Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates were made relating to useful lives of fixed assets, valuation allowances, impairment of assets, accruals for research and development expenses and stock-based compensation expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Certain amounts previously reported in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not affect net loss, stockholders’ equity or cash flows. We have evaluated subsequent events through the date the audited financial statements were issued (See Note 15). Liquidity We have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations and have an accumulated deficit of $238.9 million as of December 31, 2013. In November 2013, we closed a common stock offering whereby we received approximately $57.8 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs. During 2011 and 2012, we entered into three financing agreements, which provided us capital to fund operations. In April 2011, we entered into definitive agreements for a convertible note financing of up to $4.5 million. We received approximately $1.3 million, net of issuance costs, from the initial closing and an additional $3.0 million through the issuance of additional convertible notes in May 2012 as a result of the purchasers who participated in the April 2011 convertible note financing fully exercising their rights to purchase additional convertible notes (see Note 6). In June 2011, we entered into definitive agreements for a private placement of units, which were comprised of common stock and warrants (see Note 8). The unit financing, which closed in July 2011, provided us with approximately $22.8 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs. In July 2012, we closed a common stock financing whereby we received approximately $50.5 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs (see Note 8). As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $72.3 million. We believe that our current working capital is sufficient to fund essential operations into 2015; provided, however, that if we pursue additional clinical studies or commercially launch Sustol prior to 2015, we will need to raise additional capital. We may require additional capital to fund our development pipeline programs. If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing on acceptable terms or otherwise, we may be required to reduce or defer our activities. Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity from the date of purchase of less than three months to be cash equivalents. We have classified all of our investments in certain debt securities as “available-for-sale.” As of December 31, 2012, our available-for-sale securities consisted of money market funds primarily containing U.S. government-backed or collateralized overnight securities with original maturities of ninety days or less. The carrying value of our money market funds is included in cash equivalents and approximates their fair value. We have no available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2013. The Company’s bank accounts have been placed under a control agreement in accordance with the April 2011 convertible note financing (see Note 6). Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: equipment and machinery, three to five years; furniture and fixtures, five years; and leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the respective lease terms or the respective useful lives of the leasehold improvements. Long-Lived Assets As circumstances dictate, we evaluate whether changes have occurred that would require us to consider whether long-lived assets have been impaired. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by comparing the undiscounted net cash flows of long-lived assets to their respective carrying values. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment to be recognized is measured by comparing the projected discounted cash flows using an appropriate discount rate to the asset’s carrying value. Stock-Based Compensation We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC 505-50, Equity – Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees, which requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair-value based method, for all costs related to share-based payments including stock options, restricted stock awards and stock issued under the employee stock purchase plan. These standards require companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of the grant using an option-pricing model. See Note 8 for further discussion of our stock-based compensation plans. Warrants Issued in Connection with Equity Financings We generally account for warrants issued in connection with equity financings as a component of equity, unless there is a deemed possibility that we may have to settle warrants in cash. Revenue Recognition Our revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if certain criteria are met, including whether the delivered item has stand-alone value to the customer and whether there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. The consideration we receive is allocated among the separate units based on their respective fair values, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are considered separately for each of the separate units. Management’s estimate of the selling price is considered when fair value is not determinable. Advance payments received in excess of amounts earned are classified as deferred revenue until earned. Contract Revenue Our licensing agreements generally provide for a non-refundable license fee. The license agreements provide for us to earn future revenue through royalty payments. These non-refundable license fees are generally initially reported as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue over an appropriate period, depending on the license. Revenue recognized from deferred license fees is classified as Contract Revenue in the accompanying statements of operations. Contract revenue relates to research and development arrangements that generally provide for us to invoice research and development fees based on full-time equivalent hours for each project. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized as the related development services are rendered. This revenue approximates the costs incurred. Clinical Trial Accruals Our expenses related to clinical trials are based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on our behalf. Since the invoicing related to these services does not always coincide with our financial statement close process, we must estimate the level of services performed and fees incurred in determining the accrued clinical trial costs. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and vary from contract to contract, which may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the successful enrollment of patients, achievement of certain events or the completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. Expenses related to clinical trials generally are accrued based on the level of patient enrollment and services performed by the clinical research organization or related service provider according to the protocol. We monitor patient enrollment levels and related activity to the extent possible and adjust our estimates accordingly. Historically these estimates have been reasonably accurate and no material adjustments have had to be made. Research and Development Research and development consists of costs incurred for company-sponsored and collaborative research and development expenses. These costs consist primarily of employee salaries and other personnel-related expenses, facility-related expenses, laboratory consumables, polymer development manufacturing, clinical and pre-clinical related services performed by clinical research organizations, research institutions and other outside service providers. Research and development expenses under collaborative agreements approximate the revenue recognized, excluding milestone and up-front payments received under such arrangements. Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic income (loss) per share is estimated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and other dilutive securities. Dilutive securities are not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share if the inclusion of these potentially dilutive securities is anti-dilutive (see Note 9). Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents. We invest excess cash in a variety of high-grade short-term, interest-bearing securities. This diversification of risk is consistent with our policy to ensure safety of principal and maintain liquidity. Segment and Geographic Information Our operations are confined to a single business segment, the design and commercialization of polymer technologies for pharmaceutical and other applications. Comprehensive Income (Loss) ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that an entity’s change in equity or net assets during a period from transactions and other events from non-owner sources be reported. Comprehensive loss for the periods reported was comprised solely of our net loss. The comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $55.3 million, $23.3 million and $11.8 million, respectively. There were no other changes in equity that were excluded from our net loss for all periods. Recent Accounting Pronouncements There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 that we believe are of significance, or potential significance, to us.

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates were made relating to useful lives of fixed assets, valuation allowances, impairment of assets, accruals for research and development expenses and stock-based compensation expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Certain amounts previously reported in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not affect net loss, stockholders’ equity or cash flows.

We have evaluated subsequent events through the date the audited financial statements were issued (See Note 15).

Liquidity

We have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations and have an accumulated deficit of $238.9 million as of December 31, 2013. In November 2013, we closed a common stock offering whereby we received approximately $57.8 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs. During 2011 and 2012, we entered into three financing agreements, which provided us capital to fund operations. In April 2011, we entered into definitive agreements for a convertible note financing of up to $4.5 million. We received approximately $1.3 million, net of issuance costs, from the initial closing and an additional $3.0 million through the issuance of additional convertible notes in May 2012 as a result of the purchasers who participated in the April 2011 convertible note financing fully exercising their rights to purchase additional convertible notes (see Note 6). In June 2011, we entered into definitive agreements for a private placement of units, which were comprised of common stock and warrants (see Note 8). The unit financing, which closed in July 2011, provided us with approximately $22.8 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs. In July 2012, we closed a common stock financing whereby we received approximately $50.5 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs (see Note 8). As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $72.3 million.

We believe that our current working capital is sufficient to fund essential operations into 2015; provided, however, that if we pursue additional clinical studies or commercially launch Sustol prior to 2015, we will need to raise additional capital. We may require additional capital to fund our development pipeline programs. If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing on acceptable terms or otherwise, we may be required to reduce or defer our activities.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity from the date of purchase of less than three months to be cash equivalents. We have classified all of our investments in certain debt securities as “available-for-sale.” As of December 31, 2012, our available-for-sale securities consisted of money market funds primarily containing U.S. government-backed or collateralized overnight securities with original maturities of ninety days or less. The carrying value of our money market funds is included in cash equivalents and approximates their fair value. We have no available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2013. The Company’s bank accounts have been placed under a control agreement in accordance with the April 2011 convertible note financing (see Note 6).

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: equipment and machinery, three to five years; furniture and fixtures, five years; and leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the respective lease terms or the respective useful lives of the leasehold improvements.

Long-Lived Assets

As circumstances dictate, we evaluate whether changes have occurred that would require us to consider whether long-lived assets have been impaired. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by comparing the undiscounted net cash flows of long-lived assets to their respective carrying values. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment to be recognized is measured by comparing the projected discounted cash flows using an appropriate discount rate to the asset’s carrying value.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC 505-50, Equity – Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees, which requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair-value based method, for all costs related to share-based payments including stock options, restricted stock awards and stock issued under the employee stock purchase plan. These standards require companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of the grant using an option-pricing model. See Note 8 for further discussion of our stock-based compensation plans.

Warrants Issued in Connection with Equity Financings

We generally account for warrants issued in connection with equity financings as a component of equity, unless there is a deemed possibility that we may have to settle warrants in cash.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if certain criteria are met, including whether the delivered item has stand-alone value to the customer and whether there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. The consideration we receive is allocated among the separate units based on their respective fair values, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are considered separately for each of the separate units. Management’s estimate of the selling price is considered when fair value is not determinable. Advance payments received in excess of amounts earned are classified as deferred revenue until earned.

Contract Revenue

Our licensing agreements generally provide for a non-refundable license fee. The license agreements provide for us to earn future revenue through royalty payments. These non-refundable license fees are generally initially reported as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue over an appropriate period, depending on the license. Revenue recognized from deferred license fees is classified as Contract Revenue in the accompanying statements of operations.

Contract revenue relates to research and development arrangements that generally provide for us to invoice research and development fees based on full-time equivalent hours for each project. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized as the related development services are rendered. This revenue approximates the costs incurred.

Clinical Trial Accruals

Our expenses related to clinical trials are based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on our behalf. Since the invoicing related to these services does not always coincide with our financial statement close process, we must estimate the level of services performed and fees incurred in determining the accrued clinical trial costs.

The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and vary from contract to contract, which may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the successful enrollment of patients, achievement of certain events or the completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. Expenses related to clinical trials generally are accrued based on the level of patient enrollment and services performed by the clinical research organization or related service provider according to the protocol. We monitor patient enrollment levels and related activity to the extent possible and adjust our estimates accordingly. Historically these estimates have been reasonably accurate and no material adjustments have had to be made.

Research and Development

Research and development consists of costs incurred for company-sponsored and collaborative research and development expenses. These costs consist primarily of employee salaries and other personnel-related expenses, facility-related expenses, laboratory consumables, polymer development manufacturing, clinical and pre-clinical related services performed by clinical research organizations, research institutions and other outside service providers.

Research and development expenses under collaborative agreements approximate the revenue recognized, excluding milestone and up-front payments received under such arrangements.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per share is estimated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and other dilutive securities. Dilutive securities are not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share if the inclusion of these potentially dilutive securities is anti-dilutive (see Note 9).

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents. We invest excess cash in a variety of high-grade short-term, interest-bearing securities. This diversification of risk is consistent with our policy to ensure safety of principal and maintain liquidity.

Segment and Geographic Information

Our operations are confined to a single business segment, the design and commercialization of polymer technologies for pharmaceutical and other applications.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that an entity’s change in equity or net assets during a period from transactions and other events from non-owner sources be reported. Comprehensive loss for the periods reported was comprised solely of our net loss. The comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $55.3 million, $23.3 million and $11.8 million, respectively. There were no other changes in equity that were excluded from our net loss for all periods.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 that we believe are of significance, or potential significance, to us.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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