View Filing Data

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015	Aug. 07, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001425205
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,191,900
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015

Condensed Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,556,290	$ 44,909,147
Money market funds	7,476,855
Short-term investments available for sale	92,302,982
Prepaid expenses and deposits	378,409	66,134
Total Current Assets	112,714,536	44,975,281
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $529,866 and $104,223	2,025,056	1,531,566
Total Assets	114,739,592	46,506,847
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,156,922	1,248,413
Accrued expenses	623,774	327,847
Accrued payable to officers and former directors	85,500	85,500
Total Current Liabilities	1,866,196	1,661,760
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 3,694 shares and 5,694 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	4	6
Common stock, $0.000041666 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized, 47,140,195 and 33,750,188 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,964	1,407
Common stock to be issued, 303,125 shares	245,153	245,153
Accumulated other comprehensive income	21,704
Additional paid-in capital	200,832,015	121,160,415
Accumulated deficit	(88,227,444)	(76,561,894)
Total Stockholders' Equity	112,873,396	44,845,087
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 114,739,592	$ 46,506,847

Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 529,866	$ 104,223
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,694	5,694
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	3,694	5,694
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.000041666	$ 0.000041666
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	47,140,195	33,750,188
Common stock, shares outstanding	47,140,195	33,750,188
Common stock to be issued shares	303,125	303,125

Condensed Statements of Operations - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2014

Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]

Revenues

Costs and expenses

Operating expenses

^[1]

2,384,537

1,616,175

4,897,154

3,154,233

Research and development

^[2]

4,055,688

493,994

6,841,131

1,215,450

Total costs and expenses

6,440,225

2,110,169

11,738,285

4,369,683

Loss from operations

(6,440,225)

(2,110,169)

(11,738,285)

(4,369,683)

Other income (expense)

Interest income

72,735

Net Loss

$ (6,367,490)

$ (2,110,169)

$ (11,665,550)

$ (4,369,683)

Net Loss Per Share, Basic and Diluted

$ (0.14)

$ (0.09)

$ (0.28)

$ (0.19)

Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted

45,082,176

24,137,782

41,413,501

22,502,761

[1]	Includes $1,114,224, $460,884, $1,805,272, and $1,229,767, respectively, in stock-based compensation costs
[2]	Includes $809,486, $418,794, $1,583,895, and $551,561, respectively, in stock-based compensation costs

Condensed Statements of Stockholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock To Be Issued [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Comprehensive Income [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 44,845,087	$ 6	$ 1,407	$ 245,153	$ 121,160,415		$ (76,561,894)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		5,694	33,750,188
Fair value of vested stock options	2,301,297				2,301,297
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants	7,975,150		$ 132		7,975,018
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants (in shares)			3,190,007
Common stock issued upon conversion of preferred shares		$ (2)	$ 42		(40)
Common stock issued upon conversion of preferred shares (in shares)		(2,000)	1,000,000
Common stock sold in public offering, net of offering costs	68,307,838		$ 383		68,307,455
Common stock sold in public offering, net of offering costs (in shares)			9,200,000
Vesting of restricted shares issued for services	1,087,870				1,087,870
Unrealized gain on short-term investments	21,704					21,704
Net loss	(11,665,550)						(11,665,550)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 112,873,396	$ 4	$ 1,964	$ 245,153	$ 200,832,015	$ 21,704	$ (88,227,444)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2015		3,694	47,140,195

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (11,665,550)	$ (4,369,683)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	425,643	17,728
Fair value of vested stock options	2,301,297	1,340,601
Vesting of restricted shares issued for services	1,087,870	440,754
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and deposits	(312,275)	94,506
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	204,436	(1,113,460)
Net cash used in operating activities	(7,958,579)	(3,589,554)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Increase in money market funds	(7,476,855)
Purchase of short-term investments	(96,281,278)
Maturities of short-term investments	4,000,000
Purchases of property and equipment	(919,133)	(5,742)
Net cash used in investing activities	(100,677,266)	(5,742)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants	7,975,150	2,363,480
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net	68,307,838
Net cash provided by financing activities	76,282,988	2,363,480
Net Decrease In Cash And Cash Equivalents	(32,352,857)	(1,231,816)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	44,909,147	19,672,177
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	12,556,290	18,440,361
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Common stock issued upon conversion of preferred stock	$ 42

GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	6 Months Ended
GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	Jun. 30, 2015
GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS [Abstract]
GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	NOTE 1. GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cancer immunotherapy products designed to harness the power of a patient's own immune system to eradicate cancer cells. Our lead program is an adoptive cell therapy utilizing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), which are T cells derived from patients' tumors, for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The TIL are then activated and expanded ex vivo and then infused back into the patient to fight their tumor cells. The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on September 17, 2007. Until March 2010, we were an inactive company known as Freight Management Corp. On March 15, 2010, we changed our name to Genesis Biopharma, Inc., and in 2011 we commenced our current business. *Basis of Presentation of Unaudited Condensed Financial Information* The unaudited condensed financial statements of the Company for the six month ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Regulation S-K. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. However, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations. Results shown for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for a full fiscal year. The balance sheet information as of December 31, 2014 was derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 16, 2015. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with that report. *Liquidity* We are currently engaged in the development of therapeutics to fight cancer, we do not have any commercial products and have not yet generated any revenues from our biopharmaceutical business. We currently do not anticipate that we will generate any revenues during 2015 from the sale or licensing of any products. In addition, we have not generated any revenues from our prior business plans. We have not had any revenues and are still in the development stage. As shown in the accompanying condensed financial statements, we have incurred a net loss of $11,665,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and used $7,959,000 of cash in our operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, we had $112,336,000 of cash, money market funds, and short term investments on hand, stockholders' equity of $112,873,000 and had working capital of $110,848,000. During 2015, we expect to further ramp up our operations, which will increase the amount of cash we will use in our operations. Our budget for 2015 includes increased spending on research and development activities, higher payroll expenses as we increase our professional staff, the costs associated with operating our new Tampa, Florida, research facility, as well as ongoing payments under the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) we have entered into with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Based on the funds we had available on June 30, 2015, we believe that we have sufficient capital to fund our anticipated operating expenses for at least 24 months. On March 3, 2015, the Company sold 9,200,000 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering at $8.00 per share for net proceeds of $68.3 million, after deducting expenses of the offering. On December 22, 2014, the Company sold 6,000,000 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering at $5.75 per share for net proceeds of $32.2 million after deducting expenses of the offering. On November 5, 2013, we completed a $23.3 million private placement of our securities to various institutional and individual accredited investors. Despite the amount of funds that we have raised, the estimated cost of completing the development of our TIL-based therapy, and of obtaining all required regulatory approvals to market those product candidates, may be substantially greater than the amount of funds we have available. Therefore, while we believe that our existing cash balances will be sufficient to fund our currently planned level of operations for at least 24 months, we will have to obtain additional funds in the future to complete our development plans. We intend to seek this additional funding through various financing sources, including possible sales of our securities, and in the longer term through strategic alliances with other pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical companies.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost, which approximates their fair value.

Short-term Investments

The Company's short-term investments represent available for sale securities and are recorded at fair value and unrealized gains and losses are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The estimated fair value of the available for sale securities is determined based on quoted market prices or rates for similar instruments. In addition, the cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity. The Company evaluates securities with unrealized losses to determine whether such losses, if any, are other than temporary.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding unvested shares of restricted common stock. Shares of restricted stock subject to vesting are included in basic weighted average common shares outstanding from the time they vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common stock holders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all dilutive potential common shares had been issued, using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares are excluded from the computation when their effect is antidilutive. When calculating diluted net income per share, shares of restricted stock subject to vesting are included in diluted weighted average common shares outstanding as of their grant date.

At June 30, 2015 and 2014, basic and diluted net loss per share are the same, as the effect of potentially dilutive securities was antidilutive. At June 30, 2015, potentially dilutive securities include options to acquire 2,238,877 shares of common stock, warrants to acquire 7,894,419 shares of common stock, preferred stock that can be converted into 1,847,000 shares of common stock, and 591,500 shares of non-vested restricted stock. At June 30, 2014, potentially dilutive securities include options to acquire 868,750 shares of common stock, warrants to acquire 11,427,764 shares of common stock, and preferred stock that can be converted into 2,847,000 shares of common stock.

Fair Value Measurements

Under FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged or a liability transferred in a transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or parameters are not available, valuation models are applied.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets at the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

The fair valued assets we hold that are generally included under this Level 1 are money market securities where fair value is based on publicly quoted prices.

Level 2—Are inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the reporting date and for the duration of the instrument's anticipated life.

The fair valued assets we hold that are generally assessed under Level 2 corporate bonds and commercial paper. We utilize third party pricing services in developing fair value measurements where fair value is based on valuation methodologies such as models using observable market inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers and other reference data. We use quotes from external pricing service providers and other on-line quotation systems to verify the fair value of investments provided by our third party pricing service providers. We review independent auditor's reports from our third party pricing service providers particularly regarding the controls over pricing and valuation of financial instruments and ensure that our internal controls address certain control deficiencies, if any, and complementary user entity controls are in place.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities and which reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the reporting date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

We do not have fair valued assets classified under Level 3.

Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations:

	Assets at Fair Value as of June 30, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Money market funds	$	7,476,855	$	—	$	—	$	7,476,855
Corporate debt securities		—		92,302,982		—		92,302,982
Total	$	7,476,855	$	92,302,982	$	—	$	99,779,837

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include accounting for potential liabilities and the assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company periodically grants stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions as compensation for services rendered. The Company accounts for stock option grants to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option grants to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the stock compensation is determined based upon the measurement date at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

The fair value of the Company's common stock option grants is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

Research and Development

Research and development costs consist primarily of fees paid to consultants and outside service providers, patent fees and costs, and other expenses relating to the acquisition, design, development and testing of the Company's treatments and product candidates. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred over the life of the underlying contracts on the straight-line basis, unless the achievement of milestones, the completion of contracted work, or other information indicates that a different expensing schedule is more appropriate. The Company reviews the status of its research and development contracts on a quarterly basis.

Concentrations

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and short-term investments.

The Company maintains cash balances at more than one bank. As of June 30, 2015, the Company's cash balances were in excess of insured limits maintained at these banks. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company's cash are financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists.

At June 30, 2015, the Company's short-term investments were invested in short-term fixed income debt securities of domestic and foreign high credit issuers and in money market funds. The Company's investment policy limits investments to certain types of instruments such as certificates of deposit, money market instruments, obligations issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies as well as corporate debt securities, and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by type and issuer. At June 30, 2015, approximately 53% of the Company's short-term investments were invested in notes of five companies, approximately 27% were invested in notes of various other domestic issuers, and approximately 20% were invested in notes of a foreign issuer. The average maturity of these notes was 124 days (See Note 6).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of comprehensive income or loss, including net income or loss, are reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income or loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of any related tax effect to arrive at comprehensive income (loss). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded comprehensive income of $21,704 for unrealized gains on short term investments. The Company did not have any items of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and the interim periods within that year, and either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The pronouncement was issued to clarify the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity. The amendments in ASU 2014-6 do not change the current criteria in U.S. GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of the host contract. ASU 2014-6 applies to all entities that are issuers of, or investors in, hybrid financial instruments that are issued in the form of a share and is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-16 on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

In presenting the Company's statement of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, the Company has reclassified $551,561 and $132,767, respectively, of stock-based compensation that was previously reflected as operating expenses to research and development expenses. The reclassification relates to stock-based compensation to individuals working in the Company's research and development activities, and had no impact on total costs and expenses or net loss.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

NOTE 3. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Public offering

On March 3, 2015, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 9,200,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $8.00 per share of common stock. The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were $68.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The offering was made pursuant to the Company's existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, which was filed with the SEC on November 20, 2014 and declared effective on December 10, 2014, a preliminary prospectus supplement thereunder, and a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015.

On May 6, 2015, certain stockholders of the Company, including certain members of Board of Directors of the Company and their affiliates, sold 4,750,000 shares of the Company's common stock in an underwritten secondary offering at a price of $10.00 per share. The Company did not sell any shares in the offering and will not receive any of the proceeds from the offering.

Issuance of common stock upon conversion of preferred stock

During the six month ended June 30, 2015, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock upon the conversion of 2,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The number of conversion shares issued was determined on a formula basis of 500 common shares for each Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held.

Common stock with vesting terms

During 2014, the Company granted 782,500 shares of its restricted common stock to nine of its employees in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements. The 782,500 shares vest over a period of three years. As these shares were granted to employees, the Company calculated the aggregate fair value of the 782,500 shares based on the trading prices of the Company's stock at their grant dates and determined it to be $5,080,090, of which $1,256,985 was expensed in 2014. The allocable portion of the fair value of the stock that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2015 amounted to $1,087,870 and was recognized as expense in the accompanying statements of operations. As of June 30, 2015, the amount of unvested compensation related to all issuances of restricted common stock was $2,948,985, which will be recorded as expense in future periods as the shares vest.

When calculating basic net income (loss) per share, these shares are included in basic weighted average common shares outstanding from the time they vest. When calculating diluted net income (loss) per share, these shares are included in diluted weighted average common shares outstanding from the time they are granted, unless they are antidilutive. Shares of restricted stock granted above are subject to forfeiture to the Company or other restrictions that will lapse in accordance with a vesting schedule determined by our Board.

The following table summarizes restricted common stock activity:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2015		742,500		$	6.98
Granted		-			-
Vested		(126,000	)		6.55
Forfeited		(25,000	)		8.55
Non-vested shares, June 30, 2015		591,500		$	6.90

- 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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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

+ Details

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS [Abstract]

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

NOTE 4. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

Stock Options

A summary of the status of stock options at June 30, 2015, and the changes during the six months then ended, is presented in the following table:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
	Shares			Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Under			Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Option			Price		Life		Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2015		1,857,877		$	7.31		8.2	$	2,874,378
Granted		452,250			10.39		10.0		102,050
Exercised		-			-		-		-
Expired/Forfeited		(71,250	)		7.26		9.20		27,125
Outstanding at June 30, 2015		2,238,877		$	8.06		8.12	$	5,052,068
Exercisable at June 30, 2015		760,725		$	8.96		6.91	$	2,107,877

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 452,250 shares of common stock to new employees and directors of the Company. The stock options generally vest between one and three years. The fair value of these options was determined to be $4,701,113 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 218%, (ii) discount rate of 1.57 %, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 6 years.

During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded compensation costs of $2,301,297 and $1,340,601, respectively, relating to the vesting of stock options. As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate value of unvested options was $11,196,570, which will continue to be amortized as compensation cost as the options vest over terms ranging from six months to three years, as applicable.

On March 29, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Genesis Biopharma, Inc. 2010 Equity Compensation Plan (the "2010 Plan") pursuant to which the Board reserved an aggregate of 35,000 shares of common stock for future grants of stock options, rights to acquire restricted stock, rights to acquire unrestricted stock, and stock appreciation rights. Options for the issuance of all 35,000 shares have been granted, and no shares are available for additional grants under the 2010 Plan.

On October 14, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The Company's stockholders did not approve the 2011 Plan within a required one-year period, and accordingly, the Company cannot grant qualified incentive stock options under the 2011 Plan. As of December 31, 2014, no shares were available for future grant under the 2011 Plan.

On September 19, 2014, The Company's Board of Directors adopted the Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held in November 2014. The 2014 Plan initially authorized the issuance up to an aggregate of 2,350,000 shares of common stock. On April 10, 2015 the Board amended the 2014 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2014 Plan by 1,650,000 from 2,350,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares. The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan was approved by stockholders on June 12, 2015.

Warrants

A summary of the status of stock warrants at June 30, 2015, and the changes during the six month then ended, is presented in the following table:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
	Shares			Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Under			Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Warrants			Price		Life		Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2014		11,084,426		$	2.51		3.85 years	$	59,517,998
Issued		-
Exercised		(3,190,007	)	$	2.50
Expired		-			-
Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2015		7,894,419		$	2.51		3.33 years	$	52,655,775

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company received $7,975,150 in cash from the exercise of 3,190,007 warrants for the purchase of 3,190,007 shares of its common stock.

LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS	6 Months Ended
LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS	Jun. 30, 2015
LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS [Abstract]
LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS	NOTE 5. LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS *National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute* Effective August 5, 2011, the Company signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Under the terms of the five-year cooperative research and development agreement, the Company will work with Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., chief of NCI's Surgery Branch, to develop adoptive cell immunotherapies that are designed to destroy metastatic melanoma cells using a patient's tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. The Company initially agreed to pay the NCI $1,000,000 per year ($250,000 per quarter) under the CRADA. On January 22, 2015, the Company executed an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the CRADA to include four new indications. As amended, in addition to metastatic melanoma, the CRADA now also includes the development of TIL therapy for the treatment of patients with bladder, lung, triple-negative breast, and HPV-associated cancers. Under the Amendment, the NCI also has agreed to provide the Company with samples of all tumors covered by the Amendment for performing studies related to improving TIL selection and/or TIL scale-out production and process development. As amended, the annual payments the Company is required to make to the NCI have increased from $1 million to $2 million, to be paid in quarterly installments of $500,000. As of June 30, 2015, the Company paid the first quarterly installment of $500,000, the second installment of $500,000 is included in accounts payable. Although the CRADA has a five year term, either party to the CRADA has the right to terminate the CRADA upon 60 days' notice to the other party. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $1,041,667 and $500,000, respectively, of CRADA expenses, which were recorded as part of research and development expenses in the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014, $250,000 of CRADA expenses were included in the accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed balance sheet. *National Institutes of Health* Effective October 5, 2011, the Company entered into a Patent License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the United States Public Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services (“NIH”). Pursuant to the License Agreement, NIH granted to the Company a non-exclusive worldwide right and license to develop and manufacture certain proprietary autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocyte adoptive cell therapy products for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. The License Agreement requires the Company to pay royalties based on a percentage of net sales (which percentage is in the mid-single digits and subject to certain annual minimum royalty payments), a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements, and lump sum benchmark royalty payments on the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones for each of the various indications and other direct cost incurred by NIH pursuant to the agreement. On February 9, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the License Agreement with the NIH pursuant to which the Company's non-exclusive license to melanoma was converted into an exclusive license. In consideration for the exclusive rights granted under the amendment to the License Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the NIH a non-refundable upfront licensing fee of $350,000, which was recognized as research and development expense during the six month ended June 30, 2015. The Company also agreed to pay customary royalties based on a percentage of net sales (which percentage is in the mid-single digits), a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements, and lump sum benchmark payments upon the successful completion of the Company's first Phase 2 clinical study, the successful completion of the Company's first Phase 3 clinical study, the receipt of the first FDA approval or foreign equivalent for a licensed product or process resulting from the licensed technologies, the first commercial sale of a licensed product or process in the United States, and the first commercial sale of a licensed product or process in any foreign country. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, there were no net sales subject to certain annual minimum royalty payments or sales that would require us to pay a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements. In addition there were no benchmarks or milestones achieved that would require payment under the lump sum benchmark royalty payments on the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones for each of the various indications. *Exclusive License Agreement* On July 21, 2014, the Company entered into an Exclusive License Agreement (the “Moffitt License Agreement”), effective as of June 28, 2014, with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc. (“Moffitt”) under which the Company received an exclusive, world-wide license to Moffitt's rights in and to two patent-pending technologies related to methods for improving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapy. Unless earlier terminated, the term of the license extends until the earlier of the expiration of the last patent related to the licensed technology or 20 years after the effective date of the license agreement. Pursuant to the Moffitt License Agreement, the Company paid an upfront licensing fee of $25,000, which was recognized as research and development expense during 2014. A patent issuance fee will also be payable under the Moffitt License Agreement, upon the issuance of the first U.S. patent covering the subject technology. In addition, the Company agreed to pay milestone license fees upon completion of specified milestones, customary royalties based on a specified percentage of net sales (which percentage is in the low single digits) and sublicensing payments, as applicable, and annual minimum royalties beginning with the first sale of products based on the licensed technologies, which minimum royalties will be credited against the percentage royalty payments otherwise payable in that year. The Company will also be responsible for all costs associated with the preparation, filing, maintenance and prosecution of the patent applications and patents covered by the Moffitt License Agreement related to the treatment of any cancers in the United States, Europe and Japan and in other countries selected that the Company and Moffitt agreed to. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, there were no net sales subject to certain annual minimum royalty payments or sales that would require us to pay a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements *Exclusive Patent License Agreement* On February 10, 2015, the Company entered into an exclusive Patent License Agreement with the NIH under which the Company received an exclusive, world-wide license to the NIH's rights in and to two patent-pending technologies related to methods for improving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapy. The licensed technologies relate to the more potent and efficient production of TIL from melanoma tumors by selecting for T-cell populations that express various inhibitory receptors. Unless terminated sooner, the license shall remain in effect until the last licensed patent right expires. In consideration for the exclusive rights granted under the exclusive Patent License Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the NIH a non-refundable upfront licensing fee of $40,000, which was recognized as research and development expense during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The Company also agreed to pay customary royalties based on a percentage of net sales (which percentage is in the mid-single digits), a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements, and lump sum benchmark payments upon the successful completion of the Company's first Phase 2 clinical study, the successful completion of the Company's first Phase 3 clinical study, the receipt of the first FDA approval or foreign equivalent for a licensed product or process resulting from the licensed technologies, the first commercial sale of a licensed product or process in the United States, and the first commercial sale of a licensed product or process in any foreign country. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, there were no net sales subject to certain annual minimum royalty payments or sales that would require us to pay a percentage of revenues from sublicensing arrangements. In addition there were no benchmarks or milestones achieved that would require payment under the lump sum benchmark royalty payments on the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones for each of the various indications. *Manufacturing Service Agreement* In December 2011, the Company entered into a Manufacturing Services Agreement with Lonza Walkersville, Inc. (Lonza) pursuant to which Lonza has agreed to manufacture, package, ship and perform quality assurance and quality control of our TIL therapy. Lonza has commenced developing a commercial-scale manufacturing process for the TIL therapy. The goal is to develop and establish a manufacturing process for the large-scale production of TIL that is in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). During 2015, we issued an additional statements of work (SOW) to Lonza under the Manufacturing Services Agreement. The total cost for services to be provided under the SOW is $1,361,095. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recognized $1,107,453 of expenses under the Manufacturing Services Agreement with Lonza and were recorded as part of research and development expenses. *Research Collaboration Agreement* In September, 2014, we entered into a research collaboration agreement with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc. to jointly engage in transitional research and development of adoptive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy with improved anti-tumor properties and process. The total obligation under the agreement was $1,432,797, of which $358,199 was paid in 2014. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2015, the Company recognized $358,199 in research and development expenses related to this agreement.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES [Abstract]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The fair valued assets we hold that are generally included under this Level 1 are money market securities where fair value is based on publicly quoted prices.

We do not have fair valued assets classified under Level 3.

Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations:

	Assets at Fair Value as of June 30, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Money market funds	$	7,476,855	$	—	$	—	$	7,476,855
Corporate debt securities		—		92,302,982		—		92,302,982
Total	$	7,476,855	$	92,302,982	$	—	$	99,779,837

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Research and Development

Research and Development

Concentrations

Concentrations

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and short-term investments.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($)	May 06, 2015	Mar. 03, 2015	Dec. 22, 2014	Nov. 05, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS [Abstract]
Net loss					$ (6,367,490)	$ (2,110,169)	$ (11,665,550)	$ (4,369,683)
Net cash used in operating activities							(7,958,579)	(3,589,554)
Cash, money market funds and short-term investments					112,336,127		112,336,127		$ 44,909,147
Stockholder's equity					112,873,396		112,873,396		$ 44,845,087
Working capital					$ 110,848,000		110,848,000
Shares issued during period	4,750,000	9,200,000	6,000,000
Share price	$ 10.00	$ 8.00	$ 5.75
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net			$ 32,200,000				$ 68,307,838
Proceeds from issuance of private placement				$ 23,300,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on short-term investments	$ 21,704		$ 21,704
Stock-based compensation cost reclassified		$ 551,561		$ 132,767
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			2,238,877	868,750
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			7,894,419	11,427,764
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			1,847,000	2,847,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			591,500
Five Companies [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			53.00%
Various Other Domestic Issuers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			27.00%
Foreign Issuer [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			20.00%

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	May 06, 2015	Mar. 03, 2015	Dec. 22, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued during period	4,750,000	9,200,000	6,000,000
Share price	$ 10.00	$ 8.00	$ 5.75
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net			$ 32,200,000	$ 68,307,838
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued				1,000,000
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted				2,000
Granted
Share-based compensation				$ 2,301,297	$ 1,340,601
Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Granted						782,500
Vesting period						3 years
Nonvested, fair value						$ 5,080,090
Share-based compensation						$ 1,256,985
Vested, fair value				1,087,870
Unrecognized compensation cost				$ 2,948,985
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted				500

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2015 \| shares	742,500
Granted \| shares
Vested \| shares	(126,000)
Forfeited \| shares	(25,000)
Non-vested shares, June 30, 2015 \| shares	591,500
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2015 \| $ / shares	$ 6.98
Granted \| $ / shares
Vested \| $ / shares	6.55
Forfeited \| $ / shares	8.55
Non-vested shares, June 30, 2015 \| $ / shares	$ 6.90

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 10, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation		$ 2,301,297	$ 1,340,601
Unrecognized compensation cost		11,196,570
Proceeds from warrant exercises		$ 7,975,150	$ 2,363,480
Warrant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		3,190,007
2010 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized					35,000
2014 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	4,000,000			2,350,000
Number of additional shares authorized	1,650,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition		6 months
Vesting period		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition		3 years
Vesting period		3 years
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of options		$ 4,701,113
Expected volatility		218.00%
Discount rate		1.57%
Expected dividend yield		0.00%
Expected life		6 years

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Schedule of Status of Stock Options) (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares Under Option
Outstanding, beginning balance	1,857,877
Granted	452,250
Exercised
Expired/Forfeited	(71,250)
Outstanding, ending balance	2,238,877	1,857,877
Exercisable	760,725
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance	$ 7.31
Granted	10.39
Exercised
Expired/Forfeited	7.26
Outstanding, ending balance	8.06	$ 7.31
Exercisable	$ 8.96
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	8 years 1 month 13 days	8 years 2 months 12 days
Granted	10 years
Expired/Forfeited	9 years 2 months 12 days
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	8 years 1 month 13 days	8 years 2 months 12 days
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1	6 years 10 months 28 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning balance	$ 2,874,378
Granted	102,050
Expired/Forfeited	27,125
Outstanding, ending balance	5,052,068	$ 2,874,378
Exercisable	$ 2,107,877

STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Schedule of Status of Stock Warrants) (Details) - Warrant [Member] - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares Under Warrants
Outstanding, beginning balance	11,084,426
Issued
Exercised	(3,190,007)
Expired
Outstanding, ending balance	7,894,419	11,084,426
Exercisable	7,894,419
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance	$ 2.51
Exercised	2.50
Outstanding, ending balance	2.51	$ 2.51
Exercisable	$ 2.51
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding	3 years 3 months 29 days	3 years 10 months 6 days
Exercisable ending balance	3 years 3 months 29 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning balance	$ 59,517,998
Outstanding, ending balance	52,655,775	$ 59,517,998
Exercisable ending balance	$ 52,655,775

LICENSE AND COMMITMENTS (Details) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Accrued liabilities

$ 623,774

$ 327,847

Research and development expense

^[1]

4,055,688

$ 493,994

6,841,131

$ 1,215,450

Moffitt License Agreement

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Research and development expense

25,000

Manufacturing Service Agreement [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

1,361,095

Research and development expense

1,107,453

Research Collaboration Agreement [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

1,432,797

Research and development expense

358,199

Exclusive Patent License Agreement [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Research and development expense

40,000

Crada [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Accrued liabilities

250,000

Research and development expense

1,041,667

$ 500,000

Crada [Member] | Per Quarter [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

250,000

Crada [Member] | Per Year [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

1,000,000

NCI [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Accrued liabilities

$ 500,000

500,000

Research and development expense

500,000

NCI [Member] | Per Quarter [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

500,000

NCI [Member] | Per Year [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Purchase commitment

2,000,000

$ 1,000,000

NIH [Member]

License And Commitments [Line Items]

Research and development expense

$ 350,000

[1]	Includes $809,486, $418,794, $1,583,895, and $551,561, respectively, in stock-based compensation costs

CASH, MONEY MARKET FUNDS, AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Schedule of Cash, Money Market Funds, and Short-Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CASH, MONEY MARKET FUNDS, AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS [Abstract]
Checking and savings accounts (reported as cash and cash equivalents)	$ 12,556,290	$ 44,909,147	$ 18,440,361	$ 19,672,177
Money market funds	7,476,855
Corporate debt securities (reported as short-term investments)	92,302,982
Total	$ 112,336,127	$ 44,909,147

- Definition

Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid Investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Short-term investments, exclusive of cash equivalents, generally consist of marketable securities intended to be sold within one year (or the normal operating cycle if longer) and may include trading securities, available-for-sale securities, or held-to-maturity securities (if maturing within one year), as applicable.

+ References + Details

Condensed Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation	$ 1,114,224	$ 460,884	$ 1,805,272	$ 1,229,767
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation	$ 809,486	$ 418,794	$ 1,583,895	$ 551,561

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	6 Months Ended
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	Jun. 30, 2015
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS [Abstract]
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	NOTE 7. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On April 23, 2014, the Company received a subpoena from the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that stated that the staff of the SEC is conducting an investigation In the Matter of Galena Biopharma, Inc. File No. HO 12356 (now known as “In the Matter of Certain Stock Promotions”) and that the subpoena was issued to the Company as part of the foregoing investigation. The SEC's subpoena and accompanying letter do not indicate whether the Company is, or is not, under investigation. We have fully cooperated with the SEC and as of November 2014, we had completed our production of documents in response to the subpoena. To date, the SEC has not requested any further action from the Company. The subpoena required the Company to give the SEC, among other materials, all communications between anyone at the Company and certain persons and entities (which include investor-relations firms and persons associated with the investor-relations firms), all documents related to the listed persons and entities, all articles regarding the Company posted on certain equity research or other financial websites, and documents and communications related to individuals who post or have posted articles regarding the Company on equity research or other financial websites. There are no other pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which its property is the subject.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	6 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Jun. 30, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS *Share Issuances* In the third quarter of 2015, the Company has received $129,263 in cash from the exercise of warrants for the purchase of 51,705 shares of its common stock.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$ 99,779,837
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,476,855
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	92,302,982
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,476,855
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	7,476,855
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	92,302,982
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	92,302,982
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value

CASH, MONEY MARKET FUNDS, AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Schedule of Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 99,758,133
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,704
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value	99,779,837
Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	7,476,855
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value	7,476,855
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	92,281,278
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,704
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value	$ 92,302,982

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Loss	$ (6,367,490)	$ (2,110,169)	$ (11,665,550)	$ (4,369,683)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on short-term investments	21,704		21,704
Comprehensive Loss	$ (6,345,786)	$ (2,110,169)	$ (11,643,846)	$ (4,369,683)

CASH, MONEY MARKET FUNDS, AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Schedule of Contractual Maturities) (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CASH, MONEY MARKET FUNDS, AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS [Abstract]
Money market funds	$ 7,476,855
Corporate debt securities	92,302,982
Total	$ 99,779,837

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 07, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from warrant exercises		$ 7,975,150	$ 2,363,480
Warrant [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		3,190,007
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Warrant [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from warrant exercises	$ 129,263
Purchase of common stock	51,705