ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business Activities	*Business Activities.* Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (the Company or Neurocrine) was incorporated in California in 1992 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1996. The Company discovers and develops innovative and life-changing pharmaceuticals, in diseases with high unmet medical needs through its novel research and development (R&D) platform focused on neurological, psychological, and endocrine based diseases and disorders. In April 2017, the Company received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for INGREZZA^® (valbenazine), a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor for the treatment of TD. The Company’s three lead late-stage clinical programs are elagolix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist for women’s health that is partnered with AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie), INGREZZA for Tourette syndrome and opicapone, a highly-selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Neurocrine Continental, Inc., is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company also has two wholly-owned Irish subsidiaries, Neurocrine Therapeutics, Ltd. and Neurocrine Europe, Ltd. which were formed in December 2014, both of which are inactive.
Principles of Consolidation	*Principles of Consolidation.* The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Neurocrine as well as its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company does not have any significant interests in any variable interest entities. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	*Use of Estimates.* The preparation of 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 amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents	*Cash Equivalents.* The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments Available-for-Sale	*Short-Term and Long-Term Investments Available-for-Sale.* Certain investments are classified as available-for-sale and, in accordance with authoritative guidance, are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive loss. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are included in other income or expense. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income.
Concentration of Credit Risk	*Concentration of Credit Risk.* Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivables. The Company has established guidelines to limit its exposure to credit risk by placing investments with high credit quality financial institutions, diversifying its investment portfolio and placing investments with maturities that maintain safety and liquidity.
Inventory	*Inventory.* Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. The Company currently uses actual costing to determine the cost basis for its inventory. Inventory is valued on a first-in, first-out basis and consists primarily of third-party manufacturing costs. The Company capitalizes inventory costs associated with its products upon regulatory approval when, based on management’s judgment, future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized; otherwise, such costs are expensed. Prior to FDA approval of INGREZZA, all costs related to its manufacturing were charged to research and development expense in the period incurred. At December 31, 2017, the Company’s physical inventory included active pharmaceutical product that had been produced prior to FDA approval of INGREZZA and accordingly has no cost basis as the cost associated with producing this material was expensed rather than capitalized in accordance with authoritative guidance. Additionally, manufacturing of bulk drug product, finished bottling and other labeling activities that occurred post FDA approval are included in the inventory value at December 31, 2017. The Company provides reserves for potential excess, dated or obsolete inventory based on an analysis of forecasted demand compared to quantities on hand and any firm purchase orders, as well as product shelf life. To date, the Company has determined that such reserves are not required.
Cost of Product Sales	*Cost of Product Sales.* Cost of product sales consists of third-party manufacturing costs, transportation and freight, and indirect overhead costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of INGREZZA. Cost of product sales may also include period costs related to certain inventory manufacturing services, inventory adjustment charges as well as manufacturing variances. A significant portion of the cost of producing the product sold during the year ended December 31, 2017 was expensed as R&D prior to the Company’s New Drug Application (NDA) approval for INGREZZA and therefore is not included in the cost of product sales during this period.
Accounts Receivable	*Accounts Receivable.* Accounts receivable are recorded net of customer allowances for prompt payment discounts, chargebacks, and any allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of its customers and individual customer circumstances. To date, the Company has determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts is not required.
Advertising Expense	*Advertising Expense.* In connection with the FDA approval and commercial launch of INGREZZA in 2017, the Company began to incur advertising costs. Advertising costs are expensed when services are performed or goods are delivered. The Company incurred $10.1 million in advertising costs in 2017 related to its marketed product, INGREZZA. No advertising costs were capitalized as prepaid expenses at December 31, 2017.
Property and Equipment	*Property and Equipment.* Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Equipment is depreciated over an average estimated useful life of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.
Industry Segment and Geographic Information	*Industry Segment and Geographic Information.* The Company operates in a single industry segment – the discovery, development and marketing of therapeutics for the treatment of neurological and endocrine based diseases and disorders. The Company had no foreign based operations during any of the years presented. All revenue is generated in the United States.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	*Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.* The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment exist, the Company assesses the recoverability of the affected long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, the Company measures the amount of any impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with the use of the asset.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	*Fair Value of Financial Instruments.* Certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, are carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Convertible senior notes were recorded at the estimated value of a similar non-convertible instrument on the date of issuance and accretes to face value of the notes over the seven year term. The fair value of the 2024 Notes is estimated utilizing market quotations from an over-the-counter trading market. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value approximated 128 percent of the face principal amount of the convertible senior notes.
Research and Development Expenses	*Research and Development Expenses.* R&D expenses consist primarily of salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and share-based compensation charges, for those individuals involved in ongoing R&D efforts; as well as scientific contractor fees, preclinical and clinical trial costs, R&D facilities costs, laboratory supply costs, and depreciation of scientific equipment. All such costs are charged to R&D expense as incurred. These expenses result from the Company’s independent R&D efforts as well as efforts associated with collaborations and in-licensing arrangements. In addition, the Company funds R&D at other companies and research institutions under agreements, which are generally cancelable. The Company reviews and accrues clinical trial expenses based on work performed, which relies on estimates of total costs incurred based on patient enrollment, completion of patient studies and other events. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the costs applicable to various stages of a research agreement or clinical trial can be made. Accrued clinical costs are subject to revisions as trials progress. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Revenue Recognition	*Revenue Recognition.* *Product Sales, Net.* The Company’s net product sales consist of U.S. sales of INGREZZA and are recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred and title to the product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. INGREZZA was approved by the FDA on April 11, 2017 and the Company commenced shipments of INGREZZA to select pharmacies (SPs) and a select distributor (SD) in late April 2017. The SPs dispense product to a patient based on the fulfillment of a prescription and the SD sells product to government facilities, long-term care pharmacies or in-patient hospital pharmacies. The Company’s agreements with SPs and SDs provide for transfer of title to the product at the time the product is delivered to the SP or SD. In addition, except for limited circumstances, the SPs and SDs have no right of product return to the Company. The Company has determined it can reasonably estimate its sales allowances at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the SP or SD. Therefore, the Company records revenue when the product is delivered to the SPs or SD, which is an approach frequently referred to as the “sell-in” revenue recognition model. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales net of the following allowances: Distribution Fees: Distribution fees include fees paid to the SPs and SD for data, prompt payment discounts and other off-invoice discounts. Distribution fees are recorded as an offset to gross revenue based on contractual terms at the time revenue from the sale is recognized. Government Rebates: Government rebates include mandated discounts under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Rebates are amounts owed after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant and result from contractual agreements with, or statutory requirements pertaining to, Medicaid and Medicare benefit providers. The allowance for rebates is based on statutory discount rates, expected utilization and expected trends in net reimbursement. Expected utilization of rebates is based on prescription level detail provided by the SPs that includes insurer amounts for each prescription filled during the period as well as the limited amount of product that is in the SPs warehouse at period end. Chargebacks: Chargebacks are discounts that relate to contracts with government and other entities purchasing from the SD at a discounted price. The SD charges back to the Company the difference between the price initially paid by the SD and the discounted price paid to the SD by these entities. Chargebacks are recorded as an offset to gross revenue at the time revenue from the product sale is recognized based on known and expected SD sales to these entities. Co-Payment Assistance: The Company offers co-payment assistance to commercially insured patients meeting certain eligibility requirements. Co-payment assistance is recorded as an offset to gross revenue at the time revenue from the product sale is recognized based on expected and actual program participation. Expected program participation is based on prescription level detail provided by the SPs that includes copay amounts for each prescription filled during the period as well as the limited amount of product that is in the SPs warehouse at period end. Product Returns: The Company offers the SPs and SD limited product return rights for damages and shipment errors provided it is within a very limited period after the original shipping date as set forth in the applicable individual distribution agreement. The Company does not allow product returns for product that has been dispensed to a patient or for drug expiration. The Company receives real-time shipping reports and inventory reports from the SPs and SD and has the ability to control the amount of product that is sold to the SPs and SD. It is also able to make a reasonable estimate of potential product returns due to the limited time-frame allowed for the SPs and SD to process returns due to shipment error or damaged product.
Collaborative Research and Development Agreements	*Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.* Since 2011, the Company has followed the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) for Revenue Recognition – Multiple-Element Arrangements, if applicable, to determine the recognition of revenue under license and collaboration agreements. The ASC provides guidance relating to the separation of deliverables included in an arrangement into different units of accounting and the allocation of consideration to the units of accounting. The evaluation of multiple-element arrangements requires management to make judgments about (i) the identification of deliverables, (ii) whether such deliverables are separable from the other aspects of the contractual relationship, (iii) the estimated selling price of each deliverable, and (iv) the expected period of performance for each deliverable. To determine the units of accounting under a multiple-element arrangement, the Company evaluates certain separation criteria, including whether the deliverables have stand-alone value, based on the relevant facts and circumstances for each arrangement. The selling prices of deliverables under an arrangement may be derived using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), third-party evidence, or a best estimate of selling price (BESP), if VSOE or third-party evidence is not available. For most pharmaceutical licensing and collaboration agreements, BESP is utilized. Establishing BESP involves judgment and considers multiple factors, including market conditions and company-specific factors, including those factors contemplated in negotiating the agreements, as well as internally developed models that include assumptions related to market opportunity, discounted cash flows, estimated development costs, probability of success and the time needed to commercialize a product candidate pursuant to the agreement. In validating the BESP, the Company considers whether changes in key assumptions used to determine the BESP will have a significant effect on the allocation of the arrangement consideration between the multiple deliverables. The allocated consideration for each unit of accounting is recognized over the related obligation period in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition criteria. If there are deliverables in an arrangement that are not separable from other aspects of the contractual relationship, they are treated as a combined unit of accounting, with the allocated revenue for the combined unit recognized in a manner consistent with the revenue recognition applicable to the final deliverable in the combined unit. Payments received prior to satisfying the relevant revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheets and recognized as revenue when the related revenue recognition criteria are met. The Company typically receives up-front payments when licensing its intellectual property, which often occurs in conjunction with an R&D agreement. The Company will recognize revenue attributed to the license upon delivery, provided that the license has stand-alone value. Milestones are recognized when earned, as evidenced by written acknowledgment from the collaborator or other persuasive evidence that the milestone has been achieved, provided that the milestone event is substantive. A milestone event is generally considered to be substantive if its achievability was not reasonably assured at the inception of the agreement. The Company assesses whether a milestone is substantive at the inception of each agreement.
Share-Based Compensation	*Share-Based Compensation.* The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant. Restricted stock units are valued based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments expected to vest are recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three to four years; however, certain provisions in the Company’s equity compensation plans provide for shorter vesting periods under certain circumstances. Additionally, the Company has granted certain performance-based equity awards that vest upon the achievement of certain pre-defined Company-specific performance criteria. Expense related to these performance-based equity awards is generally recognized ratably over the performance period once the pre-defined performance based criteria for vesting becomes probable.
Investment Income, Net	*Investment Income, Net.* Investment income, net is comprised of interest and dividends earned on cash, cash equivalents and investments as well as gains and losses realized from activity in the Company’s investment portfolio. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the investment income was $6.2 million, $2.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively and primarily consisted of interest income.
Net Loss Per Share	*Net Loss Per Share.* The Company computes basic net loss per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities (common share equivalents) outstanding during the period. Common share equivalents outstanding, determined using the treasury stock method, are comprised of shares that may be issued under the Company’s stock option agreements or convertible debt. Common share equivalents are excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect. Due to the Company’s net loss position in 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately 3.4 million, 3.8 million and 4.1 million, respectively, of common share equivalents related to outstanding restricted stock units and employee options were excluded from the diluted common shares outstanding. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were employee stock options, calculated on a weighted average basis, to purchase 0.4 million, 0.4 million, and 0.1 million shares of our common stock with an exercise price greater than the average market price of the underlying common shares. Additionally, during May 2017 the Company issued $517.5 million of convertible debt which under certain circumstances may convert to common shares outstanding. If converted, this $517.5 million of convertible debt would represent approximately 6.8 million common shares.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	*Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards.* 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. This 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. The FASB subsequently issued amendments to ASU No. 2014-09 that have the same effective date and transition date. These new standards became effective for us on January 1, 2018, and will be adopted using the modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, directly to retained earnings as of that date. The Company has performed a review of these new standards as compared to our current accounting policies for customer contracts and collaborative relationships. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not identified any accounting changes that would materially impact the amount of reported revenues with respect to our product revenues. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on historical revenue recorded for our two collaboration agreements. This ongoing evaluation is dependent upon the resolution of certain questions relating to the application of the new revenue recognition guidance for collaboration agreements which will ultimately determine the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements. The company expects the accounting for contingent milestone payments to be the most significant change in accounting for its license and collaboration agreements. Topic 605 provides guidance specific to the accounting for milestone payments, including the ability to defer the recognition of any milestones until received and, if certain criteria are met, the ability to recognize milestone payments as revenue when received. However, Topic 606 does not contain guidance specific to milestone payments, thereby requiring potential milestone payments to be considered in accordance with the overall model of Topic 606. As a result, revenues from contingent milestone payments may be recognized earlier under Topic 606 than under Topic 605, based on an assessment of the probability of achievement of the milestone and the likelihood of a significant reversal of such milestone revenue at each reporting date. This assessment may result in recognizing milestone revenue before the milestone event has been achieved. In addition, Topic 606 changes guidance regarding the accounting for variable consideration received from licensees, which may impact the estimation of, and determination of the timing of, the related revenue recognition. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 Leases. This update amends the current accounting guidance for lease transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize both assets and liabilities for any leases in excess of twelve months. Additionally, certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures will also be required in the financial statements. The Company is required to adopt this new guidance beginning in 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company’s lease for its corporate headquarters is subject to this new guidance and the process of determining the impact of the adoption of this update will have on its consolidated financial statements is ongoing. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”, which clarifies the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. Under this ASU, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statements of cash flows. This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This ASU requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change in total cash and equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts. This ASU also requires a reconciliation between the total of cash and equivalents and restricted cash presented on the statement of cash flows and the cash and equivalents balance presented on the balance sheet. This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Activities. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (the Company or Neurocrine) was incorporated in California in 1992 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1996. The Company discovers and develops innovative and life-changing pharmaceuticals, in diseases with high unmet medical needs through its novel research and development (R&D) platform focused on neurological, psychological, and endocrine based diseases and disorders. In April 2017, the Company received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for INGREZZA^® (valbenazine), a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor for the treatment of TD. The Company’s three lead late-stage clinical programs are elagolix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist for women’s health that is partnered with AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie), INGREZZA for Tourette syndrome and opicapone, a highly-selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Neurocrine Continental, Inc., is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company also has two wholly-owned Irish subsidiaries, Neurocrine Therapeutics, Ltd. and Neurocrine Europe, Ltd. which were formed in December 2014, both of which are inactive.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Neurocrine as well as its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company does not have any significant interests in any variable interest entities. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of 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 amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments Available-for-Sale

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments Available-for-Sale. Certain investments are classified as available-for-sale and, in accordance with authoritative guidance, are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive loss. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are included in other income or expense. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivables. The Company has established guidelines to limit its exposure to credit risk by placing investments with high credit quality financial institutions, diversifying its investment portfolio and placing investments with maturities that maintain safety and liquidity.

Inventory

Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. The Company currently uses actual costing to determine the cost basis for its inventory. Inventory is valued on a first-in, first-out basis and consists primarily of third-party manufacturing costs. The Company capitalizes inventory costs associated with its products upon regulatory approval when, based on management’s judgment, future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized; otherwise, such costs are expensed.

Prior to FDA approval of INGREZZA, all costs related to its manufacturing were charged to research and development expense in the period incurred. At December 31, 2017, the Company’s physical inventory included active pharmaceutical product that had been produced prior to FDA approval of INGREZZA and accordingly has no cost basis as the cost associated with producing this material was expensed rather than capitalized in accordance with authoritative guidance. Additionally, manufacturing of bulk drug product, finished bottling and other labeling activities that occurred post FDA approval are included in the inventory value at December 31, 2017.

The Company provides reserves for potential excess, dated or obsolete inventory based on an analysis of forecasted demand compared to quantities on hand and any firm purchase orders, as well as product shelf life. To date, the Company has determined that such reserves are not required.

Cost of Product Sales

Cost of Product Sales. Cost of product sales consists of third-party manufacturing costs, transportation and freight, and indirect overhead costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of INGREZZA. Cost of product sales may also include period costs related to certain inventory manufacturing services, inventory adjustment charges as well as manufacturing variances. A significant portion of the cost of producing the product sold during the year ended December 31, 2017 was expensed as R&D prior to the Company’s New Drug Application (NDA) approval for INGREZZA and therefore is not included in the cost of product sales during this period.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are recorded net of customer allowances for prompt payment discounts, chargebacks, and any allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of its customers and individual customer circumstances. To date, the Company has determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts is not required.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense. In connection with the FDA approval and commercial launch of INGREZZA in 2017, the Company began to incur advertising costs. Advertising costs are expensed when services are performed or goods are delivered. The Company incurred $10.1 million in advertising costs in 2017 related to its marketed product, INGREZZA. No advertising costs were capitalized as prepaid expenses at December 31, 2017.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Equipment is depreciated over an average estimated useful life of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

Industry Segment and Geographic Information

Industry Segment and Geographic Information. The Company operates in a single industry segment – the discovery, development and marketing of therapeutics for the treatment of neurological and endocrine based diseases and disorders. The Company had no foreign based operations during any of the years presented. All revenue is generated in the United States.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment exist, the Company assesses the recoverability of the affected long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, the Company measures the amount of any impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with the use of the asset.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, are carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Convertible senior notes were recorded at the estimated value of a similar non-convertible instrument on the date of issuance and accretes to face value of the notes over the seven year term. The fair value of the 2024 Notes is estimated utilizing market quotations from an over-the-counter trading market. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value approximated 128 percent of the face principal amount of the convertible senior notes.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses. R&D expenses consist primarily of salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and share-based compensation charges, for those individuals involved in ongoing R&D efforts; as well as scientific contractor fees, preclinical and clinical trial costs, R&D facilities costs, laboratory supply costs, and depreciation of scientific equipment. All such costs are charged to R&D expense as incurred. These expenses result from the Company’s independent R&D efforts as well as efforts associated with collaborations and in-licensing arrangements. In addition, the Company funds R&D at other companies and research institutions under agreements, which are generally cancelable. The Company reviews and accrues clinical trial expenses based on work performed, which relies on estimates of total costs incurred based on patient enrollment, completion of patient studies and other events. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the costs applicable to various stages of a research agreement or clinical trial can be made. Accrued clinical costs are subject to revisions as trials progress. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.

Product Sales, Net. The Company’s net product sales consist of U.S. sales of INGREZZA and are recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred and title to the product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

INGREZZA was approved by the FDA on April 11, 2017 and the Company commenced shipments of INGREZZA to select pharmacies (SPs) and a select distributor (SD) in late April 2017. The SPs dispense product to a patient based on the fulfillment of a prescription and the SD sells product to government facilities, long-term care pharmacies or in-patient hospital pharmacies. The Company’s agreements with SPs and SDs provide for transfer of title to the product at the time the product is delivered to the SP or SD. In addition, except for limited circumstances, the SPs and SDs have no right of product return to the Company.

The Company has determined it can reasonably estimate its sales allowances at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the SP or SD. Therefore, the Company records revenue when the product is delivered to the SPs or SD, which is an approach frequently referred to as the “sell-in” revenue recognition model.

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales net of the following allowances:

Distribution Fees: Distribution fees include fees paid to the SPs and SD for data, prompt payment discounts and other off-invoice discounts. Distribution fees are recorded as an offset to gross revenue based on contractual terms at the time revenue from the sale is recognized.

Government Rebates: Government rebates include mandated discounts under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Rebates are amounts owed after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant and result from contractual agreements with, or statutory requirements pertaining to, Medicaid and Medicare benefit providers. The allowance for rebates is based on statutory discount rates, expected utilization and expected trends in net reimbursement. Expected utilization of rebates is based on prescription level detail provided by the SPs that includes insurer amounts for each prescription filled during the period as well as the limited amount of product that is in the SPs warehouse at period end.

Chargebacks: Chargebacks are discounts that relate to contracts with government and other entities purchasing from the SD at a discounted price. The SD charges back to the Company the difference between the price initially paid by the SD and the discounted price paid to the SD by these entities. Chargebacks are recorded as an offset to gross revenue at the time revenue from the product sale is recognized based on known and expected SD sales to these entities.

Co-Payment Assistance: The Company offers co-payment assistance to commercially insured patients meeting certain eligibility requirements. Co-payment assistance is recorded as an offset to gross revenue at the time revenue from the product sale is recognized based on expected and actual program participation. Expected program participation is based on prescription level detail provided by the SPs that includes copay amounts for each prescription filled during the period as well as the limited amount of product that is in the SPs warehouse at period end.

Product Returns: The Company offers the SPs and SD limited product return rights for damages and shipment errors provided it is within a very limited period after the original shipping date as set forth in the applicable individual distribution agreement. The Company does not allow product returns for product that has been dispensed to a patient or for drug expiration. The Company receives real-time shipping reports and inventory reports from the SPs and SD and has the ability to control the amount of product that is sold to the SPs and SD. It is also able to make a reasonable estimate of potential product returns due to the limited time-frame allowed for the SPs and SD to process returns due to shipment error or damaged product.

Collaborative Research and Development Agreements

Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.

Since 2011, the Company has followed the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) for Revenue Recognition – Multiple-Element Arrangements, if applicable, to determine the recognition of revenue under license and collaboration agreements. The ASC provides guidance relating to the separation of deliverables included in an arrangement into different units of accounting and the allocation of consideration to the units of accounting. The evaluation of multiple-element arrangements requires management to make judgments about (i) the identification of deliverables, (ii) whether such deliverables are separable from the other aspects of the contractual relationship, (iii) the estimated selling price of each deliverable, and (iv) the expected period of performance for each deliverable.

To determine the units of accounting under a multiple-element arrangement, the Company evaluates certain separation criteria, including whether the deliverables have stand-alone value, based on the relevant facts and circumstances for each arrangement. The selling prices of deliverables under an arrangement may be derived using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), third-party evidence, or a best estimate of selling price (BESP), if VSOE or third-party evidence is not available. For most pharmaceutical licensing and collaboration agreements, BESP is utilized. Establishing BESP involves judgment and considers multiple factors, including market conditions and company-specific factors, including those factors contemplated in negotiating the agreements, as well as internally developed models that include assumptions related to market opportunity, discounted cash flows, estimated development costs, probability of success and the time needed to commercialize a product candidate pursuant to the agreement. In validating the BESP, the Company considers whether changes in key assumptions used to determine the BESP will have a significant effect on the allocation of the arrangement consideration between the multiple deliverables. The allocated consideration for each unit of accounting is recognized over the related obligation period in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition criteria.

If there are deliverables in an arrangement that are not separable from other aspects of the contractual relationship, they are treated as a combined unit of accounting, with the allocated revenue for the combined unit recognized in a manner consistent with the revenue recognition applicable to the final deliverable in the combined unit. Payments received prior to satisfying the relevant revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheets and recognized as revenue when the related revenue recognition criteria are met.

The Company typically receives up-front payments when licensing its intellectual property, which often occurs in conjunction with an R&D agreement. The Company will recognize revenue attributed to the license upon delivery, provided that the license has stand-alone value.

Milestones are recognized when earned, as evidenced by written acknowledgment from the collaborator or other persuasive evidence that the milestone has been achieved, provided that the milestone event is substantive. A milestone event is generally considered to be substantive if its achievability was not reasonably assured at the inception of the agreement. The Company assesses whether a milestone is substantive at the inception of each agreement.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant. Restricted stock units are valued based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments expected to vest are recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three to four years; however, certain provisions in the Company’s equity compensation plans provide for shorter vesting periods under certain circumstances. Additionally, the Company has granted certain performance-based equity awards that vest upon the achievement of certain pre-defined Company-specific performance criteria. Expense related to these performance-based equity awards is generally recognized ratably over the performance period once the pre-defined performance based criteria for vesting becomes probable.

Investment Income, Net

Investment Income, Net. Investment income, net is comprised of interest and dividends earned on cash, cash equivalents and investments as well as gains and losses realized from activity in the Company’s investment portfolio. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the investment income was $6.2 million, $2.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively and primarily consisted of interest income.

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share. The Company computes basic net loss per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities (common share equivalents) outstanding during the period. Common share equivalents outstanding, determined using the treasury stock method, are comprised of shares that may be issued under the Company’s stock option agreements or convertible debt. Common share equivalents are excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect.

Due to the Company’s net loss position in 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately 3.4 million, 3.8 million and 4.1 million, respectively, of common share equivalents related to outstanding restricted stock units and employee options were excluded from the diluted common shares outstanding. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were employee stock options, calculated on a weighted average basis, to purchase 0.4 million, 0.4 million, and 0.1 million shares of our common stock with an exercise price greater than the average market price of the underlying common shares.

Additionally, during May 2017 the Company issued $517.5 million of convertible debt which under certain circumstances may convert to common shares outstanding. If converted, this $517.5 million of convertible debt would represent approximately 6.8 million common shares.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards.

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. This 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. The FASB subsequently issued amendments to ASU No. 2014-09 that have the same effective date and transition date. These new standards became effective for us on January 1, 2018, and will be adopted using the modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, directly to retained earnings as of that date. The Company has performed a review of these new standards as compared to our current accounting policies for customer contracts and collaborative relationships. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not identified any accounting changes that would materially impact the amount of reported revenues with respect to our product revenues. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on historical revenue recorded for our two collaboration agreements. This ongoing evaluation is dependent upon the resolution of certain questions relating to the application of the new revenue recognition guidance for collaboration agreements which will ultimately determine the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements.

The company expects the accounting for contingent milestone payments to be the most significant change in accounting for its license and collaboration agreements. Topic 605 provides guidance specific to the accounting for milestone payments, including the ability to defer the recognition of any milestones until received and, if certain criteria are met, the ability to recognize milestone payments as revenue when received. However, Topic 606 does not contain guidance specific to milestone payments, thereby requiring potential milestone payments to be considered in accordance with the overall model of Topic 606. As a result, revenues from contingent milestone payments may be recognized earlier under Topic 606 than under Topic 605, based on an assessment of the probability of achievement of the milestone and the likelihood of a significant reversal of such milestone revenue at each reporting date. This assessment may result in recognizing milestone revenue before the milestone event has been achieved. In addition, Topic 606 changes guidance regarding the accounting for variable consideration received from licensees, which may impact the estimation of, and determination of the timing of, the related revenue recognition.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 Leases. This update amends the current accounting guidance for lease transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize both assets and liabilities for any leases in excess of twelve months. Additionally, certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures will also be required in the financial statements. The Company is required to adopt this new guidance beginning in 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company’s lease for its corporate headquarters is subject to this new guidance and the process of determining the impact of the adoption of this update will have on its consolidated financial statements is ongoing.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”, which clarifies the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. Under this ASU, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statements of cash flows. This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This ASU requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change in total cash and equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts. This ASU also requires a reconciliation between the total of cash and equivalents and restricted cash presented on the statement of cash flows and the cash and equivalents balance presented on the balance sheet. This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.