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Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Aug. 01, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	IOVANCE BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001425205
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	IOVA
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		62,686,535

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 114,285	$ 106,717
Short-term investments	14,732	59,753
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,417	3,042
Total Current Assets	135,434	169,512
Property and equipment, net	2,578	2,374
Total Assets	138,012	171,886
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	3,695	863
Accrued expenses	5,165	4,105
Total Current Liabilities	8,860	4,968
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $0.000041666 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized, 62,680,390 and 62,248,074 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	330,318	323,994
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	29
Accumulated deficit	(201,177)	(157,116)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	129,152	166,918
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	138,012	171,886
Series A Convertible Preferred stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock,Value	0	0
Series B Convertible Preferred stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock,Value	$ 8	$ 8

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.000041666	$ 0.000041666
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	62,680,390	62,248,074
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	62,680,390	62,248,074
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	17,000	17,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	1,694	1,694
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,694	1,694
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount	$ 1,694	$ 1,694
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	11,500,000	11,500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	7,946,673	7,946,673
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,946,673	7,946,673
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount	$ 37,747	$ 37,747

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Costs and expenses
Research and development	19,653	4,463	36,276	8,655
General and administrative	3,928	7,264	8,188	10,082
Total costs and expenses	23,581	11,727	44,464	18,737
Loss from operations	(23,581)	(11,727)	(44,464)	(18,737)
Other income
Interest income	204	164	403	290
Net Loss	$ (23,377)	$ (11,563)	$ (44,061)	$ (18,447)
Net Loss Per Common Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.37)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.37)
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	62,457	51,082	62,371	49,807

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net loss	$ (44,061)	$ (18,447)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	464	540
Amortization of premium on investments	37	0
Stock-based compensation expense	6,589	7,136
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,375)	(505)
Accounts payable	2,987	(233)
Accrued expenses	1,060	3,209
Net cash used in operating activities	(36,299)	(8,300)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of short- term investments	0	(68,340)
Maturities of short- term investments	44,955	67,881
Purchase of property and equipment	(823)	(56)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	44,132	(515)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Tax payments related to shares witheld for vested restricted stock awards	(1,161)	(349)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants	250	621
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	646	237
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and common stock, net	0	95,685
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(265)	96,194
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	7,568	87,379
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	106,717	33,587
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	114,285	120,966
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for income taxes	0	0
Interest paid	0	0
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized (loss) gain on short-term investments	(29)	30
Acquisitions of property and equipment under accounts payable	$ (155)	$ 0

GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

NOTE 1. GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and other solid tumor cancers. ACT utilizes T-cells harvested from a patient to treat cancer in that patient. TIL, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, are naturally present in a patient’s tumors, are collected from individual patient tumor samples. The TIL are then extracted from the tumor tissue and expanded ex vivo and then infused back into the patient to fight their tumor. 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. On September 26, 2013, we changed our name to Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. On June 1, 2017, the Company reincorporated to become a Company governed by Delaware corporation laws. On June 27, 2017, we changed our name to Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Basis of Presentation of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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 GAAP 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, 2016 was derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 8, 2017. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with that report.

Liquidity

The Company is 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 2017 from the sale or licensing of any products. As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we have incurred a net loss of $44.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and used $36.3 million of cash in our operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2017. As of June 30, 2017, we had $129.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

The Company expects to further increase its research and development activities, which will increase the amount of cash used during the remainder of 2017. Specifically, we expect increased spending on clinical trials, research and development activities, higher payroll expenses as we increase our professional and scientific staff and continued and expansion of manufacturing activities. Based on the funds we have available, we believe that we have sufficient capital to fund our anticipated operating expenses for at least 12 months from the date that these financial statements are issued.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

Short-term Investments

The Company's short-term investments are classified as “available-for-sale”. The Company includes these investments in current assets and carries them at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is included in interest income. Gains and losses on securities sold are recorded based on the specific identification method and are included in interest income in the statement of operations. We have not incurred any realized gains or losses from sales of securities to date.

Loss per Share

Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued.

At June 30, 2017 and 2016, the following outstanding common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share because their impact would be anti-dilutive.

	June 30,
	2017		2016
Stock options		6,845,580		4,270,989
Warrants		6,466,216		6,953,716
Series A Convertible Preferred*		847,000		847,000
Series B Convertible Preferred*		7,946,673		11,368,633
Restricted stock awards		2,917		98,750
Restricted stock units		137,500		550,000
		22,245,886		24,089,088

* on an as-converted basis

The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per common share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company's common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive securities.

Fair Value Measurements

Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (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.

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 are 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.

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 (in thousands):

	Assets at Fair Value as of June 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	13,233	$	-	$	13,233
US Government agency securities		-		1,499		-		1,499
Total	$	-	$	14,732	$	-	$	14,732

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	29,178	$	-	$	29,178
Corporate debt securities		-		26,578		-		26,578
US Government agency securities		-		3,997		-		3,997
Total	$	-	$	59,753	$	-	$	59,753

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include valuation of short-term investments, accounting for potential liabilities, the valuation allowance associated with the Company’s deferred tax assets, and the assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Iovance Biotherapeutics GmbH (formerly Lion Biotechnologies GmbH). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all the Company's consolidated operations.

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 FASB 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 FASB 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.

The Company has in the past issued restricted shares of its common stock for share-based compensation programs. The Company measures the compensation cost with respect to restricted shares issued to employees based upon the estimated fair value of the equity instruments at the date of the grant, and is recognized as expense over the period which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.

The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

Total stock-based compensation expense related to all our stock-based awards was recorded on the statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Research and development	$	1,896	$	593	$	3,283	$	1,178
General and administrative		1,397		4,764		3,306		5,958
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

Total stock-based compensation broken down based on each individual instrument was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Stock option expense	$	2,977	$	4,584	$	5,631	$	6,068
Restricted stock award expense		14		535		27		830
Restricted stock unit expense		302		238		931		238
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

Preferred Stock

The Company applies the accounting standards for distinguishing liabilities from equity when determining the classification and measurement of its preferred stock. Preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable preferred shares (including preferred shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, preferred shares are classified as stockholders’ equity.

Convertible Instruments

The Company applies the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging and for distinguishing liabilities from equity when accounting for hybrid contracts that feature conversion options. The accounting standards require companies to bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as free standing derivative financial instruments per certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (i) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (ii) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (iii) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. The derivative is subsequently marked to market at each reporting date based on current fair value, with the changes in fair value reported in results of operations.

Conversion options that contain variable settlement features such as provisions to adjust the conversion price upon subsequent issuances of equity or equity linked securities at exercise prices more favorable than that featured in the hybrid contract generally result in their bifurcation from the host instrument.

The Company also records, when necessary, deemed dividends for the intrinsic value of the conversion options embedded in preferred stock based upon the difference between the fair value of the underlying common stock at the commitment date of the transaction and the effective conversion price embedded in the preferred stock.

Recent Accounting Standards

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, clarifying when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. The new guidance requires modification accounting if the fair value, vesting condition or the classification of the award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. The new guidance is effective for the Company on a prospective basis beginning on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2017-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. Based upon the evaluation, the Company did not identify any recognized or non-recognized subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts within the statements of cash flows for the prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company's previously reported financial position or cash flows for any of the periods presented.

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

NOTE 6. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Plans

On September 19, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Iovance Biotherapeutics, 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 as approved by the stockholders 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 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.

On August 16, 2016, the stockholders approved the increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2014 Plan by 5,000,000 from 4,000,000 shares to 9,000,000 shares. At June 30, 2017, 2,688,716 shares were available for grant under the Company’s 2014 plan.

Restricted Stock Units

On June 1, 2016, the Company entered into a restricted stock unit agreement with the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer (Maria Fardis, Ph.D.) pursuant to which the Company granted Dr. Fardis 550,000 non-transferrable restricted stock units at fair market value of $5.87 per share as an inducement of employment pursuant to the exception to The NASDAQ Global Market rules that generally require stockholder approval of equity incentive plans. The 550,000 restricted stock units will vest in installments as follows: (i) 137,500 restricted stock units will vest upon the first anniversary of the effective date of Dr. Fardis’ employment agreement; (ii) 275,000 restricted stock units will vest upon the satisfaction of certain clinical trial and manufacturing milestones; and (iii) 137,500 restricted stock units will vest in equal monthly installments over the 36-month period following the first anniversary of the effective date of Dr. Fardis’ employment, provided that Dr. Fardis has been continuously employed with the Company as of such vesting dates.

On April 3, 2017, 137,500 restricted stock units with performance criteria vested based on the performance criteria having been met. On June 1, 2017, an additional 137,500 restricted stock units with performance criteria vested based on the performance criteria having been met and 137,500 vested based on the one-year anniversary of Dr. Fardis. The remaining 137,500 will vest over a 36-month period based on continued employment.

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The stock compensation expense was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $0.9 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

As of June 30, 2017, there is $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock units to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock options activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017:

			Weighted
	Number		Average
	of		Exercise
	Options		Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2017		6,233,150	$	7.24
Granted		1,341,000		6.96
Exercised		(116,348)		5.54
Expired/Forfeited		(612,222)		6.52
Outstanding at June 30, 2017		6,845,580	$	7.28

The Company recorded stock compensation costs related to options of $3.0 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and $5.6 million and $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, there was $23.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the options to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of options granted under the Plan was $5.98 and $6.19 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $6.85 and $5.68 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Restricted Common Stock Awards

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted common stock awards activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017:

			Weighted Average
	Number		Grant Date
	of Shares		Fair Value
Non-vested shares, January 1, 2017		7,084	$	6.48
Granted		-		-
Vested		(4,167)		6.53
Forfeited		-		-
Non-vested shares, June 30, 2017		2,917	$	6.40

The Company recorded stock compensation costs related to restricted stock awards of $0.0 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $0.0 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, the amount of unvested compensation related to the unvested outstanding shares of restricted common stock was $7,000 which will be recorded as expense in over a weighted average life of 0.20 years.

AGREEMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Licenses And Agreements [Abstract]

AGREEMENTS

NOTE 7. AGREEMENTS

National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)

In August 2011, the Company signed a five-year CRADA with the NCI to work with Dr. Steven Rosenberg on developing adoptive cell immunotherapies that are designed to destroy metastatic melanoma cells using a patient’s tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

In January 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 included the development of TIL therapy for the treatment of patients with bladder, lung, triple-negative breast, and HPV-associated cancers.

In August 2016, the NCI and the Company entered into a second amendment to the CRADA. The principal changes effected by the second amendment included (i) extending the term of the CRADA by another five years to August 2021, and (ii) modifying the focus on the development of unmodified TIL as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) licensed products and commercially available reagents routinely used for adoptive cell therapy. The parties will continue the development of improved methods for the generation and selection of TIL with anti-tumor reactivity in metastatic melanoma, bladder, lung, breast, and HPV-associated cancers.

Pursuant to the terms of the CRADA, we are currently required to make quarterly payments of $0.5 million to the NCI for support of research activities. To the extent we license patent rights relating to a TIL-based product candidate, we will be responsible for all patent-related expenses and fees, past and future, relating to the TIL-based product candidate. In addition, we may be required to supply certain test articles, including TIL, grown and processed under cGMP conditions, suitable for use in clinical trials, where we hold the investigational new drug application for such clinical trial. The extended CRADA has a five-year term expiring in August 2021. The Company or the NCI may unilaterally terminate the CRADA for any reason or for no reason at any time by providing written notice at least 60 days before the desired termination date. The Company recorded costs associated with the CRADA of $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were recorded as research and development expenses.

Patent License Agreement Related to the Development and Manufacture of TIL

Effective October 5, 2011, the Company entered into a Patent 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), which Patent License Agreement was subsequently amended on February 9, 2015 and October 2, 2015. Pursuant to the Patent License Agreement as amended, the NIH granted the Company licenses, including exclusive, co-exclusive, and non-exclusive licenses, to certain technologies relating to autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocyte adoptive cell therapy products for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, lung, breast, bladder and HPV-positive cancers. The Patent License Agreement requires the Company to pay 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 royalty payments on the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones for each of the various indications and other direct costs incurred by the NIH pursuant to the agreement.

Exclusive Patent License Agreement Related to TIL Selection

On February 10, 2015, the Company entered into an Exclusive Patent License Agreement with the NIH under which the Company received an exclusive license to the NIH’s rights to patent-pending technologies related to methods for improving adoptive cell therapy through 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 in the amount of $0.8 million. The Company also agreed to pay customary royalties based on a percentage of net sales of a licensed product (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 clinical studies involving licensed technologies, 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. 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 License. The Company recorded costs associated with this agreement of $0.0 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $0.0 million and $0.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were recorded as research and development expenses.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Research Collaboration Agreement with Moffitt

In September 2014, we entered into a research collaboration agreement with Moffitt to jointly engage in transitional research and development of adoptive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy with improved anti-tumor properties and process.

In December 2016, we entered into a new three-year Sponsored Research Agreement with Moffitt. At the same time, we entered into a Clinical Grant Agreement with Moffitt to support an ongoing clinical trial at Moffitt that combines TIL therapy with Opdivo® (nivolumab) for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma.

Exclusive License Agreement with Moffitt

The Company entered into a license agreement with Moffitt (the “Moffitt License Agreement”), effective as of June 28, 2014, under which the Company received a world-wide license to Moffitt’s rights to 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 in the amount of $0.1 million. 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 designated by the Company in agreement with Moffitt. The Company recorded costs associated with Moffitt of $1.7 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $2.3 million and $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were recorded as research and development expenses.

PolyBioCept and Karolinska University Hospital

PolyBioCept Exclusive and Co-Exclusive License Agreement

On September 14, 2016, the Company entered into an Exclusive and Co-Exclusive License Agreement (the “PolyBioCept Agreement”) with PolyBioCept AB, a corporation organized under the laws of Sweden (“PolyBioCept”). PolyBioCept has filed two patent applications with claims related to a cytokine cocktail for use in expansion of lymphocytes, one of which has been abandoned. Under the PolyBioCept Agreement, the Company received the exclusive right and license to PolyBioCept’s intellectual property to develop, manufacture, market and genetically engineer tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) produced by expansion, selection and enrichment using a cytokine cocktail. The Company also received a co-exclusive license (with PolyBioCept) to develop, manufacture and market genetically engineered TIL under the same intellectual property. The licenses are for the use in all cancers and are worldwide in scope, with the exception that the uses in melanoma are not included for certain countries of the former Soviet Union.

The Company paid PolyBioCept a total of $2.5 million as an up-front exclusive license payment. The Company will also have to make additional milestone payments to PolyBioCept under the PolyBioCept Agreement if, and when, (i) certain product development milestones are achieved, (ii) certain regulatory approvals have been obtained from the FDA and/or the European Medicines Agency, and (iii) certain product sales targets are achieved. The milestone payments will be payable both in cash (U.S. dollars) and in shares of the Company’s common stock. If all of the foregoing product development, regulatory approval and sales milestone payments are met, the Company will have to pay PolyBioCept an additional $8.7 million and will have to issue to PolyBioCept a total 2,219,376 shares of unregistered common stock. In addition to these potential payments, the Company will reimburse PolyBioCept up to $0.2 million in expenses related to the transfer of know-how and will pay PolyBioCept $0.1 million as a clinical trials management fee. The Company also separately engaged PolyBioCept as a consultant to provide certain product development and research related services in a one-year agreement for up to $0.2 million, subject to the consent of the Karolinska Institute to the services to be performed by its employees thereunder. The PolyBioCept Agreement has an initial term of 30 years, and may be extended for additional five-year periods. The Company recorded costs associated with the PolyBioCept of $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were recorded as research and development expenses.

Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Agreements

In connection with the execution of the PolyBioCept Agreement, the Company also (i) entered into a clinical trials agreement with the Karolinska University Hospital to conduct clinical trials in glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer at the Karolinska University Hospital, and (ii) agreed to enter into a sponsored research agreement with the Karolinska Institute for the research of the cytokine cocktail in additional indications. The Company agreed to enter into the sponsored research agreement within 90 days after the date of the PolyBioCept Agreement, which date has been extended by amendments to the PolyBioCept Agreement. Failure to enter into the sponsored research agreement or further amend the PolyBioCept Agreement so will give PolyBioCept the right to terminate the PolyBioCept Agreement (and the Company shall have the right to repayment of $2.2 million of the payments it made). The Company will pay the Karolinska Institute an additional $2.6 million in connection with these other related agreements. In 2016 the Company paid Karolinska University Hospital $1.6 million under this agreement to conduct the clinical trials. The $1.6 million payment has been capitalized and will be expensed in accordance with the Company’s Research and Development Expense significant accounting practices. The Company recorded costs associated with the Karolinska University Hospital of $0.5 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and was $0.7 million and $0.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were recorded as research and development expenses.

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Strategic Alliance Agreement

On April 17, 2017, the Company entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA”) with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (“M.D. Anderson”) under which the Company and M.D. Anderson agreed to conduct clinical and preclinical research studies. The Company agreed in the SAA to provide total funding not to exceed approximately $14.2 million for the performance of the multi-year studies under the SAA. In return, we will acquire all rights to inventions resulting from the studies and have been granted a non-exclusive, sub-licensable, royalty-free, and perpetual license to specified background intellectual property of M.D. Anderson reasonably necessary to exploit, including the commercialization of, any invention. We have also been granted certain rights in clinical data generated by M.D. Anderson outside of the clinical trials to be performed under the SAA. The SAA’s term shall continue in effect until the later of the fourth anniversary of the SAA or the completion or termination of the research and receipt by us of all deliverables due from M.D. Anderson thereunder. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had paid $1.4 million under this agreement. The amount has been recorded as a prepaid asset, and will be amortized to research and development expenses based on enrollment and other factors. The Company has not recorded costs associated with the M.D. Anderson Agreement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

Medimmune

In December 2015, the Company entered into a collaboration to conduct clinical and preclinical research in immuno-oncology with MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will fund and conduct at least one Phase 2a clinical trial combining MedImmune's investigational PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab with TIL for the treatment of patients. MedImmune will supply durvalumab for the clinical trials. The purpose of the studies is to establish a dosing regimen for this combination therapy and assess its safety and efficacy.

Preclinical research under the agreement will focus on identifying and evaluating therapeutically effective combinations of MedImmune's checkpoint antibodies, using TIL as an in vitro model of the tumor microenvironment. The research will be funded by MedImmune and conducted by the Company.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Loss Contingency [Abstract]

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

NOTE 8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Class Action Lawsuits. On April 10, 2017, the SEC announced settlements with us and with other public companies and unrelated parties in the In the Matter of Certain Stock Promotion investigation. Our settlement with the SEC is consistent with our previous disclosures (including in our Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on March 9, 2017). On April 14 2017, a purported shareholder filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court, Northern District of California for violations of the federal securities laws (Leonard DeSilvio v. Lion Biotechnologies, Inc., et al., case no: 3:17cv2086) against our company and three of our former officers and directors. On April 19, 2017, a second class action complaint (Amra Kuc vs. Lion Biotechnologies, Inc., et al., case no: 3:17cv2086) was filed in the same court. Both complaints allege, among other things, that the defendants violated the federal securities laws by making materially false and misleading statements, or by failing to make certain disclosures, regarding the actions taken by Manish Singh and our former investor relations firm that were the subject of the In the Matter of Certain Stock Promotions SEC investigation. On July 20, 2017 the plaintiff in the Kuc case filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss that case. The Court entered an order dismissing the Kuc complaint on July 21, 2017. On July 26, 2017, the court appointed a movant as lead plaintiff.

We intend to vigorously defend against the foregoing complaints. Based on the very early stage of the litigation, it is not possible to estimate the amount or range of possible loss that might result from an adverse judgment or a settlement of these matters.

Solomon Capital, LLC. On April 8, 2016, a lawsuit titled Solomon Capital, LLC, Solomon Capital 401(K) Trust, Solomon Sharbat and Shelhav Raff v. Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. was filed by Solomon Capital, LLC, Solomon Capital 401(k) Trust, Solomon Sharbat and Shelhav Raff against the Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (index no. 651881/2016). The plaintiffs allege that, between June and November 2012 they provided to the Company $0.1 million and that they advanced and paid on our behalf an additional $0.2 million. The complaint further alleges that the Company agreed to (i) provide them with promissory notes totaling $0.2 million, plus interest, (ii) issue a total of 111,425 shares to the plaintiffs (before the 1-for-100 reverse split of our common stock effected in September 2013), and (iii) allow the plaintiffs to convert the foregoing funds into our securities in the next transaction. The plaintiffs allege that they should have been able to convert their advances and payments into shares of the Company’s common stock in the restructuring that was effected in May 2013. Based on the foregoing, the plaintiffs allege causes for breach of contract and unjust enrichment and demand judgment against the Company in an unspecified amount exceeding $1.5 million, plus interest and attorneys’ fees.

On June 3, 2016, the Company filed an answer and counterclaims in the lawsuit. In its counterclaims, the Company alleges that the plaintiffs misrepresented their qualifications to assist it in fundraising and that they failed to disclose that they were under investigation for securities laws violations. The Company is seeking damages in an amount exceeding $0.5 million and an order rescinding any and all agreements that the plaintiffs contend entitled them to obtain stock in the Company.

On April 19, 2017, the Court granted plaintiffs’ counsel’s motion to withdraw from the case. On May 25, 2017, plaintiffs filed a notice that they had hired new counsel. On June 7, 2017, the judge presiding over the case recused herself because of a conflict of interest arising from her relationship with plaintiffs’ new attorneys. The case has been assigned to a new judge, but the court has not yet scheduled a status conference or otherwise set a schedule for the case.

The Company intends to vigorously defend the complaint and pursue its counterclaims.

Other Matters. During the second quarter of 2016, warrants representing 128,500 shares were exercised. The 128,500 shares of common stock had previously been registered for re-sale. However, we believe that these 128,500 warrant shares were sold by the holders in open market transactions in May 2016 at a time when the registration statement was ineffective. Accordingly, those sales were not made in accordance with Sections 5 and 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, and the purchasers of those shares may have rescission rights (if they still own the shares) or claims for damages (if they no longer own the shares). The amount of any such liability is uncertain and as such, an accrual for any potential loss has not been made. The Company believes that any claims brought against it would not result in a material impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has not accrued a loss for a potential claim associated with this matter as it is unable to estimate any at this time.

The Company may be involved, from time to time, in legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. The Company accrues amounts, to the extent they can be reasonably estimated, that it believes are adequate to address any liabilities related to legal proceedings and other loss contingencies that the Company believes will result in a probable loss. While there can be no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of any legal proceeding or other loss contingency involving the Company, management does not believe any pending matter will be resolved in a manner that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Loss per Share

Loss per Share

At June 30, 2017 and 2016, the following outstanding common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share because their impact would be anti-dilutive.

	June 30,
	2017		2016
Stock options		6,845,580		4,270,989
Warrants		6,466,216		6,953,716
Series A Convertible Preferred*		847,000		847,000
Series B Convertible Preferred*		7,946,673		11,368,633
Restricted stock awards		2,917		98,750
Restricted stock units		137,500		550,000
		22,245,886		24,089,088

* on an as-converted basis

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

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

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 (in thousands):

	Assets at Fair Value as of June 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	13,233	$	-	$	13,233
US Government agency securities		-		1,499		-		1,499
Total	$	-	$	14,732	$	-	$	14,732

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	29,178	$	-	$	29,178
Corporate debt securities		-		26,578		-		26,578
US Government agency securities		-		3,997		-		3,997
Total	$	-	$	59,753	$	-	$	59,753

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

Total stock-based compensation expense related to all our stock-based awards was recorded on the statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Research and development	$	1,896	$	593	$	3,283	$	1,178
General and administrative		1,397		4,764		3,306		5,958
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

Total stock-based compensation broken down based on each individual instrument was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Stock option expense	$	2,977	$	4,584	$	5,631	$	6,068
Restricted stock award expense		14		535		27		830
Restricted stock unit expense		302		238		931		238
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Convertible Instruments

Convertible Instruments

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

At June 30, 2017 and 2016, the following outstanding common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share because their impact would be anti-dilutive.

	June 30,
	2017		2016
Stock options		6,845,580		4,270,989
Warrants		6,466,216		6,953,716
Series A Convertible Preferred*		847,000		847,000
Series B Convertible Preferred*		7,946,673		11,368,633
Restricted stock awards		2,917		98,750
Restricted stock units		137,500		550,000
		22,245,886		24,089,088

* on an as-converted basis

Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value

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 (in thousands):

	Assets at Fair Value as of June 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	13,233	$	-	$	13,233
US Government agency securities		-		1,499		-		1,499
Total	$	-	$	14,732	$	-	$	14,732

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	-	$	29,178	$	-	$	29,178
Corporate debt securities		-		26,578		-		26,578
US Government agency securities		-		3,997		-		3,997
Total	$	-	$	59,753	$	-	$	59,753

Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation

Total stock-based compensation expense related to all our stock-based awards was recorded on the statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Research and development	$	1,896	$	593	$	3,283	$	1,178
General and administrative		1,397		4,764		3,306		5,958
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan

Total stock-based compensation broken down based on each individual instrument was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Stock option expense	$	2,977	$	4,584	$	5,631	$	6,068
Restricted stock award expense		14		535		27		830
Restricted stock unit expense		302		238		931		238
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,293	$	5,357	$	6,589	$	7,136

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized Cost	$ 90,921	$ 90,370
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	61
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(32)
Fair Value	90,921	90,399
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized Cost		26,606
Gross Unrealized Gains		1
Gross Unrealized Losses		(29)
Fair Value		26,578
Commercial Paper [Member]
Amortized Cost	13,232	29,118
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	60
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	13,233	29,178
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized Cost	1,500	4,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(3)
Fair Value	1,499	3,997
Money Market Funds [Member]
Amortized Cost	76,189	30,646
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 76,189	$ 30,646

BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued payroll and employee related expenses	$ 1,625	$ 1,581
Legal and related services	898	927
Clinical related	1,066	614
Manufacturing related	1,004	437
Deferred rent	485	422
Accrued other	87	124
Accrued liabilities	$ 5,165	$ 4,105

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - Warrant [Member]	6 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - Warrant [Member]	Jun. 30, 2017 $ / shares shares
Shares Under Warrants
Outstanding, beginning balance \| shares	6,566,216
Issued \| shares	0
Exercised \| shares	(100,000)
Expired/Cancelled \| shares	0
Outstanding, ending balance \| shares	6,466,216
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 2.51
Granted \| $ / shares	0
Exercised \| $ / shares	2.5
Expired/Cancelled \| $ / shares	0
Outstanding, ending balance \| $ / shares	$ 2.51

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Warrant [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		1 year 4 months 24 days
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued		500
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted		0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		17,000		17,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Private Placement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		17,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share		$ 2.00
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 1,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted		0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	11,500,000	11,500,000	11,500,000	11,500,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 4.75	$ 0.001	$ 4.75	$ 0.001
Convertible Price Per Shares	$ 4.75
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,946,673	7,946,673	7,946,673	7,946,673
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized				11,500,000
Blank Check [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		50,000,000

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 $ / shares shares
Number of Options
Outstanding, beginning balance \| shares	6,233,150
Granted \| shares	1,341,000
Exercised \| shares	(116,348)
Expired/Forfeited \| shares	(612,222)
Outstanding, ending balance \| shares	6,845,580
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 7.24
Granted \| $ / shares	6.96
Exercised \| $ / shares	5.54
Expired/Forfeited \| $ / shares	6.52
Outstanding, ending balance \| $ / shares	$ 7.28

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Details 1)	6 Months Ended
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Details 1)	Jun. 30, 2017 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Non-vested shares, Beginning Balance \| shares	7,084
Granted \| shares	0
Vested \| shares	(4,167)
Forfeited \| shares	0
Non-vested shares, Ending balance \| shares	2,917
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 6.48
Granted \| $ / shares	0
Vested \| $ / shares	6.53
Forfeited \| $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance \| $ / shares	$ 6.4

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Details Textual) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2017	Apr. 10, 2015	Jun. 01, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 16, 2016	Nov. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total					$ 23,300,000		$ 23,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition							2 years
Share-based Compensation					$ 3,000,000	$ 4,600,000	$ 6,589,000	$ 7,136,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period							0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value							$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period							4,167
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 5.98	$ 6.19	$ 6.85	$ 5.68
Restricted Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense					$ 300,000	$ 200,000	$ 900,000	$ 200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total					7,000		7,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense							$ 800,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition							2 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation					$ 0	$ 600,000	$ 0	$ 800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	137,500		137,500
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				550,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 5.87
First Anniversary [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			137,500	137,500
Satisfaction Of Clinical Trial Milestones [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period				275,000
Equal Monthly Installments [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			137,500	137,500
2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized		4,000,000							5,000,000	2,350,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized		1,650,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant					2,688,716		2,688,716
2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized									9,000,000
2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized									4,000,000

AGREEMENTS (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
AGREEMENTS (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 14, 2016	Apr. 17, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Research and Development Expense, Total			$ 19,653	$ 4,463	$ 36,276	$ 8,655
Research and Development Arrangement [Member]
Prepaid Expense, Current			1,400		1,400
Maximum [Member] \| Research and Development Arrangement [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Costs Incurred, Gross		$ 14,200
KarolinskaUniversityHospital [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total			500	0	700	0
Payments For Clinical Trials Agreement					1,600
Repayments To Be Made For Termination Of Licence Agreement	$ 2,200
Payments To Be Made For Other Related Agreements	2,600
National Cancer Institute [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total					500
Exclusive Patent License Agreement [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total			0	0	0	0
Payments For Upfront Licensing Fee					800
Moffitt License Agreement [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total			1,700	200	2,300	600
Payments For Upfront Licensing Fee					100
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total			500	500	1,000	1,000
PolyBioCept, AB - Exclusive and Co-Exclusive License Agreement [Member]
Research and Development Expense, Total			$ 0		$ 200
Payments For Upfront Licensing Fee				$ 200		$ 200
Payment For Upfront Exclusive License	2,500
Additional Milesone Payable	$ 8,700
Number Of Unregistered Common Stock To Be Issued	2,219,376
ReimbursementIn Relation To Transfer Of Knowhow	$ 200
Clinical Trials Management Fees Payable	100
Consulting Fees Receivable	$ 200
Initial Term Of Licence Agreement	30 years

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details Textual) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Jun. 03, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 shares	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) shares	Apr. 08, 2016 USD ($)
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 0.5
Common Stock Registered For Resale \| shares					128,500
Number of share options or share units exercised during the current period. \| shares					128,500
Warrant [Member]
Shares Sold Under Ineffective Registration \| shares				128,500
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss						$ 1.5
Solomon Capital, LLC [Member]
Proceeds from Related Party Debt		$ 0.2	$ 0.1
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments					111,425
Solomon Capital, LLC [Member] \| Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 0.2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINENGIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
2017 (remaining six months)	$ 552
2018	1,023
2019	700
2020	495
2021	169
Total	$ 2,939

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINENGIES (Details Textual)		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINENGIES (Details Textual)	Aug. 04, 2016 USD ($) ft²	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 05, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017 ft²	Sep. 30, 2016 ft²	Apr. 30, 2015 ft²	Dec. 31, 2014 ft²
License And Commitments [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 200,000	$ 100,000	$ 500,000	$ 200,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		$ 2,939,000		2,939,000
Tampa Lease [Member]
License And Commitments [Line Items]
Area of Land \| ft²								8,673	6,043	5,115
New York Lease [Member]
License And Commitments [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due						$ 8,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals				$ 18,000
San Carlos Lease [Member]
License And Commitments [Line Items]
Area of Land \| ft²	8,733
Lease Expiration Term	54 months
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 2,100,000
Teradata US, Inc [Member]
License And Commitments [Line Items]
Area of Land \| ft²							11,449

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	$ 14,732	$ 59,753
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total		26,578
US Government agency securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	1,499	3,997
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| US Government agency securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	14,732	59,753
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total		26,578
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| US Government agency securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	1,499	3,997
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| US Government agency securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Commercial paper [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	13,233	29,178
Commercial paper [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	13,233	29,178
Commercial paper [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	$ 0	$ 0

BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Total Property and equipment, cost	$ 5,123	$ 4,455
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,545)	(2,081)
Property and equipment, net	2,578	2,374
Lab Equipment [Member]
Total Property and equipment, cost	2,942	2,405
Computer Equipment [Member]
Total Property and equipment, cost	263	245
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Total Property and equipment, cost	179	148
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Total Property and equipment, cost	1,707	1,381
Construction in Progress [Member]
Total Property and equipment, cost	$ 32	$ 276

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 114,285	$ 106,717	$ 120,966	$ 33,587
Available-for-sale Securities	14,732	59,753
Commercial Paper [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,233	29,178
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	26,578
US Government Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,499	3,997
Demand Deposits [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	38,096	76,071
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 76,189	$ 30,646

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 14,732
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	$ 14,732	$ 59,753