View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	NEWLINK GENETICS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001126234
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--06-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,701,354
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 342,253,457

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 59,039	$ 20,250
Certificates of deposit	249	1,494
Prepaid expenses	535	907
State research and development credit receivable	436	542
Other receivables	812	196
Total current assets	61,071	23,389
Leasehold improvements and equipment:
Leasehold improvements	5,249	5,085
Computer equipment	668	636
Lab equipment	3,428	3,297
Total leasehold improvements and equipment	9,345	9,018
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,403)	(2,978)
Leasehold improvements and equipment, net	5,942	6,040
Total assets	67,013	29,429
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,076	972
Accrued expenses	2,817	1,659
Deferred rent	84	84
Current portion of long term debt	186	204
Total current liabilities	4,163	2,919
Long term liabilities:
Royalty obligation payable to Iowa Economic Development Authority	6,000	6,000
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	1,129	1,178
Deferred rent, excluding current portion	1,363	1,405
Total long-term liabilities	8,492	8,583
Total liabilities	12,655	11,502
Equity (deficit):
Blank check preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 5,000,000 at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; issued and outstanding shares — 0 at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 75,000,000 at June 30, 2013 and 38,833,334 at December 31, 2012; issued and outstanding shares — 25,700,286 at June 30, 2013, and 20,985,192 at December 31, 2012	257	210
Additional paid-in capital	173,909	122,514
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	(119,808)	(104,797)
Total equity	54,358	17,927
Total liabilities and equity	$ 67,013	$ 29,429

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity:
Blank check preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Blank check preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Blank check preferred stock, issued shares	0.00	0.00
Blank check preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	75,000,000	38,833,334
Common stock, issued shares	25,700,286	20,985,192
Common stock, outstanding shares	25,700,286	20,985,192

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Grant revenue	$ 232	$ 590	$ 534	$ 1,061	$ 7,938
Operating expenses:
Research and development	5,037	4,740	11,380	8,570	89,536
General and administrative	2,264	2,151	4,265	3,609	41,208
Total operating expenses	7,301	6,891	15,645	12,179	130,744
Loss from operations	(7,069)	(6,301)	(15,111)	(11,118)	(122,806)
Other income and expense:
Miscellaneous income	0	0	114	(21)	434
Forgiveness of debt	0	0	0	0	449
Interest income	2	4	4	8	1,771
Interest expense	(10)	(12)	(18)	(20)	(199)
Other (expense) income, net	(8)	(8)	100	(33)	2,455
Net loss	(7,077)	(6,309)	(15,011)	(11,151)	(120,351)
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	583
Net loss attributable to NewLink	$ (7,077)	$ (6,309)	$ (15,011)	$ (11,151)	$ (119,768)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (0.28)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.54)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	25,620,566	20,684,944	24,745,380	20,649,045

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	25,620,566	20,684,944	24,745,380	20,649,045

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Deficit) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2013 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 17,927	$ 210	$ 122,514	$ (104,797)
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	20,985,192
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock issued	$ 48,916	46	48,870
Stock issued (shares)	4,600,000
Stock compensation	$ 2,027		2,027
Exercise of stock options	$ 323	1	322
Exercise of stock options (shares)	86,867
Sale of shares under stock purchase plan	$ 176	0	176
Sale of shares under stock purchase plan (shares)	28,227
Net loss	$ (15,011)			(15,011)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 54,358	$ 257	$ 173,909	$ (119,808)
Balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2013	25,700,286

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Development Activities
Net loss	$ (15,011)	$ (11,151)	$ (120,351)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in development activities:
Share-based compensation	2,027	1,905	10,571
Depreciation and amortization	425	372	4,174
Loss on sale of fixed assets	0	20	38
In-process research and development expenses	0	0	1,629
Forgiveness of debt	0	0	(449)
Forgiveness of notes receivable from related parties	0	0	350
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	372	155	(535)
State research and development credit receivable	107	(130)	(435)
Other receivables	(617)	(1,015)	(813)
Accounts payable	104	(1,095)	(156)
Accrued expenses and deferred rent	1,116	490	4,264
Net cash used in development activities	(11,477)	(10,449)	(101,713)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of certificates of deposit	0	0	(13,282)
Sale of certificates of deposit	1,245	1,743	13,033
Notes receivable from related parties	0	0	(350)
Purchase of equipment	(274)	(1,114)	(8,366)
Proceeds on sale of fixed assets	0	50	50
Cash paid for OncoRx	0	0	(120)
Net cash used in investing activities	971	679	(9,035)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Cash received from noncontrolling interest investment	0	0	3,479
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	49,416	709	91,861
Repurchase of common stock	0	(4)	(505)
Proceeds from preferred stock	0	0	67,743
Proceeds from notes payable	0	0	8,215
Principal payments on debt	(74)	(47)	(550)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(47)	(51)	(456)
Net cash provided by financing activities	49,295	607	169,787
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	38,789	(9,163)	59,039
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20,250	39,490
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	59,039	30,327	59,039
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:
Cash paid for interest	18	20	150
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Accretion on redeemable preferred stock	0	0	113
Purchased leasehold improvements and equipment in accounts payable	71	22	9
Common stock issued to shareholders of OncoRx as part of acquisition	0	0	1,654
Issuance of common stock dividend to Series AA preferred shareholders	0	0	6
Assets acquired under capital lease	0	0	596
Reduction of IPO offering costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 158

Description of Business and Development Stage Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Development Stage Enterprises [Abstract]
Description of Business and Development Stage Activities	Description of Business and Development Stage Activities NewLink Genetics Corporation ("NewLink") is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel immunotherapeutic products to improve treatment options for patients with cancer. NewLink was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 4, 1999 and initiated operations in April of 2000. In 2005, NewLink created a wholly-owned subsidiary, BioProtection Systems Corporation (BPS). NewLink and BPS (together referred to herein as the "Company") are development stage enterprises that devote substantially all of their efforts toward research and development. NewLink's portfolio includes biologic and small molecule immunotherapy product candidates intended to treat a wide range of oncology indications. NewLink's product candidates are designed to harness multiple components of the immune system to combat cancer without significant incremental toxicity, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatment regimens. The Company has never earned revenue from sales of its drugs under development. The Company incurred net losses of $7.1 million and $15.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, and from June 4, 1999 (inception) through June 30, 2013 has generated a cumulative deficit of $119.8 million. On November 16, 2011, the Company completed its initial public offering (IPO) of common stock raising $37.6 million in net proceeds. On February 4, 2013, the Company completed a follow-on offering of its common stock raising $48.9 million in net proceeds. The accompanying financial statements as of June 30, 2013 and for the three and six months then ended have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. Our cash and cash equivalents are expected to be adequate to satisfy the Company’s liquidity requirements through December 31, 2014, although not through commercialization and launch of revenue producing products. There is no assurance that, if required, the Company will be able to raise additional capital or reduce discretionary spending to provide the required liquidity.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all or part of the detailed information required for development stage enterprises. The information may also be disclosed on an element-by-element basis. Information may include an identification of the current or prior year financial statements of the entity, its development stage subsidiaries, or its investees as those of one or more development stage enterprises; a description of the nature of the development stage activities in which each enterprise is engaged; and in the first fiscal year in which each enterprise is no longer considered a development stage enterprise, a statement that in prior years the enterprise had been in the development stage.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 230
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472471&loc=d3e38015-110924

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 215
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472370&loc=d3e38297-110927

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 210
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472335&loc=d3e37729-110921

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 215
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472370&loc=d3e38313-110927

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 225
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472436&loc=d3e38614-110930

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38942-110933

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 7
-Paragraph 11, 12, 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Basis of Presentation (Notes)	6 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Notes)	Jun. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The interim financial statements have been prepared and presented by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), without audit, and, in management’s opinion, reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in the Company’s accounting policies since the end of fiscal 2012. The financial results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of financial results for the full year.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements.

+ References + Details

Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of NewLink and BPS. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, which are recorded at cost, approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value and carrying value of notes payable and capital lease obligations was $1.3 million and $1.4 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and was determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company is unable to estimate the fair value of the royalty obligation because the timing of payments is uncertain. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit. Cash and cash equivalents are held by financial institutions and are federally insured up to certain limits. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds the federally insured limits. To limit the credit risk, the Company invests its excess cash primarily in high quality cash equivalents such as money market funds or certificates of deposit.

(d) Corporate Actions During the Quarter Ended June 30, 2013

On May 9, 2013, the stockholders of the Company approved the following actions:


•	An increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock from 38,833,334 shares to 75,000,000 shares;


•	An increase in the shares reserved under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan of 161,905 shares from 238,095 shares to 400,000 shares of common stock; and


•	An increase in the shares reserved under the 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of 185,715 shares from 214,285 shares to 400,000 shares of common stock.

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan

In April 2000, the stockholders approved the Company's 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”), and in July 2009, the stockholders approved the Company's 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”). Following the approval of the 2009 Plan, all options outstanding under the 2000 Plan are effectively included under the 2009 Plan. Under the provisions of the 2009 Plan, the Company may grant the following types of common stock awards:


•	Incentive Stock Options


•	Nonstatutory Stock Options


•	Restricted Stock Awards


•	Stock Appreciation Rights

Awards under the 2009 Plan, as amended, may be made to officers, employees, members of the Board of Directors, advisors, and consultants to the Company. On January 1, 2013 an additional 838,375 shares of common stock were added to the shares reserved for future issuance under the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. The shares added to the reserve on January 1, 2013 were increased pursuant to an “evergreen provision” on January 1 of each year, from 2012 to (and including) 2019, in an amount equal to 4% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year. As of June 30, 2013, there were 5,733,514 shares of common stock authorized for the 2009 plan and 702,409 shares remained available for issuance.

Under the terms of the Company’s 2010 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, or Directors’ Plan, which became effective on November 10, 2011, 238,095 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance. On May 9, 2013 an additional 161,905 shares of common stock were added to the shares reserved for future issuance under the Directors' Plan. As of June 30, 2013, 266,202 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.

Under the terms of the Company’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or 2010 Purchase Plan, which became effective on November 10, 2011, 214,285 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance. On May 9, 2013 an additional 185,715 shares of common stock were added to the shares reserved for future issuance under the 2010 Purchase Plan. As of June 30, 2013, 332,250 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.

Stock Options

Share-based employee compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, and from inception through June 30, 2013 was $1.1 million, $2.0 million, $1.2 million, $1.9 million, and $10.6 million, respectively, and is allocated between research and development and general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations, giving rise to a related tax benefit of $0 for all periods. As of June 30, 2013, the total compensation cost related to nonvested option awards not yet recognized was $8.6 million and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 2.9 years.

The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:



	Number of options		Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Outstanding at beginning of period	3,752,413		$	4.34
Options granted	815,250		12.25
Options exercised	(86,867	)	3.71
Options forfeited	(4,619	)	11.46
Options expired	—		—
Outstanding at end of period	4,476,177		$	5.78	7.3
Options exercisable at end of period	2,859,887		$	3.62	6.4

Based on the June 28, 2013 closing price of $19.72 per share, the intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2013, was $62.4 million, of which $46.1 million and $16.3 million related to stock options that were vested and unvested, respectively, at that date.

The following table summarizes options that were granted during the six months ended June 30, 2013, and the range of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model:



Risk-free interest rate		1.12%-1.36%
Expected dividend yield		—
Expected volatility		65.3%-67.3%
Expected term (in years)		6.8-7.0
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share		$7.31

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.2 million. The fair value of awards vested during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.5 million.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The company incurred no income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 or since inception. Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be expected after applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $27.3 million and $23.1 million, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was an increase of $4.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Valuation allowances have been established for the entire amount of the net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, due to the uncertainty of future recoverability. Based on a preliminary analysis, we believe that, from its inception through December 31, 2011, NewLink experienced Section 382 ownership changes in September 2001 and March 2003 and our subsidiary experienced Section 382 ownership changes in January 2006 and January 2011. These ownership changes limit NewLink’s ability to utilize federal net operating loss carryforwards (and certain other tax attributes) that accrued prior to the respective ownership changes of NewLink and our subsidiary. Additional ownership changes may occur in the future as a result of events over which the Company will have little or no control, including purchases and sales of the Company’s equity by our 5% stockholders, the emergence of new 5% stockholders, additional equity offerings or redemptions of the Company’s stock or certain changes in the ownership of any of the Company’s 5% stockholders.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Net Loss per Common Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Loss per Common Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method. For purposes of this calculation, preferred stock, stock options and warrants are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share (in thousands, except share and per share data):



	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012
Historical net loss per share
Numerator
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(15,011	)	$	(11,151	)
Denominator
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)	24,745,380			20,649,045
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.61	)	$	(0.54	)

As of June 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively, 4.5 million and 3.8 million common equivalent shares of potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	Jun. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies On May 30, 2013, we entered into a Standard Design-Build Agreement, or the Story Agreement, with Story Construction Co. to provide temporary remodeling services with respect to approximately 11,800 square feet of existing manufacturing and quality control space at our headquarters in Ames, Iowa. Our obligations under the Story Agreement constitute a purchase obligation of approximately $1.0 million. The full amount is due upon substantial completion of the work, which the Story Agreement contemplates to be less than one year following the date of the Story Agreement. The Story Agreement does not affect our contractual lease obligations or other contractual obligations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of NewLink and BPS. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, which are recorded at cost, approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value and carrying value of notes payable and capital lease obligations was $1.3 million and $1.4 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and was determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company is unable to estimate the fair value of the royalty obligation because the timing of payments is uncertain.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit. Cash and cash equivalents are held by financial institutions and are federally insured up to certain limits. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds the federally insured limits. To limit the credit risk, the Company invests its excess cash primarily in high quality cash equivalents such as money market funds or certificates of deposit.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for credit risk.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6875567&loc=d3e14489-108613

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 825
-Section 55
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487554&loc=d3e32600-158583

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 825
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6480020&loc=d3e61082-112788

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13531-108611

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6875567&loc=d3e14537-108613

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 825
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6480020&loc=d3e61044-112788

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number SOP94-6-1
-Paragraph 7, 11
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 113
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16385135&loc=d3e33801-111570

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02, 03
-Article 3A

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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

Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2013:



	Number of options		Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Outstanding at beginning of period	3,752,413		$	4.34
Options granted	815,250		12.25
Options exercised	(86,867	)	3.71
Options forfeited	(4,619	)	11.46
Options expired	—		—
Outstanding at end of period	4,476,177		$	5.78	7.3
Options exercisable at end of period	2,859,887		$	3.62	6.4

Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Pricing Model for New Grants



Risk-free interest rate		1.12%-1.36%
Expected dividend yield		—
Expected volatility		65.3%-67.3%
Expected term (in years)		6.8-7.0
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share		$7.31

Net Loss per Common Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share (in thousands, except share and per share data):



	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012
Historical net loss per share
Numerator
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(15,011	)	$	(11,151	)
Denominator
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)	24,745,380			20,649,045
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.61	)	$	(0.54	)

Description of Business and Development Stage Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 16, 2011
Development Stage Enterprises [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ (7,077)	$ (6,309)	$ (15,011)	$ (11,151)	$ (119,768)
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	$ (119,808)		$ (119,808)		$ (119,808)		$ (104,797)
Initial Public Offering
Financings
FInancing proceeds								$ 37,600
Follow-on Offering
Financings
FInancing proceeds						$ 48,900

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Instruments
Fair value and carrying value of notes payable and capital lease obligations	$ 1,300		$ 1,300		$ 1,300	$ 1,400
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	59,039		59,039		59,039	$ 20,250
Revenue Recognition
Grant revenue	$ 232	$ 590	$ 534	$ 1,061	$ 7,938
Previous Shares Authorized [Member]
Common Shares Authorized [Line Items]
Company Common Stock	38,833,334		38,833,334		38,833,334
2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan	238,095		238,095		238,095
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	214,285		214,285		214,285
Increase In Shares Authorized [Member]
Common Shares Authorized [Line Items]
2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan	161,905		161,905		161,905
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	185,715		185,715		185,715
Current Shares Authorized June [Member]
Common Shares Authorized [Line Items]
Company Common Stock	75,000,000		75,000,000		75,000,000
2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan	400,000		400,000		400,000
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	400,000		400,000		400,000

Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan (Details)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan
Total Compensation Cost Related to Non-vested Option Awards \| $	$ 8,600,000		$ 8,600,000		$ 8,600,000
Weighted Average Vesting Period for Non-vested Option Awards, In Years			2.9
Share-based Compensation Expense \| $	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,900,000	$ 10,600,000
Income Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense \| $			0	$ 0
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised \| $			1,200,000
Fair Value of Awards Vested \| $			$ 1,500,000
Intrinsic Value Price per Share Base \| $ / shares	$ 19.72		$ 19.72		$ 19.72
Intrinsic Value Outstanding \| $	$ 62,400,000		$ 62,400,000		$ 62,400,000
Intrinsic Value Vested \| $	46,100,000		46,100,000		46,100,000
Intrinsic Value Unvested \| $	$ 16,300,000		$ 16,300,000		$ 16,300,000
Assumptions Used in Black Scholes Pricing Model for New Grants
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share \| $ / shares			$ 7.31
Stock Option Activity
Outstanding at beginning of period			3,752,413
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 4.34
Grants			815,250
Grants, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 12.25
Exercises			(86,867)
Exercises, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 3.71
Forfeitures			(4,619)
Forfeitures, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 11.46
Expirations			0
Expirations, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 0.00
Outstanding at end of period	4,476,177		4,476,177		4,476,177
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares	$ 5.78		$ 5.78		$ 5.78
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average remaining contractual term, in years	7.3		7.3		7.3
Exercisable	2,859,887		2,859,887		2,859,887
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares	$ 3.62		$ 3.62		$ 3.62
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term, in years	6.4		6.4		6.4
Minimum
Assumptions Used in Black Scholes Pricing Model for New Grants
Risk Free Interest Rate			1.12%
Dividend Rate			0.00%
Volatility Rate			65.30%
Expected Term (in years)			6.8
Maximum
Assumptions Used in Black Scholes Pricing Model for New Grants
Risk Free Interest Rate			1.36%
Dividend Rate			0.00%
Volatility Rate			67.30%
Expected Term (in years)			7.0
2009 Equity Incentive Plan
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan
Number of Shares Authorized	5,733,514		5,733,514		5,733,514
Number of Shares Available for Grant	702,409		702,409		702,409
Increase in Number of Shares Authorized			838,375
Evergreen Increase Percentage			4.00%
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan
Number of Shares Authorized	214,285		214,285		214,285
Number of Shares Available for Grant	332,250		332,250		332,250
Increase in Number of Shares Authorized			185,715
2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
Common Stock Equity Incentive Plan
Number of Shares Authorized	238,095		238,095		238,095
Number of Shares Available for Grant	266,202		266,202		266,202
Increase in Number of Shares Authorized			161,905

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended		169 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance	(27,300,000)		$ (27,300,000)	$ (23,100,000)
Change in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance	$ 4,200,000	$ 2,300,000

Net Loss per Common Share (Net Loss Per Share Computation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to common stockholders			$ (15,011)	$ (11,151)
Weighted-average number of common share outstanding, basic and diluted	25,620,566	20,684,944	24,745,380	20,649,045
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (0.28)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.54)

Net Loss per Common Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net loss per share	4.5	3.8

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Design-Build Agreement [Abstract]
Design Build Agreement - Story Construction - Square Feet	11,800
Design Build Agreement - Story Construction - Cost	$ 1.0

Label

Element

Value

Pending Corporate Actions [Policy Text Block]

nlnk_PendingCorporateActionsPolicyTextBlock

Corporate Actions During the Quarter Ended June 30, 2013

On May 9, 2013, the stockholders of the Company approved the following actions:


•	An increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock from 38,833,334 shares to 75,000,000 shares;


•	An increase in the shares reserved under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Award Plan of 161,905 shares from 238,095 shares to 400,000 shares of common stock; and


•	An increase in the shares reserved under the 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of 185,715 shares from 214,285 shares to 400,000 shares of common stock