0	$ 0

Accrued Liabilities - Restructu

Accrued Liabilities - Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning restructuring balance	$ 0
Costs incurred	2,536,000	$ 0	$ 0
Cash paid	(2,788,000)
Other adjustments	262,000
Ending restructuring balance	$ 10,000	$ 0

Convertible Notes, net - Additi

Convertible Notes, net - Additional Information (Details)	Nov. 29, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017
Aegerion
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of convertible notes as of date of merger	$ 222,908,000
Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of convertible notes issued		$ 325,000,000	$ 325,000,000
Debt instrument percentage		2.00%	2.00%
Debt instrument conversion ratio			4.9817
Conversion amount of the convertible notes | $ / shares		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Minimum percentage of principal amount of outstanding convertible note to declare redemption		25.00%	25.00%
Repurchase price of principal amount of the convertible notes		100.00%
Percentage of principal amount payable at event of default		100.00%	100.00%
Period to resolve default		180 days
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9.75
Expected life of the debt				5 years
Debt instrument, effective interest rate				16.42%
Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes | Aegerion
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument conversion ratio	200.74
Fair value of convertible notes as of date of merger	$ 222,900,000

Convertible Notes, net - Outsta

Convertible Notes, net - Outstanding Convertible Note Balances (Details) - Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability component:
Principal	$ 324,998	$ 324,998
Less: debt discount	(66,460)	(99,414)
Net carrying amount	$ 258,538	$ 225,584

Convertible Notes, net - Intere

Convertible Notes, net - Interest Expense Recognized Related to Convertible Notes (Details) - Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual interest expense	$ 6,500	$ 577
Amortization of debt discount	32,954	2,676
Total interest expense	$ 39,454	$ 3,253

Convertible Notes, net - Future

Convertible Notes, net - Future Minimum Payments under Convertible Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2017	$ 258,538	$ 225,584
Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	6,500
2,019	331,498
Total	337,998
Less amounts representing interest	(13,000)
Less debt discount, net	(66,460)	$ (99,414)
Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2017	$ 258,538

Fair Value of Financial Instr65

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments:
Money market funds	$ 20,046	$ 68,234
Restricted cash	253	390
Total Financial Instruments	20,299	68,624
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Financial Instruments:
Money market funds	20,046	68,234
Restricted cash	253	390
Total Financial Instruments	20,299	68,624
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial Instruments:
Money market funds	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Total Financial Instruments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial Instruments:
Money market funds	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Total Financial Instruments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr66

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Convertible 2.0% Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of convertible notes	$ 258.3	$ 240.4

Basic and Diluted Net Loss pe67

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)	18,604	18,878	654
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)	2,025	1,715	86
Unvested restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)	445	1,029	0
Warrants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)	14,515	14,515	568
Convertible notes
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)	1,619	1,619	0

Share Capital (Details)

Share Capital (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 29, 2016	Nov. 28, 2016	Apr. 06, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 05, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash distribution paid to common shareholders			$ 15,000,000	$ 0	$ 15,000,000	$ 0
Warrants liability fair value				$ 0
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of warrants issued (in shares)		10,565,879
Aralez
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Special election distribution paid to common shareholders, shares (in shares)							4,799,619
Special election distribution paid to common shareholders, fair value							$ 19,300,000
Private Placement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.80
Shares issued (in shares)	2,472,727
Shares issuable under warrant transaction (in shares)	568,181
Maximum number of warrants exercisable (in shares)	2,644,952
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05
Proceeds from issuance of private placement, net	$ 21,500,000
Proceeds from issuance of private placement, gross	21,800,000
Share issuance costs from private placement	$ 300,000

Stock-based Payments - Addition

Stock-based Payments - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)director$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares	Nov. 29, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of awards		10 years
Weighted average grant date, fair values stock options (in dollars/CAD per share) | (per share)		$ 3.15	$ 7.12		$ 10.60
Weighted average exercise price of option granted (in CAD per share) | (per share)		$ 7.70	$ 8.27		$ 4.84
Intrinsic value of options exercised | $		$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,900,000
Cash proceeds from options exercised | $		$ 500,000	0	5,500,000
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding that are expected to vest | $ / shares		$ 8
Share based compensation expense recognized | $		$ 4,537,000	$ 838,000	2,375,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense | $		$ 4,397,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted-average recognition period		2 years 6 months 22 days
Stock options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		3 years
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		4 years
Time-vested RSUs | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		2 years
Time-vested RSUs | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		3 years
Performance-based RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		3 years
Performance-based RSUs | Vesting Installment 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights percentage		33.33%
Performance-based RSUs | Vesting Installment 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights percentage		33.33%
Performance-based RSUs | Vesting Installment 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights percentage		33.33%
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted-average recognition period		1 year 4 months 6 days
Restricted stock units outstanding (in shares)		445,017,000	1,028,881,000
Number of shares of common stock to received by each award vested (in shares)		1
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense of awards | $		$ 2,500,000
Weighted average grant date fair value of right granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 4.59
Rights granted (in shares)		218,500,000
NVLN Plan | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grant (in shares)		4,760,000
Number of shares of common stock available for grant (in shares)		2,277,417
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of right granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 1.06
Share based compensation expense recognized | $		$ 100,000
Rights granted (in shares)		0
ESPP | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	278,710
Percentage of common stock authorized to purchase by employees through periodic payroll deductions	15.00%
Percentage of purchase price at which stocks can be purchased	85.00%
DDSU Plan | DSUs | Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		36 months
Number of shares issued under share-based compensation arrangement with individual (in shares)		0
Share-based compensation liabilities paid | $		$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 0
Number of directors | director			2
Number of awards vested and unsettled (in shares)			28,400
Deferred compensation liabilities | $						$ 60,000

Stock-based Payments - Weighted

Stock-based Payments - Weighted-Average Assumptions to Estimate Fair Value (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected stock price volatility	38.57%	38.23%	41.30%
Risk-free interest rate	2.04%	1.93%	1.40%
Expected life of options (years)	6 years 3 months	6 years 2 months 9 days	6 years 9 months 18 days
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Common Stock | ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected stock price volatility	48.51%
Risk-free interest rate	1.45%
Expected life of options (years)	6 months
Expected dividend yield	0.00%

Stock-based Payments - Summary

Stock-based Payments - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares
Number of Stock Options
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares)	1,714,593,000
Granted (in shares)	1,391,125,000
Exercised (in shares)	(70,820,000)
Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	(1,009,483,000)
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	2,025,415,000	1,714,593,000
Weighted Average Exercised Price
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9.01
Granted (in dollars per share) | (per share)	7.70	$ 8.27	$ 4.84
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	7.15
Forfeited/cancelled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	9.48
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8	$ 9.01
Options Vested and Expected to Vest
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years 6 months 11 days	9 years 7 months 24 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 0	$ 528
Vested and expected to vest at end of year (in shares)	2,025,415,000
Exercisable at end of year (in shares)	430,851,000
Vested and expected to vest at end of year, weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8
Exercisable at end of year, weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.89
Vested and expected to vest at end of year, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years 6 months 11 days
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 3 months
Vested and expected to vest at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 0
Exercisable at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 0

Stock-based Payments - Summar72

Stock-based Payments - Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - RSUs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Number of RSUs
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares) | shares	1,028,881,000
Granted (in shares) | shares	218,500,000
Vested (in shares) | shares	(150,556,000)
Forfeited/cancelled (in shares) | shares	(651,808,000)
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares) | shares	445,017,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.82
Granted, weighted-average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	4.59
Vested, weighted-average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	11.54
Forfeited/cancelled, weighted-average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	9.21
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.29

Stock-based Payments - Compensa

Stock-based Payments - Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 4,537	$ 838	$ 2,375
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	3,721	683	1,108
Research and development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 816	$ 155	$ 1,267

Employee Benefit Plan (Details)

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Percentage of employees matching contribution	50.00%
Percentage of employees matching contribution	6.00%
Employer contribution expense	$ 800,000	$ 30,000	$ 0

Income Taxes - Loss Before Prov

Income Taxes - Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Loss before provision for income taxes	$ (126,127)	$ (52,405)	$ (22,987)
Domestic | Canada
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Canada	(24,177)	(46,733)	(22,987)
Foreign | U.S.
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
U.S. and Other Foreign	(69,034)	(9,521)	0
Foreign | Other Foreign
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
U.S. and Other Foreign	$ (32,916)	$ 3,849	$ 0

Income Taxes - (Provision) Bene

Income Taxes - (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current (provision) benefit:
Current (provision) benefit income tax expense	$ (530)	$ (414)	$ 0
Deferred (provision):
Deferred (provision)	(53)	(51)	(22)
(Provision) for income taxes	(583)	(465)	(22)
Domestic | Canada
Current (provision) benefit:
Canada	(3)	105	0
Deferred (provision):
Canada	0	0	(22)
Foreign | U.S.
Current (provision) benefit:
U.S. and Other Foreign	106	(2)	0
Foreign | Other Foreign
Current (provision) benefit:
U.S. and Other Foreign	(633)	(517)	0
Deferred (provision):
U.S. and Other Foreign	$ (53)	$ (51)	$ 0

Income Taxes - Statutory and Ef

Income Taxes - Statutory and Effective Tax Rates Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Canadian statutory tax rates	26.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Loss before income taxes	$ (126,127)	$ (52,405)	$ (22,987)
Expected income tax benefit	32,793	13,625	5,977
Net increase in valuation allowance	(13,895)	(13,684)	(2,486)
Investment tax credits	(172)	868	(222)
Stock-based compensation	(270)	(133)	(606)
Foreign rate differential	1,198	532	0
U.S. and Canada rate change	(19,774)	0	0
Non-taxable expenditures	0	0	76
Change in uncertain tax positions	(20)	0	(1,784)
Adjustments to capital losses for settlement of uncertain tax positions	0	0	(560)
Other	(443)	(1,673)	(417)
(Provision) for income taxes	$ (583)	$ (465)	$ (22)

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 68,915	$ 51,808
Research and development credits	14,198	14,028
Stock-based compensation	761	108
Capitalized research expenses	1,028	2,124
Capital loss carryforwards	39,087	37,452
Depreciable and amortizable assets	10,859	13,597
Other temporary differences	11,761	13,736
Total gross deferred tax assets	146,609	132,853
Valuation allowance	(145,753)	(131,858)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 856	$ 995

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 856,000	$ 995,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	145,753,000	131,858,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	267,200,000
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	7,777,000	7,660,000			$ 7,278,000	$ 5,557,000
Unrecognized tax benefits available to offset uncertain tax position liabilities	7,360,000	7,279,000			6,936,000
Net unrecognized benefits	417,000	$ 381,000			$ 342,000
U.S., Canada and Switzerland
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	145,800,000
U.S., Canada and Switzerland | Net Operating Loss and Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Increase in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	13,900,000
Federal | Canada
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	176,900,000
Capital loss carryforwards	289,500,000
Federal | Canada | Research and Development
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,500,000
Scientific, research and experimental development pool	11,400,000
Foreign | U.S.
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	60,500,000
Current income tax expense recorded as result of change in federal tax rate	21,500,000
Reduction in deferred tax assets valuation allowance recorded as result of change in federal tax rate	21,500,000
Incremental U.S. tax for unremitted earnings in foreign subsidiaries	0
Tax liability recorded for unremitted earnings in foreign subsidiaries	0
Foreign | Switzerland
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	29,800,000
State and Local | U.S.
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 39,300,000
Federal and State | U.S. | Foreign Subsidiary | Aegerion
Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration			$ 47,200,000	$ 13,300,000

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Total provision for UTP as of January 1,	$ 7,660	$ 7,278	$ 5,557
Current year acquisitions	0	911	0
Increases related to current year tax positions	62	0	347
Changes in tax positions of a prior period	55	0	1,934
Lapse due to statute of limitations	0	(342)	0
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	(187)	(560)
Total provision for UTP as of December 31,	7,777	7,660	7,278
Deferred tax assets available to offset provision for UTP	(7,360)	(7,279)	(6,936)
Total provision for UTP as of December 31,	$ 417	$ 381	$ 342

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017productcustomersegment	Dec. 31, 2016customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of commercial products | product	2
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2	1
Customer concentration risk, percentage	70.00%	35.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers		1
Customer concentration risk, percentage		29.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Customer One
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1
Customer concentration risk, percentage	63.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Intangibles | Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Intangibles | U.S. | Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk, percentage	65.00%	66.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Intangibles | Europe | Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk, percentage	35.00%	34.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Property and Equipment | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk, percentage	75.00%	93.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Property and Equipment | Canada and Other Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk, percentage	25.00%	7.00%

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Total Net Product Sale Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$ 38,908	$ 28,669	$ 40,877	$ 29,984	$ 13,574	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 138,438	$ 13,574	$ 0
Lomitapide
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									72,130	8,621
Metreleptin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									66,308	4,953
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									97,403	10,819
U.S. | Lomitapide
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									46,431	6,134
U.S. | Metreleptin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									50,972	4,685
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									13,496	0
Brazil | Lomitapide
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									6,659	0
Brazil | Metreleptin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									6,837	0
Other Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									27,539	2,755
Other Foreign Countries | Lomitapide
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									19,040	2,487
Other Foreign Countries | Metreleptin
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									$ 8,499	$ 268

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 2,973
2,019	949
2,020	195
2,021	52
2,022	25
Thereafter	25
Total	$ 4,219

Commitments and Contingencies84

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)

Jan. 30, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 25, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 22, 2017claim

Jan. 17, 2017USD ($)

Apr. 03, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014plaintiff

Mar. 16, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)product

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2017plaintiff

Apr. 13, 2013USD ($)product

Sep. 24, 2012USD ($)

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Rent expense under operating leases

$ 3,300,000

$ 500,000

$ 400,000

Indemnification accrual

$ 0

0

0

Visudyne

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Annual net royalties to be achieved for earn-out payment

$ 8,500,000

PPDS Technology

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Proceeds from divestiture of businesses

$ 1,300,000

Contingent consideration proceeds

0

0

Milestone One | Visudyne

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Consideration received on sale of disposal group

$ 500,000

5,000,000

Milestone Two | Visudyne

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Consideration received on sale of disposal group

2,500,000

Milestone Three | Visudyne

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Consideration received on sale of disposal group

0

Earn-out | Visudyne

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Consideration received on sale of disposal group

15,000,000

Annual earn-out payment received in sale of disposal group

$ 5,000,000

Earn-out | PPDS Technology

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Consideration received on sale of disposal group

$ 19,500,000

Number of products required to commercialize for milestone payments to be made | product

2

Former Executive Officer | Qui Tam Litigation

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff

2

Former Employee | Qui Tam Litigation

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff

1

UPenn

Other Commitments [Line Items]

License agreement written notice period

60 days

Royalty payments

0

$ 3,100,000

Accrued additional royalties

1,300,000

$ 700,000

1,300,000

UPenn | Lomitapide

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of products covered by licensed patent rights | product

1

Commercial Commitments

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Contractual obligation

$ 47,000,000

Aegerion | Class Action Lawsuit

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Loss contingency, insurance-related liability

$ 22,300,000

Loss contingency, insured amount

22,000,000

Loss contingency, discounted amount of insurance liability

$ 300,000

Number of plaintiffs who objected the settlement | plaintiff

0

Aegerion | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Number of claims settled | claim

2

Aegerion | DOJ settlement | Subsequent Event

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 7,200,000

Litigation settlement, payable period

3 years

Litigation settlement, probation period

3 years

Litigation settlement, interest rate over unpaid balance percentage

1.75%

Aegerion | State settlement agreement | Insurance-related Assessments

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

2,700,000

Aegerion | Short-tem Liabilities | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

2,900,000

Aegerion | Long-term Liabilities | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

4,300,000

Aegerion | MYALEPT

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Royalty payments

0

9,749,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | SEC settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 4,100,000

Litigation settlement, payable period

3 years

Litigation settlement, interest rate over unpaid balance percentage

1.75%

Aegerion | Lomitapide | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 28,800,000

Litigation settlement, payable period

3 years

Aegerion | Lomitapide | DOJ settlement | Insurance-related Assessments

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 2,700,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | DOJ settlement | Insurance-related Assessments | Subsequent Event

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement, interest paid under preliminary agreement

$ 800,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | State settlement agreement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

28,800,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | Short-tem Liabilities | SEC settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 1,200,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | Short-tem Liabilities | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

3,700,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | Long-term Liabilities | SEC settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 1,600,000

Aegerion | Lomitapide | Long-term Liabilities | DOJ settlement

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

25,100,000

Aegerion | Amgen Inc

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Maximum royalty payment period

10 years

License agreement written notice period

90 days

Accrued additional royalties

$ 2,000,000

2,900,000

$ 2,000,000

Aegerion | Rockefeller University

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Development milestone payments

$ 5,000,000

Milestone payment, maximum extension period

12 months

Brazil | Lomitapide | Illegal Promotion and Violation of Code of Conduct

Other Commitments [Line Items]

Litigation settlement paid

$ 500,000

Suspension of membership period

180 days

Payments for legal settlements

$ 500,000

Loss contingency

$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies85

Commitments and Contingencies - Insurance Proceeds Receivable and Provision of Legal Settlements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Class action lawsuit insurance proceeds	$ 0	$ 22,000
Provision for Legal Settlements	(39,612)	(64,010)
Less: Provision for legal settlements - current	(8,596)	(64,010)
Provision for legal settlements - non-current	(31,016)	0
Class action lawsuit settlement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Provision for Legal Settlements	0	(22,250)
DOJ and SEC settlement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Provision for Legal Settlements	(39,612)	(40,635)
Relator legal settlement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Provision for Legal Settlements	0	(620)
Relators legal fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Provision for Legal Settlements	0	(405)
Other litigation settlement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Provision for Legal Settlements	$ 0	$ (100)

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event - Loans Payable - New Loan - Lenders $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	Mar. 15, 2018USD ($)director$ / sharesshares
Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Warrants issued to purchase common shares (in shares) | shares	1.8
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.40
Common shares trading days	20 days
Term of warrants	4 years
Aegerion
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loan payable | $	$ 20,000,000
Debt instrument percentage	9.00%
Debt instrument increase in percentage following an event of default	3.00%
Number of members of Board of Directors affiliated with lenders | director	2

Selected Quarterly Financial 87

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 38,908	$ 28,669	$ 40,877	$ 29,984	$ 13,574	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 138,438	$ 13,574	$ 0
Cost of product sales	16,993	29,505	14,277	16,445	5,971	0	0	0	77,220	5,971	0
Loss from operations	(13,964)	(39,399)	(11,772)	(21,663)	(14,360)	(6,017)	(7,403)	(8,926)	(86,798)	(36,706)	(23,345)
Net loss	$ (24,568)	$ (49,744)	$ (21,436)	$ (30,962)	$ (19,920)	$ (5,936)	$ (5,120)	$ (21,894)	$ (126,710)	$ (52,870)	$ (23,009)
Net loss per common share—basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.32)	$ (2.67)	$ (1.15)	$ (1.67)	$ (1.48)	$ (0.55)	$ (0.50)	$ (2.05)	$ (6.81)	$ (4.69)	$ (2.20)