| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2018 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation | Na t ure of Operations and Basis of Presentation Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRNE), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on delivering clinically meaningful therapies to patients and their families, globally. The Company’s primary focus is to transform cancer into a treatable or chronically manageable disease. The Company also has programs assessing the use of its technologies and products in auto-immune, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, infectious diseases and pain indications with high unmet medical needs. At its core, the Company is an antibody-centric company and leverages its proprietary G-MAB™ library to identify, screen and validate fully human antibodies against high impact oncogenic targets and mutations, immune modulators and intracellular targets. To date, the Company has screened over 100 validated targets and generated a number of fully human antibodies against these targets which are at various stages of preclinical development. These include PD-1, PD-L1, CD38, CD123, CD47, c-MET, VEGFR2, CCR2, OX40, TIGIT and CD137 among others. The Company’s vision is to leverage these antibodies in conjunction with proprietary targeted delivery modalities to generate the next generation of cancer therapeutics. These modalities include proprietary antibody drug conjugates (“ADCs”), bispecific approaches, as well as T-Cell Receptor (“TCR”)-like antibodies. With LA Cell, Inc. (“LA Cell”), the Company’s joint venture with City of Hope, the Company’s objective is to become the global leader in the development of antibodies against intracellular targets such as STAT3, mutant KRAS, MYC, p53 and TAU. Additionally, the Company has acquired and is assessing the regulatory and strategic path forward for its portfolio of late stage biosimilar/biobetter antibodies based on Erbitux ® , Remicade ® , Xolair ® , and Simulect ® as these may represent nearer term commercial opportunities. With each of its programs, the Company aims to tailor its therapies to treat specific stages in the evolution of cancer, from elimination, to equilibrium and escape. In addition, the Company’s objective is to focus on tumors that are resistant to current treatments and where the Company can design focused trials based on a genetic signature or biomarker to ensure patients have the best chance of a durable and significant response. The Company has several immuno-oncology programs that are in or near to entering the clinic. These include cellular therapies, an oncolytic virus and a palliative care program targeted to treat intractable cancer pain. Finally, as part of its global aim to provide a wide range of therapeutic products to meet underserved therapeutic markets, the Company has made investments and developed a separate pain focused franchise, which the Company believes will serve to provide short term upside to its core thesis as well as investments in drug delivery technology aimed at increased efficacy for delivering injectable medicines. Through September 30, 2018 , the Company had devoted substantially all of its efforts to product development, raising capital and building infrastructure. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries. For consolidated entities where the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the Company records net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in its condensed consolidated statements of operations equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial information for the interim periods presented reflects all adjustments, which are only normal, recurring and necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 . Operating results for interim periods are not expected to be indicative of operating results for the Company’s 2018 fiscal year, or any subsequent period. |
| Liquidity and Going Concern | Liquidity and Going Concern The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has historically operated with working capital deficiencies and expects to operate in the future with working capital deficiencies and has incurred substantial net losses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and anticipates that it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future as it continues to identify and invest in advancing product candidates, as well as expanding corporate infrastructure. These conditions, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. As of September 30, 2018 , the Company had $37.8 million of long term debt issued in a private placement (the "Private Placement") pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2018, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of June 13, 2018 (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), among the Company and certain accredited investors (collectively, the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company issued and sold to the Purchasers (1) convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $37,848,750 (the “Notes”), which accrue simple interest at a rate equal to 5.0% per annum and mature upon the earlier to occur of (a) June 13, 2023, and (b) the date of the closing of a change in control of the Company (the “Maturity Date”), and (2) warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 2,698,662 shares of the common stock of the Company. Each of the Notes provide that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, the Purchasers thereof may, by written notice to the Company, declare all of the outstanding principal and interest under such Notes immediately due and payable. For purposes of the Notes, an event of default includes, among other things, one or more events that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on (i) the Company’s ability to comply with its obligations under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Notes or the Warrants or the registration rights agreement entered into with the Purchasers in connection with the Private Placement, or (ii) the rights of the Purchasers under the Notes. The Company believes that it is not probable that the material adverse event clause under the Notes will be exercised. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had approximately $224.0 million of senior notes issued by Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Scilex”), a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, which entered into Purchase Agreements (the “2018 Purchase Agreements”) with certain investors (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and the Company on September 7, 2018. Pursuant to the 2018 Purchase Agreements, on September 7, 2018, Scilex, among other things, issued and sold to the Purchasers senior secured notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of $224,000,000 (the “Scilex Notes”) for an aggregate purchase price of $140,000,000 (the “Offering”). In connection with the Offering, Scilex also entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) governing the Scilex Notes with U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) and collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”), and the Company. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Company agreed to irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee, on a senior unsecured basis, the punctual performance and payment when due of all obligations of Scilex under the Indenture (the “Guarantee”). The net proceeds of the Offering were approximately $89.3 million , after deducting the Offering expenses payable by Scilex and funding a segregated reserve account with $20.0 million (the “Reserve Account”) and a segregated collateral account with $25.0 million (the “Collateral Account”) pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by Scilex to support the commercialization of ZTlido™ (lidocaine topical system 1.8%), for working capital and general corporate purposes in respect of the commercialization of ZTlido™ (lidocaine topical system 1.8%). Funds in the Reserve Account will be released to Scilex upon receipt by the Trustee of an officer’s certificate under the Indenture from Scilex confirming receipt of a marketing approval letter from the United States Food and Drug Administration with respect to ZTlido™ (lidocaine topical system 5.4%) or a similar product with a concentration of not less than 5% (the “Marketing Approval Letter”) on or prior to July 1, 2023. Funds in the Collateral Account will be released upon receipt of a written consent authorizing such release from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Scilex Notes issued. The Company has plans in place to obtain sufficient additional fundraising to fulfill its operating and capital requirements for the next 12 months. The Company’s plans include continuing to fund its operating losses and capital funding needs through public or private equity or debt financings, strategic collaborations, licensing arrangements, asset sales, government grants or other arrangements. Although management believes such plans, if executed as planned, should provide the Company sufficient financing to meet its needs, successful completion of such plans is dependent on factors outside of the Company’s control. As such, management cannot conclude that such plans will be effectively implemented within one year after the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable, the Company may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development or commercialization of one or more of its product candidates. The Company may also seek collaborators for one or more of its current or future product candidates at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable or on terms that are less favorable than might otherwise be available. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern. Universal Shelf Registration In November 2014, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “2014 Shelf Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC in December 2014. This 2014 Shelf Registration Statement provided the Company with the ability to offer up to $250 million of securities, including equity and other securities as described in the registration statement. Included in the 2014 shelf registration was a sales agreement prospectus covering the offering, issuance and sale by the Company of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock that could be issued and sold under a sales agreement with MLV & Co. LLC (the “2014 ATM Facility”). During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold approximately $13.9 million in shares of common stock under the 2014 ATM Facility. The 2014 Shelf Registration Statement expired in December 2017. In April 2017, the Company completed a public offering of $47.5 million of shares of common stock pursuant to the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement for net proceeds of approximately $43.1 million . In November 2017, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “2017 Shelf Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC in December 2017. The 2017 Shelf Registration Statement provides the Company with the ability to offer up to $350 million of securities, including equity and other securities as described in the registration statement. Included in the 2017 Shelf Registration Statement is a sales agreement prospectus covering the offering, issuance and sale by the Company of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock that may be issued and sold under a sales agreement with B. Riley FBR, Inc. (the “ATM Facility”). During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold approximately $0.9 million in shares of common stock under the ATM Facility. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , the Company sold approximately $0.5 million and approximately $60.7 million in shares of common stock, respectively, under the ATM Facility. The Company can offer up to approximately $39.3 million of additional shares of common stock under the ATM Facility, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to the 2017 Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may offer such securities from time to time and through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company’s capital needs. Specific terms and prices will be determined at the time of each offering under a separate prospectus supplement, which will be filed with the SEC at the time of any offering. However, the Company cannot be sure that such additional funds will be available on reasonable terms, or at all. 2016 Private Investment in Public Entity Financing On April 3, 2016, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “ABG Purchase Agreement”) with ABG SRNE Limited and Ally Bridge LB Healthcare Master Fund Limited (collectively, “Ally Bridge”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue and sell to Ally Bridge and other purchasers designated by Ally Bridge (collectively, the “ABG Purchasers”), in a private placement transaction (the “ABG Private Placement”), up to $50.0 million in shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock. Upon the closing of the ABG Private Placement, the Company issued to the ABG Purchasers (1) an aggregate of 9,009,005 shares (the “ABG Shares”) of common stock, and (2) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,702,700 shares of common stock (each, an “ABG Warrant”). Each ABG Warrant has an exercise price of $8.50 per share, was immediately exercisable upon issuance, has a term of three years and is exercisable on a cash or cashless exercise basis. Under the terms of the ABG Purchase Agreement, the Company was obligated to prepare and file with the SEC, within 30 days of the closing date of the ABG Private Placement, a registration statement to register for resale the ABG Shares and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of each ABG Warrant (the “ABG Warrant Shares”), and may be required to effect certain registrations to register for resale the ABG Shares and the ABG Warrant Shares in connection with certain “piggy-back” registration rights granted to the ABG Purchasers. On April 3, 2016, the Company also entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Additional Purchase Agreements”) with each of Beijing Shijilongxin Investment Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Shijilongxin”), FREJOY Investment Management Co., Ltd. (“Frejoy”) and Yuhan Corporation (“Yuhan”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue and sell, in separate private placement transactions: (1) to Beijing Shijilongxin, 8,108,108 shares of common stock, and a warrant to purchase 1,176,471 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $45.0 million ; (2) to Frejoy, 8,108,108 shares of common stock, and a warrant to purchase 1,176,471 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $45.0 million ; and (3) to Yuhan, 1,801,802 shares of common stock, and a warrant to purchase 235,294 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million . The warrants issued pursuant to each of the Additional Purchase Agreements (collectively, the “Additional Warrants” and, together with each ABG Warrant, the “ABG Warrants”) have an exercise price of $8.50 per share, were immediately exercisable upon issuance, have a term of three years and are exercisable on a cash or cashless exercise basis. Under the terms of the Additional Purchase Agreements, each of Beijing Shijilongxin, Frejoy and Yuhan had the right to demand, at any time beginning six months after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the applicable Additional Purchase Agreement, that the Company prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement to register for resale such investor’s shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the applicable Additional Purchase Agreement and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such investor’s Additional Warrant. In addition, the Company may be required to effect certain registrations to register for resale such shares in connection with certain “piggy-back” registration rights granted to Beijing Shijilongxin, Frejoy and Yuhan. On May 2, 2016, the Company closed its private placement of common stock and warrants with Yuhan for gross proceeds of $10.0 million . Yuhan purchased 1,801,802 shares of common stock at $5.55 per share and a warrant to purchase 235,294 shares of common stock. The warrant is exercisable for three years at an exercise price of $8.50 per share. Between May 31, 2016 and June 7, 2016, the Company closed on the remainder of the $150.0 million financing with the ABG Purchasers, Beijing Shijilongxin, and Frejoy. The ABG Purchasers led the financing and, together with Beijing Shijilongxin and Frejoy, collectively purchased 25,225,221 shares of common stock at $5.55 per share and warrants to purchase 5,055,642 shares of common stock for total cash consideration of $86.5 million and secured promissory notes (the “ABG Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount of $53.5 million . On December 31, 2016, the Company entered into Warrant and Note Cancellation and Share Forfeiture Agreements (the “Cancellation and Forfeiture Agreements”) with certain investors (the “Investors”) that held an aggregate of 7,838,259 shares of common stock and certain of the Warrants granting the right to purchase an aggregate of 1,137,316 shares of common stock. Pursuant to the Cancellation and Forfeiture Agreements, effective December 31, 2016, the ABG Warrants held by the Investors and the ABG Notes, of which $43.5 million was then outstanding, were cancelled and the shares of common stock held by the Investors were forfeited and returned to the Company. 2017 Private Investment in Public Entity Financing On December 11, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "December 2017 Securities Purchase Agreement") with certain accredited investors (collectively, the "December 2017 Purchasers"). Pursuant to the December 2017 Securities Purchase Agreement, on December 21, 2017, the Company issued and sold to the December 2017 Purchasers, in a private placement transaction, (1) convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 (the "December 2017 Notes"), which accrued simple interest at a rate equal to 5.0% per annum and would mature upon the earlier to occur of (a) December 21, 2022, and (b) the date of the closing of a change in control of the Company (the "December 2017 Warrant Maturity Date"), and (2) warrants (the "December 2017 Warrants") to purchase an aggregate of 12,121,210 shares of the common stock of the Company. At any time and from time to time before the December 2017 Warrant Maturity Date, each December 2017 Purchaser had the option to convert any portion of the outstanding principal amount of such December 2017 Purchaser’s December 2017 Note that was equal to or greater than the lesser of: (1) $4,000,000 , and (2) the then-outstanding principal amount of such December 2017 Purchaser's December 2017 Note into shares of common stock at a price per share of $2.26875 , subject to adjustment for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions. Accrued but unpaid interest on the December 2017 Notes was to be paid in cash semi-annually in arrears on or prior to the 30th day of June and 31st day of December of each calendar year commencing with the year ending December 31, 2018. Each December 2017 Warrant has an exercise price of $2.61 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions, became exercisable on June 20, 2018, has a term of five and a half years and is exercisable on a cash basis, unless there is not an effective registration statement covering the resale of the shares issuable upon exercise of the December 2017 Warrants, in which case the December 2017 Warrants shall also be exercisable on a cashless exercise basis. On May 17, 2018, the December 2017 Purchasers converted the full outstanding principal under the December 2017 Notes into 22,038,565 shares of the Company's common stock, and the Company paid to the December 2017 Purchasers cash in an aggregate amount of $1.0 million in accrued but unpaid interest. The unamortized discount remaining at the date of conversion of $44.3 million was recognized immediately at that date as interest expense. See Note 3 for discussion of the Company’s policies for accounting for debt with detachable warrants. In connection with the issuance of the Notes and Warrants, the Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $44.8 million based on an allocation of proceeds to the Warrants of approximately $12.7 million and a beneficial conversion feature of approximately $32.1 million , before issuance costs. The Company accounts for the debt at amortized cost and amortizes the debt discount to interest expense using the effective interest method over the expected term of the Notes. 2018 Private Investment in Public Entity Financing On March 26, 2018, the Company entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement with the Purchasers. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Purchasers, in the Private Placement, the Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $120,500,000 and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,591,794 shares. On June 13, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Securities Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Amendment, the Company and the Purchasers agreed that the aggregate principal amount of the Notes was reduced to $37,848,750 and that the aggregate number of shares of the common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants was reduced to 2,698,662 , and also agreed to certain other adjustments to the threshold principal amount of the Notes required to remain outstanding in order for certain rights and obligations to apply to the Notes. On June 13, 2018, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company issued and sold to the Purchasers, in the Private Placement (1) Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $37,848,750 , and (2) Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,698,662 shares of the common stock of the Company. At any time and from time to time before the Maturity Date, each Purchaser shall have the option to convert any portion of the outstanding principal amount of such Purchaser’s Note that is equal to or greater than the lesser of: (1) $4,000,000 , and (2) the then-outstanding principal amount of such Purchaser’s Note into shares of common stock at a price per share of $7.0125 , subject to adjustment for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions. Accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes shall be paid in cash semi-annually in arrears on or prior to the 30th day of June and 31st day of December of each calendar year commencing with December 31, 2018. If a Purchaser elects to convert any of the principal amount of their Note, then all accrued but unpaid interest on such portion of the principal amount shall become due and payable in cash. The Notes contain restrictive covenants and event of default provisions that are customary for transactions of this type. Each Warrant has an exercise price of $8.77 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions, will become exercisable on December 11, 2018, has a term of five and a half years from the date of issuance and will be exercisable on a cash basis, unless there is not an effective registration statement covering the resale of the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, in which case the Warrants shall also be exercisable on a cashless exercise basis. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, substantial dilution to existing stockholders would result. If the Company raises additional funds by incurring debt financing, the terms of the debt may involve significant cash payment obligations as well as covenants and specific financial ratios that may restrict the Company’s ability to operate its business. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Management believes that these estimates are reasonable; however, actual results may differ from these estimates. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company minimizes its credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by periodically evaluating the credit quality of its primary financial institution. The balance at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company follows accounting guidance on fair value measurements for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis, as well as for certain assets and liabilities that are initially recorded at their estimated fair values. Fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses the following three-level hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs to value its financial instruments: • Level 1: Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. • Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. • Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity and that are financial instruments whose values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires it to make judgments and consider factors specific to the asset or liability. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair values. Accordingly, the fair value estimates disclosed or initial amounts recorded may not be indicative of the amount that the Company or holders of the instruments could realize in a current market exchange. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents and marketable securities approximate their fair value based upon quoted market prices. Certain of the Company’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, but are recorded at amounts that approximate their fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature, such as cash, accounts receivable and payable, and other financial instruments in current assets or current liabilities. |
| Marketable Securities | Marketable Securities Marketable securities are designated either as trading or available-for-sale securities and are accounted for at fair value. Marketable securities are classified as short-term or long-term based on the nature of the securities and their availability to meet current operating requirements. Marketable securities that are readily available for use in current operations and are classified as short-term available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Marketable securities that are not trading securities and are not considered available for use in current operations are classified as long-term available-for-sale securities and are reported as a component of long-term assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Securities that are classified as trading are carried at fair value, with changes to fair value reported as a component of income. Securities that are classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with temporary unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders' equity until their disposition. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. All of the Company’s marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded. |
| Grants and Accounts Receivable | Grants and Accounts Receivable Grants receivable at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 represent amounts due under several federal contracts with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (“NIAID”), a division of the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”). The Company considers the grants receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for doubtful amounts has been established. If amounts become uncollectible, they are charged to operations. Accounts receivable at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consist of trade receivables from sales and services provided to certain customers, which are generally unsecured and due within 30 days. Estimated credit losses related to trade accounts receivable are recorded as general and administrative expenses and as an allowance for doubtful accounts within grants and accounts receivable, net. The Company reviews reserves and makes adjustments based on historical experience and known collectability issues and disputes. When internal collection efforts on accounts have been exhausted, the accounts are written off by reducing the allowance for doubtful accounts. |
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally three to five years . Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. |
| Acquisitions and Intangibles | Acquisitions and Intangibles The Company has engaged in business combination and asset acquisition activity. The accounting for business combinations and asset acquisitions not meeting the criteria of a business combination requires management to make judgments and estimates of the fair value of assets acquired, including the identification and valuation of intangible assets, as well as liabilities assumed. Such judgments and estimates directly impact the amount of goodwill recognized in connection with a business combination, as goodwill presents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of its net tangible and identifiable intangible assets. |
| Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets | Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur indicating the potential for impairment. During its goodwill impairment review, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, and the overall financial performance of the Company. If, after assessing the totality of these qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then no additional assessment is deemed necessary. Otherwise, the Company proceeds to perform the two-step test for goodwill impairment. The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of loss, which involves comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in a period and elect to proceed to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test. The Company performed its annual assessment for goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of 2017 , noting no impairment. There have not been any triggering events indicating the potential for impairment through September 30, 2018 . The Company evaluates its long-lived and intangible assets with definite lives, such as property and equipment, acquired technology, customer relationships, patent and license rights, for impairment by considering competition by products prescribed for the same indication, the likelihood and estimated future entry of non-generic and generic competition with the same or similar indication and other related factors. The factors that drive the estimate of useful life are often uncertain and are reviewed on a periodic basis or when events occur that warrant review. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the assets’ book value to future net undiscounted cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. There have not been any impairment losses of long-lived assets through September 30, 2018 . |
| Acquisition Consideration Payable - Gain or Loss on Contingent Liabilities | Acquisition Consideration Payable - Gain or Loss on Contingent Liabilities Acquisition consideration payable relates to the Company’s acquisition of businesses and various other assets and is recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and is re-measured at each balance sheet date until such contingent liabilities have been settled, with changes in fair value recorded as gain or loss on contingent liabilities. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration based on level 3 inputs primarily driven by the probability of achieving certain financing or operating related milestones. |
| Debt with Detachable Warrants | Debt with Detachable Warrants Debt with detachable warrants are evaluated for the classification of warrants as either equity instruments, derivative liabilities, or liabilities depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreement. In circumstances in which debt is issued with equity-classified warrants, the proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt are first allocated to the debt and the warrants at their relative estimated fair values. The portion of the proceeds so allocated to the warrants are accounted for as paid-in capital and a debt discount. The remaining proceeds, as further reduced by discounts created by the bifurcation of embedded derivatives and beneficial conversion features, are allocated to the debt. The Company accounts for debt as liabilities measured at amortized cost and amortizes the resulting debt discount from the allocation of proceeds, to interest expense using the effective interest method over the expected term of the debt instrument. The Company considers whether there are any embedded features in debt instruments that require bifurcation and separate accounting as derivative financial instruments pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815. If the amount allocated to the convertible debt results in an effective per share conversion price less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the commitment date, the intrinsic value of this beneficial conversion feature is recorded as a discount to the convertible debt with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital. The beneficial conversion feature discount is equal to the difference between the effective conversion price and the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the commitment date, unless limited by the remaining proceeds allocated to the debt. |
| Derivative Liability | Derivative Liability Derivative liabilities are recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at their fair value on the date of issuance and are revalued on each balance sheet date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. The Company estimates the fair value of derivative liabilities using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. |
| Investments in Other Entities | Investments in Other Entities The Company holds a portfolio of investments in equity securities that are accounted for under either the equity method or cost method. Investments in entities over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method, with the Company’s share of earnings or losses reported in loss on equity method investments. The Company’s cost method investments are included in cost method investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s equity method investments are included in equity method investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. All investments are reviewed on a regular basis for possible impairment. If an investment's fair value is determined to be less than its net carrying value and the decline is determined to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its fair value. Such an evaluation is judgmental and dependent on specific facts and circumstances. Factors considered in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the magnitude of the impairment and length of time that the market value was below the cost basis; financial condition and business prospects of the investee; the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in market value of the investment; issues that raise concerns about the investee's ability to continue as a going concern; any other information that the Company may be aware of related to the investment. The Company does not report the fair value of its equity investments in non-publicly traded companies because it is not practical to do so. |
| Research and Development Costs and Collaborations | Research and Development Costs and Collaborations All research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Such costs primarily consist of lab supplies, contract services, stock-based compensation expense, salaries and related benefits. |
| Acquired In-Process Research and Development Expense | Acquired In-Process Research and Development Expense The Company has acquired and may continue to acquire the rights to develop and commercialize new drug candidates. The up-front payments to acquire a new drug compound or drug delivery devices, as well as future milestone payments associated with asset acquisitions that do not meet the definition of derivative and are deemed probable to achieve the milestones, are immediately expensed as acquired in-process research and development provided that the drug has not achieved regulatory approval for marketing and, absent obtaining such approval, have no alternative future use. The acquired in-process research and development related to the business combinations of Virttu Biologics Limited ("Virttu") and Scilex, for which certain products are under development and expected to be commercialized in the future, was capitalized and recorded within “Intangibles, net” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company intends to commence amortization of acquired in-process research and development upon commercialization of the related products. Capitalized in-process research and development will be reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently as changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events suggest that the remaining value may not be recoverable. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes The provisions of ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under ASC Topic 740-10, the Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company has determined that it has uncertain tax positions. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method to compute the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial amounts, using currently enacted tax rates. The Company has deferred tax assets, which are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. As of each of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2018 , the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, with the exception of an amount equal to its deferred tax liabilities, an amount equal to its alternative minimum tax credits and state research and development tax credits for which there is no expiration and the deferred tax assets related to its investment in Scilex. |
| Revenue Recognition | The Company is obligated to accept from customers the return of products sold that are damaged or do not meet certain specifications. The Company may authorize the return of products sold in accordance with the terms of its sales contracts, and estimates allowances for such amounts at the time of sale. The Company has not experienced any sales returns. Concortis Biosystems Corporation (“Concortis”) Contract manufacturing associated with sales of customized reagents for Concortis operations relate to providing synthetic expertise to customers’ synthesis by delivering proprietary cytotoxins, linkers and linker-toxins and ADC service using industry standard toxin and antibodies provided by customers which are recognized upon the transfer of control, which is generally upon shipment given the short contract terms which are generally three months or less. Materials and Supply Agreements Revenues from the sale of materials associated with our research and development arrangements are recognized upon the transfer of control, which is generally, upon shipment. Outstanding performance obligations related to materials and supply agreements was $1.2 million as of September 30, 2018 , and the Company expects to fulfill such obligations during the remainder of 2018. Bioserv Corporation ( “ Bioserv ” ) Contract manufacturing services associated with the Company's Bioserv operations related to finish and fill activities for drug products and reagents are recognized ratably over the contract term based on a time-based measure which reflects the transfer of services to the customer because the manufactured products are highly customized and do not have an alternative use to the Company Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are generated from various NIH grant awards, license fees, the sale of customized reagents and other materials, and the provision of contract manufacturing and other services. The Company does not have significant costs associated with costs to obtain contracts with its customers. Substantially all of the Company’s grants and accounts receivable result from contracts with customers. Grant Revenues The revenue from the NIH grant awards is based upon subcontractor and internal costs incurred that are specifically covered by the grant, and where applicable, a facilities and administrative rate that provides funding for overhead expenses. These revenues are recognized when expenses have been incurred by subcontractors or when the Company incurs internal expenses that are related to the grant. Royalty and License Revenues License fees for the licensing of product rights are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt of cash and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the license period, with the exception of license agreements with no remaining performance obligations or undelivered obligations. The Company applies judgment in determining the timing of revenue recognition related to contracts that include multiple performance obligations. The total transaction price of the contract is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or services underlying each performance obligation. For goods or services for which observable standalone selling prices are not available, the Company develops an estimated standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Sales and Services Revenues Sales and services revenues are comprised of contract manufacturing associated with sales of customized reagents at Concortis Biosystems Corporation, materials and supply agreements, contract manufacturing services at BioServ Corporation, and the Company’s joint development agreement with Celularity Inc. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which it recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed. The Company applied the practical expedient in ASC Topic 606-10-50-14 to the revenue contracts for our Concortis Biosystems Corporation sales and services and materials and supply agreements due to the short-term length of such contracts. |
| Stock-based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718 “ Compensation – Stock Compensation, ” which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services. Under such provisions, stock-based compensation cost is generally measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award and an estimate of forfeitures, and is recognized as an expense, under the straight-line method, over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). The Company accounts for equity instruments, including restricted stock or stock options, issued to non-employees in accordance with authoritative guidance for equity based payments to non-employees. Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for at their estimated fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of options and restricted stock granted to non-employees is re-measured over the vesting period, and the resulting changes in fair value are recognized as expense in the period of the change in proportion to the services rendered to date. |
| Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is primarily comprised of net income (loss) and adjustments for the change in unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in available-for-sale marketable securities, net of taxes. The Company displays comprehensive income (loss) and its components in its condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). |
| Net Loss per Share | Net Loss per Share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the additional dilution from potential issuances of common stock, such as stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options or the exercise of outstanding warrants. The treasury stock method and if-converted method are used to calculate the potential dilutive effect of these common stock equivalents. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is anti-dilutive. In periods where a net loss is presented, all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive and are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share. |
| Segment Information | Segment Information The Company is engaged primarily in the discovery and development of innovative therapies focused on oncology and the treatment of chronic cancer pain as well as immunology and infectious diseases based on its platform technologies. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it operates in one operating segment. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry-specific guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 was originally effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which delayed the effective date of the new standard for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. The FASB also agreed to allow entities to choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective method of adoption. The Company adopted this standard on its effective date, January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective method of adoption. Under this method, entities recognize the cumulative impact of applying the new standard at the date of adoption without restatement of prior periods presented. The cumulative effect of applying the new standard to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . The ASU amends the guidance in GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Changes to the current guidance primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and upon adoption, an entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is not permitted except for the provision to record fair value changes for financial liabilities under the fair value option resulting from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases . ASU No. 2016-02 is aimed at making leasing activities more transparent and comparable, and requires substantially all leases be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. ASU No. 2016-20 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows which may result in an increase in assets and liabilities due to the recognition of the required right-of-use asset and corresponding liability for all lease obligations currently classified as operating leases. The Company's leases are discussed in Note 14. The Company currently expects to record right-of-use assets and lease liabilities with regard to its leases in the consolidated balance sheets using the modified retrospective approach for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , to improve financial reporting in regards to how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The ASU requires that (1) debt extinguishment costs be classified as cash outflows for financing activities and provides additional classification guidance for the statement of cash flows, (2) the classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows to be determined by applying specific guidance under generally accepted accounting principles, and (3) each separately identifiable source or use within the cash receipts and payments be classified on the basis of their nature in financing, investing or operating activities. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force).” The ASU requires the statement of cash flows to 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 are to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is required to be adopted using a retrospective approach, if applicable, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU impacted the presentation of cash flows with the inclusion of restricted cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business , to clarify the definition of a business to add guidance for evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Specifically, this ASU provides a screen to assist entities in determining when a set should not be considered a business, which screen provides that if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar assets, the set is not a business. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company applied this standard in the evaluation of the Sofusa acquisition. (See Note 4). In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350) . This standard eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, instead requiring an entity to recognize a goodwill impairment charge for the amount by which the goodwill carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. This guidance is effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. This guidance must be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting , to provide clarity and reduce both the diversity in practice and cost of complexity when applying the guidance. Specifically, the ASU provides additional modification conditions in determining whether or not modification accounting should be applied. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and improves the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting , to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2018-07 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, to improve the effectiveness of the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty will be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption with all other amendments being applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The amendments in this update align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update may be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606. The amendments in this update provide guidance on how to assess whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for within the revenue recognition standard. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. |
