Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block]

Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following terms:

Asset	Rate
Laboratory equipment	5 years
Production equipment	7 years
Computer equipment	3-5 years
Software	3-5 years
Furniture and office equipment	5-7 years

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block]

Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following terms:

Asset	Rate
Patents	over the patent life
Trade name	10 years
Marketing rights	10 years
Licenses	10 years