Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001369568
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,145,633
Entity Public Float			$ 32,240,770

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,215,958	$ 1,409,939
Certificates of deposit	4,011,576	6,502,825
Short-term investments	17,483,062	7,504,444
Prepaid expenses	1,609,442	1,309,470
Total current assets	25,320,038	16,726,678
Property and equipment, net	40,628	53,679
Deposits	8,888	8,888
Total assets	25,369,554	16,789,245
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	850,789	1,365,663
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,288,820	281,002
Total current liabilities	2,139,609	1,646,665
Accrued expenses and other liabilities, non-current	19,131	21,878
Warrants liability, at fair value	1,819,562	498,587
Total liabilities	3,978,302	2,167,130
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized: none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 54,132,937 shares and 41,420,687 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	54,133	41,421
Additional paid-in capital	75,670,718	56,759,697
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	(54,333,599)	(42,179,003)
Total stockholders' equity	21,391,252	14,622,115
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 25,369,554	$ 16,789,245

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,132,937	41,420,687
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,132,937	41,420,687

Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended			144 Months Ended
Statements of Operations (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues - government grant				$ 488,958
Operating costs and expenses:
Research and development	8,096,774	2,659,597	3,383,965	36,400,079
General and administrative	2,214,884	2,561,543	2,698,174	18,882,175
Total operating costs and expenses	10,311,658	5,221,140	6,082,139	55,282,254
Loss from operations	(10,311,658)	(5,221,140)	(6,082,139)	(54,793,296)
Interest income	47,421	14,976	10,985	1,540,186
Change in fair value of warrants liability	(1,890,359)	1,129,778	(319,908)	(1,080,489)
Loss before income taxes	(12,154,596)	(4,076,386)	(6,391,062)	(54,333,599)
Provision for income taxes
Net loss	$ (12,154,596)	$ (4,076,386)	$ (6,391,062)	$ (54,333,599)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$ (0.27)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.29)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted	45,452,447	30,033,108	21,728,292

Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock Series "A" [Member]	Preferred Stock Series "B" [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage [Member]
Beginning Balance at Jan. 04, 2002	$ 100,000			$ 21,888	$ 78,112
Issuance of common stock, net	125,000			7,296	117,704
Issuance of stock options for services	75,833				75,833
Net loss	(255,945)					(255,945)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2002	44,888			29,184	271,649	(255,945)
Issuance of preferred stock, net	670,457	700			669,757
Issuance of stock options for services	75,833				75,833
Net loss	(428,615)					(428,615)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2003	362,563	700		29,184	1,017,239	(684,560)
Issuance of stock options for services	294,833				294,833
Net loss	(539,820)					(539,820)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2004	117,576	700		29,184	1,312,072	(1,224,380)
Issuance of common stock, net	1,046,516			39,545	1,006,971
Issuance of common stock and stock options for services	1,087,750			146	1,087,604
Net loss	(1,805,380)					(1,805,380)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2005	446,462	700		68,875	3,406,647	(3,029,760)
Change in par value		(630)		(61,988)	62,618
Issuance of preferred stock Series "B", net	3,225,140		8		3,225,132
Issuance of common stock (IPO), net	17,638,020			3,350	17,634,670
Conversion of preferred stock Series "A" into common stock, upon closing of IPO		(70)		1,022	(952)
Conversion of preferred stock Series "B" into common stock, upon closing of IPO			(8)	1,116	(1,108)
Issuance of common stock and stock options for services	1,266,465			142	1,266,323
Net loss	(2,729,454)					(2,729,454)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2006	19,846,633			12,517	25,593,330	(5,759,214)
Issuance of common stock and stock options for services	579,687			11	579,676
Amortization of restricted stock for services	35,930				35,930
Net loss	(4,139,493)					(4,139,493)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2007	16,322,757			12,528	26,208,936	(9,898,707)
Issuance of common stock, net	4,087,900			1,488	4,086,412
Issuance of stock options for services	583,836				583,836
Issuance of restricted stock units for services, net	130,319			44	130,275
Net loss	(10,564,597)					(10,564,597)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	10,560,215			14,060	31,009,459	(20,463,304)
Issuance of common stock, net	3,698,135			3,973	3,694,162
Issuance of stock options for services	581,286				581,286
Issuance of restricted stock units for services, net	20,152			5	20,147
Net loss	(7,241,928)					(7,241,928)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	7,617,860			18,038	35,305,054	(27,705,232)
Issuance of common stock, net	1,456,153			1,352	1,454,801
Issuance of stock options for services	450,089				450,089
Issuance of restricted stock units for services, net				5	(5)
Net loss	(4,006,323)					(4,006,323)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	5,517,779			19,395	37,209,939	(31,711,555)
Issuance of stock options for services	416,735				416,735
Issuance of common stock and warrants, net	4,217,246			5,306	4,211,940
Net loss	(6,391,062)					(6,391,062)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,760,698			24,701	41,838,614	(38,102,617)
Issuance of common stock, net	33,124			53	33,071
Issuance of stock options for services	340,039				340,039
Issuance of common stock and warrants, net	9,564,640			10,000	9,554,640
Issuance of common stock upon note conversion	5,000,000			6,667	4,993,333
Net loss	(4,076,386)					(4,076,386)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	14,622,115			41,421	56,759,697	(42,179,003)
Issuance of common stock, net	14,095,194			8,850	14,086,344
Issuance of stock options for services	175,855				175,855
Exercise of warrants for common stock	4,652,684			3,862	4,648,822
Net loss	(12,154,596)					(12,154,596)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 21,391,252			$ 54,133	$ 75,670,718	$ (54,333,599)

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended			144 Months Ended
Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (12,154,596)	$ (4,076,386)	$ (6,391,062)	$ (54,333,599)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,483	10,889	42,835	187,361
Stock-based compensation	175,855	340,039	416,735	6,138,055
Change in fair value of warrants liability	1,890,359	(1,129,778)	319,908	1,080,489
(Increase) decrease in:
Government grant receivable			134,025
Prepaid expenses and deposits	(299,972)	(1,110,354)	(31,272)	(1,618,330)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable	(514,874)	1,101,729	158,001	850,789
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,005,071	(276,505)	365,781	1,244,599
Net cash used in operating activities	(9,875,674)	(5,140,366)	(4,985,049)	(46,450,636)
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(9,432)	(52,382)	(3,620)	(164,640)
Purchase of short-term investments	(9,978,618)	(7,504,444)		(17,483,062)
Proceeds (purchase) of certificates of deposit	2,491,249	(6,502,825)		(4,011,576)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,496,801)	(14,059,651)	(3,620)	(21,659,278)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net	14,071,694	9,564,640	5,542,578	57,210,636
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net				3,895,597
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory note		5,000,000		5,000,000
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	4,083,300	16,249		4,099,549
Proceeds from exercise of options	23,500			23,500
Payment of employee withholding tax related to restricted stock units				(3,410)
Net cash provided by financing activities	18,178,494	14,580,889	5,542,578	70,225,872
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	806,019	(4,619,128)	553,909	2,115,958
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	1,409,939	6,029,067	5,475,158	100,000
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	2,215,958	1,409,939	6,029,067	2,215,958
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash incentive received from lessor				52,320
Exercise of liability classified warrants for common stock	569,384	16,875		586,259
Conversion of note to common stock		$ 5,000,000		$ 5,000,000

Organization and Description of Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Description of Business

1.	Organization and Description of Business

Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (the “Company”) is a development-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of prescription drugs targeting rare (orphan) neurological diseases and disorders, including Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) and infantile spasms. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in July 2006. It is the successor by merger to Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc., a Florida corporation, which commenced operations in January 2002.

The Company has incurred operating losses in each period from inception through December 31, 2013. The Company has been able to fund its cash needs to date through public and private offerings of its common stock and warrants and through government grants. See Note 11.

Capital Resources

On January 31, 2014, the Company filed a shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $100 million of common stock. The 2014 shelf Registration Statement has not yet been declared effective. See Note 15.

While there can be no assurance, based on available information, the Company currently believes that it has sufficient resources to support its planned operations through at least the end of 2014. The Company will require additional capital to support its planned operations in periods after the end of 2014.

The Company may raise in the future required funds through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, corporate collaborations, governmental research grants or other means. The Company may also seek to raise new capital to fund additional product development efforts, even if it has sufficient funds for its planned operations. Any sale by the Company of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in dilution to the Company’s current stockholders. There can be no assurance that any required additional funding will be available to the Company at all or available on terms acceptable to the Company. Further, to the extent that the Company raises funds through collaborative arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to the Company’s technologies or grant sublicenses on terms that are not favorable to the Company. If the Company is not able to secure additional funding when needed, the Company may have to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more research and development programs, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

2.	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY. Since inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to business planning, research and development, recruiting management and technical staff, acquiring operating assets and raising capital. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage and the Company’s financial statements are presented in that manner in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s primary focus is on the development and commercialization of its drug candidates.

USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments, purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist mainly of U.S. Treasury bills, certificates of deposit and money market funds. The Company has substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents deposited with one financial institution.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. The certificates of deposit were issued by a banking institution and are recorded at cost plus accrued interest. The original maturity was greater than three months but did not exceed one year. Interest income is recorded in the statement of operations as it is earned. Carrying value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 approximates fair value.

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. The Company invests in short-term investments in high credit-quality funds in order to obtain higher yields on its cash available for investments. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 short-term investments consisted of a short-term bond fund. Such investments are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Short-term investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were considered trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at fair value based on the closing market price of the security. For trading securities, the Company charges realized gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses to earnings. Unrealized and realized losses on trading securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were nominal.

PREPAID EXPENSES. Prepaid expenses consist primarily of prepaid research fees, prepaid insurance and prepaid subscription fees. Prepaid research fees consist of advances for the Company’s drug development activities, including drug manufacturing, contracts for pre-clinical studies, clinical trials and studies, regulatory affairs and consulting. Such advances are recorded as expense as the related goods are received or the related services are performed.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated to amortize the depreciable assets over their useful lives using the straight-line method and commences when the asset is placed in service. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the estimated life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Useful lives generally range from three years for computer equipment to three to six years for furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses as incurred.

OPERATING LEASES. The Company recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. For leases that contain rent holidays, escalation clauses or tenant improvement allowances, the Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis and records the difference between the rent expense and rental amount payable as deferred rent. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $21,877 and $22,643, respectively, of deferred rent in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, short-term investments, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities, and warrants liability. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of these instruments approximated their carrying value.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. Current Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) fair value guidance emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, current FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions that it believes market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds	$	25,693	$	25,693	$	—	$	—

Certificates of deposit	$	4,011,576	$	—	$	4,011,576	$	—

Short-term investments	$	17,483,062	$	17,483,062	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	1,819,562	$	—	$	—	$	1,819,562


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Certificates of deposit	$	6,502,825	$	—	$	6,502,825	$	—

Short-term investments	$	7,504,444	$	7,504,444	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	498,587	$	—	$	—	$	498,587

WARRANTS LIABILITY. In October 2011, the Company issued 1,523,370 warrants (the 2011 warrants) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with a registered direct offering under the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement. The Company accounted for these warrants as a liability measured at fair value due to a provision included in the warrants agreement that provides the warrants holders with an option to require the Company (or its successor) to purchase their warrants for cash in an amount equal to their Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (the Black-Scholes Model) value, in the event that certain fundamental transactions, as defined, occur. The fair value of the warrants liability is estimated using the Black-Scholes Model which requires inputs such as the expected term of the warrants, share price volatility and risk-free interest rate. These assumptions are reviewed on a quarterly basis and changes in the estimated fair value of the outstanding warrants are recognized each reporting period in the “Change in fair value of warrants liability” line in the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2013, 1,254,870 of the 2011 warrants remained outstanding.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities are expensed as incurred. These costs consist of direct and indirect costs associated with specific projects as well as fees paid to various entities that perform research related services for the Company.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. The Company recognizes expense in the statement of operations for the fair value of all stock-based payments to employees, directors and consultants, including grants of stock options and other share-based awards. For stock options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model, the single-option award approach and straight-line attribution method. Using this approach, compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of each respective stock option, generally three to five years. The Company estimates forfeitures and adjusts this estimate periodically based on actual forfeitures.

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
Research and development	$	84,728	$	100,221	$	111,283
General and administrative		91,127		239,818		305,452

Total stock-based compensation	$	175,855	$	340,039	$	416,735

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK. The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are cash equivalents (i.e. money market funds), short-term investments and certificates of deposit. The Company places its cash equivalents with high-credit quality financial institutions. These amounts at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in these accounts.

INCOME TAXES. The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The Company is not subject to U.S. federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010. If the Company were to subsequently record an unrecognized tax benefit, associated penalties and tax related interest expense would be reported as a component of income tax expense.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS). U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that all components of comprehensive income (loss) be reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income (loss) is net income (loss), plus certain other items that are recorded directly into stockholders’ equity. The Company has reported comprehensive income (loss) in the statement of stockholders’ equity as net income (loss).

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE. Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as convertible preferred stock, stock options and restricted stock units. For all periods presented, all common stock equivalents were excluded because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The potential shares, which are excluded from the determination of basic and diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive, are as follows, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:


	2013		2012		2011
Options to purchase common stock		3,428,906		3,650,535		3,723,108
Warrants to purchase common stock		4,848,620		8,710,870		1,523,370

Potential equivalent common stock excluded		8,277,526		12,361,405		5,246,478

Potentially dilutive options to purchase common stock as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 have exercise prices ranging from $0.47 to $6.00. Potentially dilutive warrants to purchase common stock as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 have exercise prices ranging from $1.04 to $2.08.

SEGMENT INFORMATION. Management has determined that the Company operates in one reportable segment, which is the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.

RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain prior year amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. There are no recent accounting pronouncements which the Company anticipates will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Text Block [Abstract]

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value

3.	Warrants Liability, at Fair Value

2011 Warrants

The Company allocated approximately $1.3 million of proceeds from its October 2011 registered direct offering to the fair value of common stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the offering that are classified as a liability (the 2011 warrants). The 2011 warrants are classified as a liability because of provisions in such warrants that allow for the net cash settlement of such warrants in the event of certain fundamental transactions (as defined in the warrant agreement). The valuation of the 2011 warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes Model. This model uses inputs such as the underlying price of the shares issued when the warrant is exercised, volatility, risk free interest rate and expected life of the instrument. The Company has determined that the 2011 warrants liability should be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy by evaluating each input for the Black-Scholes Model against the fair value hierarchy criteria and using the lowest level of input as the basis for the fair value classification. There are six inputs: closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day of evaluation; the exercise price of the warrants; the remaining term of the warrants; the volatility of the Company’s common stock; annual rate of dividends; and the risk free rate of return. Of those inputs, the exercise price of the warrants and the remaining term are readily observable in the warrants agreement. The annual rate of dividends is based on the Company’s historical practice of not granting dividends. The closing price of the Company’s common stock would fall under Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as it is a quoted price in an active market. The risk free rate of return is a Level 2 input, while the historical volatility is a Level 3 input in accordance with the fair value accounting guidance. Since the lowest level input is a Level 3, the Company determined the 2011 warrants liability is most appropriately classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This liability is subject to fair value mark-to-market adjustment each reporting period. The calculated value of the 2011 warrants liability was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:


	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Risk free interest rate		0.94	%		0.60	%
Expected term		3.34 years			4.34 years
Expected volatility		108	%		136	%
Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
Expected forfeiture rate		0	%		0	%

The following table rolls forward the fair value of the Company’s warrants liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:


	2013			2012			2011
Fair value, beginning of period	$	498,587		$	1,645,240		$	—
Issuance of warrants		—			—			1,325,332
Exercise of warrants		(569,384	)		(16,875	)		—
Change in fair value		1,890,359			(1,129,778	)		319,908

Fair value, end of period	$	1,819,562		$	498,587		$	1,645,240

During 2013, 256,000 of the 2011 warrants were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $332,800. During 2012, 12,500 of the 2011 warrants were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $16,249. The Company recognizes the change in the fair value of the warrants liability as a non-operating income or loss in the accompanying statements of operations. See Note 15.

Prepaid Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Prepaid Expenses

4.	Prepaid Expenses

Prepaid expenses consist of the following as of December 31:


	2013		2012
Prepaid research fees	$	1,334,149	$	1,138,185
Prepaid insurance		219,651		143,520
Prepaid subscriptions fees		24,643		12,369
Prepaid rent		7,848		683
Other		23,151		14,713

Total prepaid expenses	$	1,609,442	$	1,309,470

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

5.	Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31:


	2013			2012
Computer equipment	$	81,551		$	74,191
Furniture and equipment		51,523			49,451

		133,074			123,642
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(92,446	)		(69,963	)

Total property and equipment, net	$	40,628		$	53,679

Depreciation expense was $22,483, $10,889 and $42,835, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, accounting policies and methodology, roll forwards, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, including composite depreciation, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, useful lives and method used, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

6.	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:


	2013		2012
Accrued pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses	$	1,083,749	$	197,572
Accrued professional fees		117,240		51,050
Accrued compensation and benefits		14,539		5,949
Accrued license fees		65,000		15,000
Deferred rent		2,746		765
Other		5,546		10,666

Current accrued expenses and other liabilities		1,288,820		281,002
Deferred rent—non-current		19,131		21,878

Non-current accrued expenses and other liabilities		19,131		21,878

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	1,307,951	$	302,880

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

7.	Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has contracted with drug manufacturers and other vendors, including the clinical research organization (CRO) overseeing the clinical trial of one of the Company’s drug candidates, to assist in the execution of the Company’s pre-clinical and clinical trials, analysis, and the preparation of material necessary for the future filings of new drug applications (NDA’s) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The contracts are cancelable at any time, but obligate the Company to reimburse the providers for any time or costs incurred through the date of termination.

The Company has executed a noncancellable operating lease agreement for its corporate office. The lease has free and escalating rent payment provisions. The Company recognizes rent expense under such lease on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under the operating lease agreement are as follows:


2014	$	68,534
2015		70,576
2016		72,678
2017		67,828

	$	279,616

During June 2011, in connection with the renewal of the corporate office lease, the Company entered into the first amendment to the lease. The amendment extends the original lease term for five years and relocates the Company into another space within the same building. The corporate office lease is cancellable upon the payment of an early termination penalty during 2015. The relocation occurred in November 2011. The lease provides for fixed increases in minimum annual rent payments, as well as rent free periods. The total amount of rental payments due over the lease term is being charged to rent expense on the straight-line method over the term of the lease. The differences between rent expense recorded and the amount paid is credited or charged to accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Rent expense was $69,930, $65,310 and $61,653, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company’s leases expire on various dates through November 2017. Subsequent to year end, during February 2014, the Company entered into the second amendment of the lease for an additional contiguous space under substantially the same terms.

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

In October 2013 and November 2013, three securities class action lawsuits were filed against the Company and certain of its executive officers and directors seeking unspecified damages in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the Court). The complaints, which were substantially identical, purported to state a claim for violation of federal securities laws on behalf of a class of those who purchased the Company’s common stock between October 31, 2012 and October 18, 2013. Two of the cases were voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs and the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the third case on January 3, 2014. However, the Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint within 20 days.

On January 23, 2014, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against the Company and one of its executive officers seeking unspecified damages. The amended complaint purports to state a claim for alleged misrepresentations regarding the development of Firdapse™ on behalf of a class of those who purchased the Company’s common stock between August 27, 2013 and October 18, 2013. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which has not yet been ruled upon by the Court. The Company believes that the amended lawsuit, which is at a very early stage, is without merit, and the Company intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit. While there can be no assurance, the Company does not expect this lawsuit to have a material adverse effect on the Company, and no amounts have been accrued with respect to this potential contingent liability in the accompanying December 31, 2013 balance sheet.

Obligations under capital leases are not significant.

For commitments related to the Company’s license agreements with BioMarin (defined below), Brookhaven (defined below), and Northwestern (defined below), see Note 8.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References+ Details

Agreements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Text Block [Abstract]

Agreements

8.	Agreements

LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH BROOKHAVEN. The Company had a license agreement with Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC, as operator of Brookhaven National Laboratory under contract with the United States Department of Energy (“Brookhaven”), whereby the Company has obtained an exclusive license for several patents and patent applications in the U.S. and outside the U.S. relating to the use of vigabatrin as a treatment for cocaine and other addictions and obsessive-compulsive disorders. This license agreement ran concurrently with the term of the last to expire of the licensed patents, the last of which currently expires in 2023. The Company paid a fee to obtain the license in the amount of $50,000. Under the license agreement, the Company agreed to pay Brookhaven certain milestones and to reimburse them for certain patent related expenses.

On November 8, 2013, effective October 1, 2013, the Company and Brookhaven entered into a termination agreement cancelling the license agreement. As part of that agreement, the Company and Brookhaven entered into mutual releases, including a release from any further obligation for the Company to reimburse Brookhaven for any of Brookhaven’s patent related expenses.

LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. On August 27, 2009, the Company entered into a license agreement with Northwestern University (Northwestern), under which it acquired worldwide rights to commercialize new GABA aminotransferase inhibitors and derivatives of vigabatrin that have been discovered by Northwestern. Under the terms of the license agreement, Northwestern granted the Company an exclusive worldwide license to certain composition of matter patents related to the new class of inhibitors and a patent application relating to derivatives of vigabatrin. The Company has identified and designated the lead compound under this license as CPP-115.

Under the license agreement with Northwestern, the Company will be responsible for continued research and development of any resulting product candidates. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had paid Northwestern $246,590 in connection with the license and had accrued license fees of $65,000 and $15,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in the accompanying balance sheets for expenses, maintenance fees and milestones. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay certain milestone payments in future years relating to clinical development activities with respect to CPP-115, and royalties on any products resulting from the license agreement. The next milestone payment of $150,000 is due on the earlier of successful completion of the first Phase 2 clinical trial for CPP-115 or August 27, 2015.

LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK UNIVERSITY AND THE FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH. On December 13, 2011, the Company entered into a license agreement with New York University (NYU) and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (FIMR) under which it acquired worldwide rights to commercialize GABA aminotransferase inhibitors in the treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome. The Company is obligated to pay certain milestone payments in future years relating to clinical development activities and royalties on any products resulting from the license agreement.

LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH BIOMARIN. On October 26, 2012, the Company entered into a strategic collaboration with BioMarin for Firdapse™. The key components of the collaboration include: (i) the Company licensed the exclusive North American rights to Firdapse™ pursuant to a License Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2012 (the License Agreement) between the Company and BioMarin, and (ii) BioMarin made a $5,000,000 investment in the Company pursuant to the terms of a Convertible Promissory Note and Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2012 (the Investment Agreement). The Investment Agreement provides that the Company will use the $5 million solely for the purpose of developing Firdapse™.

Initially, the $5,000,000 investment from BioMarin was treated as a loan to the Company. However, on December 10, 2012, the loan automatically converted, at a conversion rate of $0.75 per share, into 6,666,667 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock.

As part of the License Agreement, the Company has taken over a Phase 3 clinical trial previously being conducted by BioMarin and is obligated to use its diligent efforts to seek to obtain regulatory approval for and to commercialize Firdapse™ in the United States. The Company is obligated to use diligent efforts to complete the double-blind treatment phase of the Phase 3 trial within 24 months of entering into the License Agreement, and BioMarin has the right to terminate the License Agreement if such treatment phase has not been completed in such 24-month period (unless the Company is using diligent effort to pursue the completion of such treatment phase and has spent at least $5 million in connection with the conduct of the Phase 3 clinical trial during such 24 month period). As of December 31, 2013, the Company had disbursed approximately $4.1 million in connection with expenses related to the Phase 3 trial, and the Company anticipates that the remaining $0.9 million will be expended during 2014.

As part of the License Agreement, the Company has agreed to (i) pay BioMarin certain royalty payments based on net sales in North America; (ii) to pay to a third-party licensor of the rights sublicensed certain royalty payments based on net sales in North America, and (iii) to pay certain milestone payments that BioMarin is obligated to make (approximately $2.6 million of which will be due upon acceptance by the FDA of a filing of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS, and approximately $7.2 million of which will be due on the unconditional approval by the FDA of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS). The Company has also agreed to share in the cost of certain post-marketing studies that are being conducted by BioMarin.

AGREEMENTS WITH CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS, CONTRACT RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS AND FOR LABORATORIES AND OTHER RELATED TRIAL TESTS. The Company has entered into agreements with contract manufacturers for the manufacture of drug and study placebo for the Company’s trials and studies; with contract research organizations (CROs) to conduct and monitor the Company’s trials and studies; and with various entities for laboratories and other testing related to the Company’s trials and studies. The contractual terms of the agreements vary, but most require certain advances as well as payments based on the achievement of milestones. Further, these agreements are cancellable at any time, but obligate the Company to reimburse the providers for any time or costs incurred through the date of termination.

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Related Party Transactions

9.	Related Party Transactions

The Company has entered into consulting agreements with one of the Company’s officers and members of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company paid approximately $10,000, $42,000 and $93,000, respectively, in consulting fees to related parties.

The Company has an employment agreement with Patrick J. McEnany, its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Under this agreement, Mr. McEnany will receive an annual base salary of approximately $425,000 in 2014, and may earn bonus compensation based on performance. This agreement expires in November 2016.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

10.

Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had deferred tax assets of approximately $19,387,000 and $15,591,000, respectively, of which approximately $17,685,000 and $13,956,000 represent United States federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and start-up costs. The remaining temporary differences represent non-deductible stock option and equity expense. The related deferred tax asset has a 100% valuation allowance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, as the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The change in valuation allowance was approximately $3,796,000, $2,151,000 and $2,012,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There are no other significant temporary differences. The net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $30,675,000 as of December 31, 2013 will expire at various dates beginning in 2024 and ending in 2033. If an ownership change, as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, occurs, the use of these carry-forwards may be subject to limitation. The effective tax rate of 0% in all periods presented differs from the statutory rate of 35% due to the valuation allowance and because the Company had no taxable income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References+ Details

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

11.

Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

The Company has 5,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share at December 31, 2013 and 2012. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Common Stock

The Company has 100,000,000 shares of authorized common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 54,132,937 and 41,420,687 shares, respectively, of common stock were issued and outstanding. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote of each share of common stock held of record on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.

2010 Shelf Registration Statement

On December 3, 2010, the Company filed a shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $30 million of common stock and common stock purchase warrants. This registration statement (file No. 333-170945) was declared effective by the SEC on December 15, 2010. The Company has to date conducted the following sales of its securities under the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement:

(a)

On March 8, 2011, the Company filed a prospectus supplement and offered for sale to institutional investors 2,259,943 shares of its common stock at a price of $1.12 per share and received gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million, before underwriting commission and incurred expenses of approximately $300,000.

(b)

On October 28, 2011, the Company filed a prospectus supplement and offered for sale to institutional investors 3,046,740 shares of its common stock together with common stock purchase warrants to purchase 1,523,370 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.15 per share and corresponding warrant and received gross proceeds of approximately $3.5 million, before underwriting commission and other expenses totaling approximately $335,000. The warrants issued in this offering, which expire on April 28, 2017 and have an exercise price of $1.30 per share, have been accounted for as a liability. See Note 3.

(c)

On August 28, 2012, the Company filed a prospectus supplement and offered for sale to institutional investors 4,000,000 shares of its common stock together with common stock purchase warrants to purchase 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.50 per share and corresponding warrant and received gross proceeds of approximately $6.0 million, before underwriting commission and other expenses totaling approximately $440,000. These warrants, which will expire on August 28, 2017 and have an exercise price of $2.08 per share, have been accounted for as equity instruments, since they do not contain features (such as cash settlement or anti-dilution features) that would preclude the Company from accounting for these warrants as equity.

(d)

On September 5, 2013, the Company filed a prospectus supplement and offered for sale to institutional investors 8,800,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $1.72 per share and received gross proceeds of approximately $15.1 million before underwriting commissions and incurred expenses of approximately $1,064,000.

The Company has no further availability under the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement.

2012 Form S-1 Registration Statement

On May 24, 2012, the Company sold 6,000,000 shares of its common stock together with common stock purchase warrants to purchase 6,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a price of $0.80 per share and corresponding warrant. These securities were issued pursuant to a Form S-1 registration statement that became effective on May 23, 2012 (file no. 333-180617). The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $4.8 million from this offering, before underwriting commission and other expenses totaling approximately $795,000. The May 2012 warrants, which expire five years from their date of issuance and have an exercise price of $1.04 per share, have been accounted for as equity instruments, since they do not contain features (such as net cash settlement or anti-dilution features) that would preclude the Company from accounting for these warrants as equity.

BioMarin convertible promissory note automatic conversion into common stock shares

On October 26, 2012, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement with BioMarin, pursuant to which the Company issued BioMarin a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5 million. (See Note 8). The $5 million note automatically converted into 6,666,667 shares of the Company’s common stock (at a price of $0.75 per share) on December 10, 2012.

Nasdaq Listing

The Company’s common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market. On December 24, 2012, the Company received a staff deficiency letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Nasdaq Listing Rules (the “Rules”) require listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share and, based on the then closing bid prices for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company no longer met that requirement. Under the Rules, the Company had a grace period of 180 days, or until June 24, 2013, to regain compliance. On June 25, 2013, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of the Nasdaq indicating that the Company had been granted an additional 180-day grace period (until December 23, 2013) to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. On August 1, 2013, the Company received notice from the Nasdaq confirming that as a result of the Company’s common stock closing with a bid price of at least $1.00 for at least ten consecutive trading days, the Company had regained compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Stockholder Rights Plan

On September 20, 2011, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s adoption of a Stockholder Rights Plan. Under the Plan, a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a Right) was declared for each share of common stock of the Company that was outstanding on October 7, 2011. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $7.80, subject to adjustment.

The Rights will trade automatically with the common stock and will not be exercisable until a person or group has become an “acquiring person” by acquiring 17.5% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or a person or group commences, or publicly announces a tender offer that will result in such a person or group owning 17.5% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Upon announcement that any person or group has become an acquiring person, each Right will entitle all rightholders (other than the acquiring person) to purchase, for the exercise price of $7.80, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock having a market value equal to twice the exercise price. Rightholders would also be entitled to purchase common stock of the acquiring person having a value of twice the exercise price if, after a person had become an acquiring person, the Company were to enter into certain mergers or other transactions. If any person becomes an acquiring person, the Board of Directors may, at its option and subject to certain limitations, exchange one share of common stock for each Right.

The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects, in that they would cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire a significant interest in the Company on terms not approved by the Board of Directors. In the event that the Board of Directors determines a transaction to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, the Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $0.001 per share at any time prior to a person or group becoming an acquiring person. The Rights will expire on September 20, 2016, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

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+ Details

Stock Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock Compensation Plans

12.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company issues options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units (collectively, the “Awards”) to employees, directors, consultants and scientific advisors of the Company under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) (see Note 2). Prior to July 2006, the Company granted options pursuant to written agreements to purchase an aggregate of 2,352,254 shares of common stock. Under the Plan, 3,688,828 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance. At December 31, 2013, 217,604 of these shares remained available for future issuance under the Plan.

Stock Options

The Company has granted stock options to employees, officers, directors, scientific advisors and consultants generally at exercise prices equal to the market price of the common stock at grant date. Share awards generally vest over a period of 2 to 4 years of continuous service and have contractual terms from 5 to 10 years. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control. The Company issues new shares as shares are required to be delivered upon exercise of outstanding stock options.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised with proceeds of $23,500. During the year ended December 31, 2012, options to purchase 195,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised on a “cashless” basis, resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 40,100 shares of the Company’s common stock.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaling $175,855, $340,039 and $416,735, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 115,000 shares, 975,000 shares and 625,000 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock to certain of the Company’s officers, employees, directors and consultants.

Stock option activity under the Company’s written stock option agreements and the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 is summarized as follows:


	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of year		3,650,535		$	0.89
Granted		115,000			0.60
Exercised		(50,000	)		0.47
Forfeited or cancelled		(170,333	)		1.20
Expired		(116,296	)		3.04

Outstanding at end of year		3,428,906		$	0.80		2.26	$	3,999,388

Exercisable at end of year		3,088,905		$	0.83		2.06	$	3,511,386

Other information pertaining to stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
Weighted–average fair value of granted stock options	$	0.48	$	0.32	$	0.79
Total fair value of vested stock options	$	166,633	$	348,815	$	438,139
Total intrinsic value of exercised stock options	$	17,975	$	45,050	$	—

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s options outstanding at December 31, 2013:


	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$0.47		1,000,000		3.96	$	0.47		699,999		3.95	$	0.47
$0.69		729,610		1.17	$	0.69		729,610		1.17	$	0.69
$0.85- $0.90		805,000		0.98	$	0.90		765,000		0.80	$	0.90
$1.07- $1.09		860,000		2.48	$	1.08		860,000		2.48	$	1.08
$2.55		27,000		0.05	$	2.55		27,000		0.05	$	2.55
$6.00		7,296		0.67	$	6.00		7,296		0.67	$	6.00

		3,428,906		2.26	$	0.80		3,088,905		2.06	$	0.83

As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $111,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.45 years.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant. This model derives the fair value of stock options based on certain assumptions related to the expected stock price volatility, expected option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Expected volatility is based on reviews of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The estimated expected option life is based upon estimated employee exercise patterns and considers whether and the extent to which the options are in-the-money. The Company estimates the expected option life for options granted to employees and directors based upon the simplified method. Under this method, the expected life is presumed to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. The Company will continue to use the simplified method until it has sufficient historical exercise data to estimate the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve appropriate for the estimated life of the stock options awards. The expected dividend rate is zero. Stock–based compensation expense also includes an estimate, which the Company makes at grant date, of the number of awards that are expected to be forfeited. The Company revises this estimate in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Assumptions used during the years were as follows:


	Year ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Risk free interest rate		0.45% to 0.53	%		0.28% to 0.66	%		0.29% to 1.55	%
Expected term		3 years			3 to 5 years			3 to 5 years
Expected volatility		137	%		120	%		130	%
Expected dividend yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
Expected forfeiture rate		—	%		—	%		—	%

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References+ Details

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

14.

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

The following table presents unaudited supplemental quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:


	Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2013			June 30, 2013			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2013
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Loss from operations		(1,705,430	)		(2,653,529	)		(3,245,776	)		(2,706,923	)
Change in fair value of warrants liability		(45,326	)		(498,587	)		(2,676,601	)		1,330,155
Net loss		(1,744,289	)		(3,143,590	)		(5,912,059	)		(1,354,658	)
Loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.03	)

	March 31, 2012			June 30, 2012			September 30, 2012			December 31, 2012
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Loss from operations		(1,364,710	)		(1,067,364	)		(1,283,713	)		(1,505,353	)
Change in fair value of warrants liability		274,207			776,919			(1,340,566	)		1,419,218
Net loss		(1,089,186	)		(289,080	)		(2,621,535	)		(76,585	)
Loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.00	)

Quarterly basic and diluted net loss per common share were computed independently for each quarter and do not necessarily total to the full year basic and diluted net loss per common share.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Event

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

15.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent to year end, on January 31, 2014, the Company filed a shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $100 million of common stock. This shelf registration statement (file No. 333-193699) has not yet been declared effective by the SEC. If this registration statement is declared effective, the Company will be able to sell up to $100 million of its common stock. However, if the Company’s public float (the market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates) falls below $75 million, the Company will also be subject to a further limitation under which the Company can sell no more than one third of the Company’s public float in any 12-month period. Further, the number of shares the Company can sell at any time may be limited to 20% of the Company’s common stock under applicable Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

Subsequent to year end, during February 2014, 12,696 of the 2011 warrants were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $16,505. In addition, on February 27, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the “Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan” (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan will not become effective until it is approved by the Company’s stockholders. The Company expects to submit the 2014 Plan to its stockholders for approval at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Development Stage Company

Use of Estimates

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Certificates of Deposit

Short-Term Investments

Prepaid Expenses

Property and Equipment

Operating Leases

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds	$	25,693	$	25,693	$	—	$	—

Certificates of deposit	$	4,011,576	$	—	$	4,011,576	$	—

Short-term investments	$	17,483,062	$	17,483,062	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	1,819,562	$	—	$	—	$	1,819,562


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Certificates of deposit	$	6,502,825	$	—	$	6,502,825	$	—

Short-term investments	$	7,504,444	$	7,504,444	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	498,587	$	—	$	—	$	498,587

Warrants Liability

Research and Development

Stock-Based Compensation

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
Research and development	$	84,728	$	100,221	$	111,283
General and administrative		91,127		239,818		305,452

Total stock-based compensation	$	175,855	$	340,039	$	416,735

Concentration of Credit Risk

Income Taxes

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Net Income (Loss) Per Share


	2013		2012		2011
Options to purchase common stock		3,428,906		3,650,535		3,723,108
Warrants to purchase common stock		4,848,620		8,710,870		1,523,370

Potential equivalent common stock excluded		8,277,526		12,361,405		5,246,478

Segment Information

r.	SEGMENT INFORMATION. Management has determined that the Company operates in one reportable segment, which is the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.

Reclassifications

s.	RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain prior year amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

t.	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. There are no recent accounting pronouncements which the Company anticipates will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement Specific to Assets or Liability

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds	$	25,693	$	25,693	$	—	$	—

Certificates of deposit	$	4,011,576	$	—	$	4,011,576	$	—

Short-term investments	$	17,483,062	$	17,483,062	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	1,819,562	$	—	$	—	$	1,819,562


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balances as of December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Certificates of deposit	$	6,502,825	$	—	$	6,502,825	$	—

Short-term investments	$	7,504,444	$	7,504,444	$	—	$	—

Warrants liability	$	498,587	$	—	$	—	$	498,587

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
Research and development	$	84,728	$	100,221	$	111,283
General and administrative		91,127		239,818		305,452

Total stock-based compensation	$	175,855	$	340,039	$	416,735

Potential Shares Excluded from Determination of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share

The potential shares, which are excluded from the determination of basic and diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive, are as follows, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:


	2013		2012		2011
Options to purchase common stock		3,428,906		3,650,535		3,723,108
Warrants to purchase common stock		4,848,620		8,710,870		1,523,370

Potential equivalent common stock excluded		8,277,526		12,361,405		5,246,478

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Text Block [Abstract]

Calculated Value of Warrants Liability Determined Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model

The calculated value of the 2011 warrants liability was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:


	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Risk free interest rate		0.94	%		0.60	%
Expected term		3.34 years			4.34 years
Expected volatility		108	%		136	%
Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
Expected forfeiture rate		0	%		0	%

Summary of Company's Warrants Liability Activity

The following table rolls forward the fair value of the Company’s warrants liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:


	2013			2012			2011
Fair value, beginning of period	$	498,587		$	1,645,240		$	—
Issuance of warrants		—			—			1,325,332
Exercise of warrants		(569,384	)		(16,875	)		—
Change in fair value		1,890,359			(1,129,778	)		319,908

Fair value, end of period	$	1,819,562		$	498,587		$	1,645,240

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, including financial assets and financial liabilities, and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) by class of liability.

+ References+ Details

Prepaid Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Prepaid Expenses

Prepaid expenses consist of the following as of December 31:


	2013		2012
Prepaid research fees	$	1,334,149	$	1,138,185
Prepaid insurance		219,651		143,520
Prepaid subscriptions fees		24,643		12,369
Prepaid rent		7,848		683
Other		23,151		14,713

Total prepaid expenses	$	1,609,442	$	1,309,470

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31:


	2013			2012
Computer equipment	$	81,551		$	74,191
Furniture and equipment		51,523			49,451

		133,074			123,642
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(92,446	)		(69,963	)

Total property and equipment, net	$	40,628		$	53,679

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:


	2013		2012
Accrued pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses	$	1,083,749	$	197,572
Accrued professional fees		117,240		51,050
Accrued compensation and benefits		14,539		5,949
Accrued license fees		65,000		15,000
Deferred rent		2,746		765
Other		5,546		10,666

Current accrued expenses and other liabilities		1,288,820		281,002
Deferred rent—non-current		19,131		21,878

Non-current accrued expenses and other liabilities		19,131		21,878

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	1,307,951	$	302,880

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Lease Agreement

As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under the operating lease agreement are as follows:


2014	$	68,534
2015		70,576
2016		72,678
2017		67,828

	$	279,616

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Activity under the Company's Written Stock Option Agreements and the Plan

Stock option activity under the Company’s written stock option agreements and the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 is summarized as follows:


	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of year		3,650,535		$	0.89
Granted		115,000			0.60
Exercised		(50,000	)		0.47
Forfeited or cancelled		(170,333	)		1.20
Expired		(116,296	)		3.04

Outstanding at end of year		3,428,906		$	0.80		2.26	$	3,999,388

Exercisable at end of year		3,088,905		$	0.83		2.06	$	3,511,386

Schedule of Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Activity

Other information pertaining to stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
Weighted–average fair value of granted stock options	$	0.48	$	0.32	$	0.79
Total fair value of vested stock options	$	166,633	$	348,815	$	438,139
Total intrinsic value of exercised stock options	$	17,975	$	45,050	$	—

Summary of Company's Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s options outstanding at December 31, 2013:


	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$0.47		1,000,000		3.96	$	0.47		699,999		3.95	$	0.47
$0.69		729,610		1.17	$	0.69		729,610		1.17	$	0.69
$0.85- $0.90		805,000		0.98	$	0.90		765,000		0.80	$	0.90
$1.07- $1.09		860,000		2.48	$	1.08		860,000		2.48	$	1.08
$2.55		27,000		0.05	$	2.55		27,000		0.05	$	2.55
$6.00		7,296		0.67	$	6.00		7,296		0.67	$	6.00

		3,428,906		2.26	$	0.80		3,088,905		2.06	$	0.83

Summary of Stock Options Awards Based on Certain Assumptions

Assumptions used during the years were as follows:


	Year ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Risk free interest rate		0.45% to 0.53	%		0.28% to 0.66	%		0.29% to 1.55	%
Expected term		3 years			3 to 5 years			3 to 5 years
Expected volatility		137	%		120	%		130	%
Expected dividend yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
Expected forfeiture rate		—	%		—	%		—	%

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

The following table presents unaudited supplemental quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:


	Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2013			June 30, 2013			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2013
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Loss from operations		(1,705,430	)		(2,653,529	)		(3,245,776	)		(2,706,923	)
Change in fair value of warrants liability		(45,326	)		(498,587	)		(2,676,601	)		1,330,155
Net loss		(1,744,289	)		(3,143,590	)		(5,912,059	)		(1,354,658	)
Loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.03	)

	March 31, 2012			June 30, 2012			September 30, 2012			December 31, 2012
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Loss from operations		(1,364,710	)		(1,067,364	)		(1,283,713	)		(1,505,353	)
Change in fair value of warrants liability		274,207			776,919			(1,340,566	)		1,419,218
Net loss		(1,089,186	)		(289,080	)		(2,621,535	)		(76,585	)
Loss per share—basic and diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.00	)

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013 Segment	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013 October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]	Oct. 31, 2011 October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Computer Equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Furniture and Equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Furniture and Equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Summary Of Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum maturity period of cash and cash equivalent	3 months
Maturity period of certificates of deposit							1 year					3 months
Useful life of assets						3 years				6 years	6 years				3 years	3 years
Deferred rent in accrued expenses and other liabilities	$ 21,877	$ 22,643
Number of warrants sold in offering					1,523,370
Warrants outstanding				1,254,870
Minimum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis	3 years
Maximum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis	5 years
Stock option exercise price range, Minimum	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.47
Stock option exercise price range, Maximum	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6
Potentially dilutive warrants to purchase common stock							2.08	2.08	2.08			1.04	1.04	1.04
Number of reportable segment	1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurement Specific to Assets or Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	$ 25,693
Certificates of deposit	4,011,576	6,502,825
Short-term investments	17,483,062	7,504,444
Warrants liability	1,819,562	498,587
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	25,693
Short-term investments	17,483,062	7,504,444
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	4,011,576	6,502,825
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Warrants liability	$ 1,819,562	$ 498,587

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			144 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 175,855	$ 340,039	$ 416,735	$ 6,138,055
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	84,728	100,221	111,283
General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 91,127	$ 239,818	$ 305,452

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Potential Shares Excluded from Determination of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potential equivalent common stock excluded	8,277,526	12,361,405	5,246,478
Options to Purchase Common Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potential equivalent common stock excluded	3,428,906	3,650,535	3,723,108
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potential equivalent common stock excluded	4,848,620	8,710,870	1,523,370

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References+ Details

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			144 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2011 October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] Warrant Liability [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] Warrant Liability [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] Warrant Liability [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Recognition of warrants fair value at date of issuance			$ 1,325,332		$ 1,300,000
Number of warrants exercised during the period						256,000	12,500
Proceeds from warrant exercises	$ 4,083,300	$ 16,249		$ 4,099,549		$ 332,800	$ 16,249

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value - Calculated Value of Warrants Liability Determined Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Detail) (Warrant [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Warrant [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate	0.94%	0.60%
Expected term	3 years 4 months 2 days	4 years 4 months 2 days
Expected volatility	108.00%	136.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected forfeiture rate	0.00%	0.00%

Warrants Liability, at Fair Value - Summary of Company's Warrants Liability Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, beginning of period	$ 498,587	$ 1,645,240
Issuance of warrants			1,325,332
Exercise of warrants	(569,384)	(16,875)
Change in fair value	1,890,359	(1,129,778)	319,908
Fair value, end of period	$ 1,819,562	$ 498,587	$ 1,645,240

Prepaid Expenses - Prepaid Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid research fees	$ 1,334,149	$ 1,138,185
Prepaid insurance	219,651	143,520
Prepaid subscriptions fees	24,643	12,369
Prepaid rent	7,848	683
Other	23,151	14,713
Total prepaid expenses	$ 1,609,442	$ 1,309,470

- Definition

Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for insurance that provides economic benefits within a future period of one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for rent that provides economic benefits within a future period of one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References+ Details

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 133,074	$ 123,642
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(92,446)	(69,963)
Total property and equipment, net	40,628	53,679
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	81,551	74,191
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 51,523	$ 49,451

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses	$ 1,083,749	$ 197,572
Accrued professional fees	117,240	51,050
Accrued compensation and benefits	14,539	5,949
Accrued license fees	65,000	15,000
Deferred rent	2,746	765
Other	5,546	10,666
Current accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,288,820	281,002
Deferred rent-non-current	19,131	21,878
Non-current accrued expenses and other liabilities	19,131	21,878
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities	$ 1,307,951	$ 302,880

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Lease Agreement (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2014	$ 68,534
2015	70,576
2016	72,678
2017	67,828
Total	$ 279,616

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013 Lawsuits	Oct. 30, 2013 Lawsuits	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013 Lawsuits	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Extension period of original lease term			5 years
Rent expense				$ 69,930	$ 65,310	$ 61,653
Operating leases, expiration dates				2017-11
Number of lawsuits filed	3	3
Number of lawsuits dismissed				2
Accrued contingent liability				$ 0

Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013 Northwestern License Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Northwestern License Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 License Agreement with Brookhaven [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 License Agreement with BioMarin [Member]	Dec. 10, 2012 License Agreement with BioMarin [Member]	Oct. 26, 2012 License Agreement with BioMarin [Member]
License Agreement [Line Items]
Expiry date of licensed patents					2023
License fee paid			$ 246,590		$ 50,000
Accrued license fees	65,000	15,000	65,000	15,000
Milestone payments			150,000
Date on which strategic collaboration is entered into						Oct. 26, 2012
Investment pursuant to strategic collaboration								5,000,000
Investment solely for purpose of developing Firdapse								5,000,000
Shares issued upon settlement of promissory convertible note							6,666,667
Convertible note price per share							$ 0.75
Minimum amount to be spent for Firdapse phase three trial						5,000,000
Estimated time from entering license agreement to completion of double blind treatment phase period of Firdapse phase three trial						24 months
Paid costs in connection with Firdapse Phase 3 trial						4,100,000
Minimum amount to be spent on Firdapse Phase 3 trial						900,000
Milestone payment due upon NDA acceptance						2,600,000
Milestone payment due upon NDA approval						$ 7,200,000

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Consulting fees to related parties	$ 10,000	$ 42,000	$ 93,000
Annual base salary of related party	$ 425,000
Expiration date of employment agreement with CEO	2016-11

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	$ 19,387,000	$ 15,591,000
Net operating loss carryforward and start-up costs	17,685,000	13,956,000
Valuation allowance	100.00%	100.00%
Change in valuation allowance	3,796,000	2,151,000	2,012,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 30,675,000
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration date	Beginning in 2024 and ending in 2033
Effective tax rate	0.00%
Statutory rate	35.00%

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	144 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended							0 Months Ended
	Sep. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013 Nasdaq [Member]	Sep. 20, 2011 Preferred Stock Series "A" [Member]	Dec. 10, 2012 BioMarin Convertible Promissory Note [Member]	May 24, 2012 2012 Form S-1 Registration Statement [Member] Warrant Equity [Member] May 24, 2012 Warrants [Member]	Sep. 05, 2013 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]	Mar. 08, 2011 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]	Dec. 03, 2010 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]	Oct. 31, 2011 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member] October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member]	Aug. 28, 2012 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member] Warrant Equity [Member] August 28, 2012 Warrants [Member]	Oct. 28, 2011 2010 Shelf Registration Statement [Member] Warrant Liability [Member] October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, shares authorized		100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares issued		41,420,687	54,132,937
Common stock, shares outstanding		41,420,687	54,132,937
Maximum common stock to be issued under shelf registration statement										$ 30,000,000
Number of common stock sold in offering							6,000,000	8,800,000	2,259,943			4,000,000	3,046,740
Common stock offer price per share								$ 1.72	$ 1.12
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock								15,100,000	2,500,000
Offering expense								1,064,000	300,000			440,000	335,000
Number of warrants sold (in shares)							6,000,000				1,523,370	1,200,000	1,523,370
Common stock and warrants offer price per share							$ 0.80					$ 1.50	$ 1.15
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants							4,800,000					6,000,000	3,500,000
Warrants exercise price					7.80		1.04					2.08	1.30
Class of warrant or right expiration date	Sep. 20, 2016											Aug. 28, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Underwriting commissions and other expenses							795,000
Warrant expiration period							5 years
Conversion price per share						$ 0.75
Convertible promissory note, principal amount		$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000			$ 5,000,000
Convertible promissory note shares issued upon conversion						6,666,667
Nasdaq listing minimum bid price required				$ 1.00
Number of consecutive business days for basis of bid price requirement				30 days
Nasdaq minimum price bid requirement grace period				180 days
Last date for compliance of minimum bid price requirement including grace period				Jun. 24, 2013
Nasdaq minimum price bid requirement additional grace period				180 days
Last date for compliance of minimum bid price requirement including grace period				Dec. 23, 2013
Number of consecutive business days above minimum price to regain minimum bid listing compliance				10 days
Preferred share purchase right price					$ 7.80
Minimum percentage of outstanding stock acquired by a person or group to trigger Shareholder Rights Plan					17.50%
Stockholders Rights Plan redemption price of right					$ 0.001

Stock Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			144 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	115,000
Stock option contractual term	2 years 22 days
Number of stock options exercised	50,000
Proceeds from exercise of options	$ 23,500			$ 23,500
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	175,855	340,039	416,735	6,138,055
Expected dividend rate
2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	2,352,254
Common stock shares reserved for issuance under the Plan	3,688,828			3,688,828
Common stock shares available for future issuance under the Plan	217,604			217,604
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	115,000	975,000	625,000
Number of stock options exercised	50,000	195,000
Proceeds from exercise of options	23,500
Shares issued for cashless option exercise		40,100
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	175,855	340,039	416,735
Stock option granted, contractual term	5 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the Plan	$ 111,000			$ 111,000
Expected remaining weighted average vesting period	1 year 5 months 12 days
Expected dividend rate	0.00%
Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option vesting period	2 years
Stock option contractual term	5 years
Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option vesting period	4 years
Stock option contractual term	10 years

Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity under the Company's Written Stock Option Agreements and the Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Number of options, Outstanding at beginning of year	3,650,535
Number of options, Granted	115,000
Number of options, Exercised	(50,000)
Number of options, Forfeited or cancelled	(170,333)
Number of options, Expired	(116,296)
Number of options, Outstanding at end of year	3,428,906
Number of options, Exercisable at end of year	3,088,905
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of year	$ 0.89
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$ 0.60
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$ 0.47
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or cancelled	$ 1.20
Weighted average exercise price, Expired	$ 3.04
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of year	$ 0.80
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at end of year	$ 0.83
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding at end of year	2 years 3 months 4 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable at end of year	2 years 22 days
Aggregate Intrinsic value, Outstanding at end of year	$ 3,999,388
Aggregate Intrinsic value, Exercisable at end of year	$ 3,511,386

Stock Compensation Plans - Schedule of Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Weighted average fair value of granted stock options	$ 0.48	$ 0.32	$ 0.79
Total fair value of vested stock options	$ 166,633	$ 348,815	$ 438,139
Total intrinsic value of exercised stock options	$ 17,975	$ 45,050

Stock Compensation Plan - Summary of Company's Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Lower Range	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.47
Range of Exercise Prices Upper Range	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	3,428,906
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 3 months 4 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 0.80
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	3,088,905
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	2 years 22 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 0.83
$0.47 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 0.47
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	1,000,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	3 years 11 months 16 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 0.47
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	699,999
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	3 years 11 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 0.47
$0.69 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 0.69
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	729,610
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	1 year 2 months 1 day
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 0.69
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	729,610
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	1 year 2 months 1 day
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 0.69
$0.85 - $0.90 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Lower Range	$ 0.85
Range of Exercise Prices Upper Range	$ 0.90
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	805,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	11 months 23 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 0.90
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	765,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 0.90
$1.07 - $1.09 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Lower Range	$ 1.07
Range of Exercise Prices Upper Range	$ 1.09
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	860,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 5 months 23 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 1.08
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	860,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	2 years 5 months 23 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 1.08
$2.55 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 2.55
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	27,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 2.55
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	27,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 2.55
$6.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 6.00
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding	7,296
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Outstanding	8 months 1 day
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 6.00
Number Exercisable Options Exercisable	7,296
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Options Exercisable	8 months 1 day
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 6.00

Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Options Awards Based on Certain Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	0.45%	0.28%	0.29%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum	0.53%	0.66%	1.55%
Expected term	3 years
Expected volatility	137.00%	120.00%	130.00%
Expected dividend yield
Expected forfeiture rate
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term		3 years	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term		5 years	5 years

Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employees contribution of pre-tax annual compensation	15.00%
Discretionary matching contributions of employee contributions of an employee's gross salary	4.00%
Contributions	$ 30,000	$ 28,000	$ 34,000

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended												144 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2004	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2002	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues																					$ 488,958
Loss from operations	(2,706,923)	(3,245,776)	(2,653,529)	(1,705,430)	(1,505,353)	(1,283,713)	(1,067,364)	(1,364,710)	(10,311,658)	(5,221,140)	(6,082,139)										(54,793,296)
Change in fair value of warrants liability	1,330,155	(2,676,601)	(498,587)	(45,326)	1,419,218	(1,340,566)	776,919	274,207	1,890,359	(1,129,778)	319,908										1,080,489
Net loss	$ (1,354,658)	$ (5,912,059)	$ (3,143,590)	$ (1,744,289)	$ (76,585)	$ (2,621,535)	$ (289,080)	$ (1,089,186)	$ (12,154,596)	$ (4,076,386)	$ (6,391,062)	$ (4,006,323)	$ (7,241,928)	$ (10,564,597)	$ (4,139,493)	$ (2,729,454)	$ (1,805,380)	$ (539,820)	$ (428,615)	$ (255,945)	$ (54,333,599)
Loss per share-basic and diluted	$ (0.03)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.00	$ (0.08)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.29)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 20

-Article 9

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358780&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

-Article 5

+ Details

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		144 Months Ended		2 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member]	Jan. 31, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member] 2014 Shelf Registration Statement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum common stock to be issued under shelf registration statement						$ 100,000,000
Minimum required public float				32,240,770		75,000,000
Maximum percentage of company float allowed to sell under registration statement						33.00%
Maximum percentage of outstanding shares that company can sell under shelf registration statement						20.00%
Issuance of common stock for warrant exercises					12,696
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants	$ 4,083,300	$ 16,249	$ 4,099,549		$ 16,505

Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail) (2014 Shelf Registration Statement [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
2014 Shelf Registration Statement [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Organization And Description Of Business [Line Items]
Maximum common stock to be issued under shelf registration statement	$ 100