10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission file number: 001-36003

CONATUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	20-3183915
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4365 Executive Dr., Suite 200
San Diego, CA	92121
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(858) 558-8130

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨     No  x

As of April 30, 2014, the registrant had 15,632,000 shares of common stock ($0.0001 par value) outstanding.

CONATUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	15
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	22
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	23
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	23
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	25
ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	26
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	26
ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	26
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	26
SIGNATURES		27
EXHIBIT INDEX		28
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

(a development stage company)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,485,662		$	4,158,953
Marketable securities		48,596,378			52,194,034
Prepaid and other current assets		687,164			545,504
Total current assets		51,769,204			56,898,491
Property and equipment, net		32,630			23,068
Other assets		77,376			14,395
Total assets	$	51,879,210		$	56,935,954
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	2,160,063		$	1,494,435
Accrued compensation		456,456			1,322,569
Total current liabilities		2,616,519			2,817,004
Note payable		1,000,000			1,000,000
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 15,632,000 shares issued and 15,424,320 shares outstanding, excluding 207,680 shares subject to repurchase, at March 31, 2014; 15,619,879 shares issued and 15,386,542 shares outstanding, excluding 233,337 shares subject to repurchase, at December 31, 2013		1,542			1,539
Additional paid-in capital		127,936,873			127,536,408
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(1,874	)		11,497
Deficit accumulated during the development stage		(79,673,850	)		(74,430,494	)
Total stockholders’ equity		48,262,691			53,118,950
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	51,879,210		$	56,935,954

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

(a development stage company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

							Period from
							July 13, 2005
	Three Months Ended March 31,						(Inception) to
	2014			2013			March 31, 2014
Operating expenses:
Research and development	$	3,650,598		$	967,778		$	51,423,185
General and administrative		1,595,247			748,796			24,362,646
Total operating expenses		5,245,845			1,716,574			75,785,831
Other income (expense):
Interest income		20,773			132			1,401,667
Interest expense		(17,500	)		(17,500	)		(1,254,899	)
Other (expense) income		(784	)		(15,677	)		239,545
Other financing expense		—			(547,164	)		(4,267,839	)
Total other income (expense)		2,489			(580,209	)		(3,881,526	)
Net loss		(5,243,356	)		(2,296,783	)		(79,667,357	)
Other comprehensive loss:
Net unrealized losses on marketable securities		(13,371	)		(551	)		(1,874	)
Comprehensive loss	$	(5,256,727	)	$	(2,297,334	)	$	(79,669,231	)
Reconciliation of net loss to net loss applicable to common stockholders:
Net loss	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)	$	(79,667,357	)
Gain on extinguishment of convertible preferred stock		—			—			11,491,043
Deemed distribution from promissory note issuance		—			—			(474,561	)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)	$	(68,650,875	)
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted		15,412,498			1,060,533

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

(a development stage company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

							Period from
							July 13, 2005
	Three Months Ended March 31,						(Inception) to
	2014			2013			March 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net loss	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)	$	(79,667,357	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation		3,356			2,698			213,068
Share-based compensation expense		379,433			21,418			1,034,266
Noncash other financing expense		—			547,164			4,846,240
Acquisition of in-process research and development		—			—			1,250,000
Share-based compensation in lieu of salaries		—			—			659,224
Noncash license expense		—			—			2,249,999
Amortization of premium on investments		195,533			8,922			273,099
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid and other current assets		(141,660	)		(7,148	)		(687,164	)
Other assets		(62,981	)		(25,901	)		(77,376	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		665,628			(697,169	)		2,160,063
Accrued compensation		(857,078	)		15,464			417,718
Net cash used in operating activities		(5,061,125	)		(2,431,335	)		(67,328,220	)
Investing activities
Maturities of investments		13,031,000			3,725,000			118,538,865
Purchase of investments		(9,642,248	)		—			(167,410,216	)
Cash paid to acquire in-process research and development		—			—			(250,000	)
Capital expenditures		(12,918	)		—			(245,698	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		3,375,834			3,725,000			(49,367,049	)
Financing activities
Issuance of promissory notes and warrants		—			—			7,201,673
Distribution to wholly owned subsidiary in connection with spin-off of Idun		—			(500,000	)		(500,000	)
Issuance of preferred stock for cash, net of offering costs		—			—			53,731,226
Issuance of common stock related to initial public offering, net of offering costs		—			—			58,608,454
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options and cash		12,000			10,730			139,578
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		12,000			(489,270	)		119,180,931
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(1,673,291	)		804,395			2,485,662
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		4,158,953			4,036,091			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2,485,662		$	4,840,486		$	2,485,662
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	17,500		$	17,500		$	275,639
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Conversion of notes payable for preferred stock	$	—		$	—		$	6,736,946
Conversion of notes payable for common stock	$	—		$	—		$	1,001,439
Issuance of warrants in conjunction with debt	$	—		$	—		$	2,361,223
Issuance of note payable related to acquisition of in-process research and development	$	—		$	—		$	1,000,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

(a development stage company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 13, 2005. The Company is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to product development and has not realized revenues from its planned principal operations. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage.

The Company has a limited operating history and the sales and income potential of the Company’s business and market are unproven. The Company has experienced net losses since its inception and, as of March 31, 2014, had an accumulated deficit of $79.7 million. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses for at least the next several years. Successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. If the Company is unable to generate revenues adequate to support its cost structure, the Company may need to raise additional equity or debt financing.

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to a quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant risk on its cash. Additionally, the Company established guidelines regarding approved investments and maturities of investments, which are designed to maintain safety and liquidity.

6

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in readily available checking and money market accounts.

Investments

The Company classifies its investments as available-for-sale and records such assets at estimated fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company invests its excess cash balances primarily in corporate debt securities and money market funds with strong credit ratings. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method and recorded as interest income. There have been no realized gains and losses for the period ended March 31, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013, and for the period from July 13, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2014.

At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. The Company considers factors including: the significance of the decline in value compared to the cost basis, underlying factors contributing to a decline in the prices of securities in a single asset class, the length of time the market value of the security has been less than its cost basis, the security’s relative performance versus its peers, sector or asset class, expected market volatility and the market and economy in general. When the Company determines that a decline in the fair value below its cost basis is other-than-temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline occurred. There have been no other-than-temporary declines in the value of marketable securities, as it is more likely than not the Company will hold the securities until maturity or a recovery of the cost basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of the short maturity of these items.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, which consists of furniture and fixtures, computers and office equipment and leasehold improvements, are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to five years) using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company regularly reviews the carrying value and estimated lives of all of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, to determine whether indicators of impairment may exist which warrant adjustments to carrying values or estimated useful lives. The determinants used for this evaluation include management’s estimate of the asset’s ability to generate positive income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods, as well as the strategic significance of the assets to the Company’s business objective. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset’s fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses through March 31, 2014.

Research and Development Expenses

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

7

Income Taxes

The Company’s policy related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2013, there are no unrecognized tax benefits included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet that would, if recognized, affect the Company’s effective tax rate, and we have noted no material changes through March 31, 2014. The Company has not recognized interest and penalties in the condensed consolidated balance sheets or condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company is subject to U.S. and California taxation. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s tax years beginning 2005 to date are subject to examination by taxing authorities.

Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability

The Company had issued freestanding warrants exercisable to purchase shares of its Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock. These warrants were classified as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock in July 2013, as the terms for redemption of the underlying security were outside the Company’s control. The Series A convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Series B convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The fair value of all warrants, except as noted below, was remeasured at each financial reporting date with any changes in fair value being recognized in other financing (expense) income, a component of other (expense) income, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company ceased the remeasurement of the fair value upon exercise of the Series A warrants and the Series B warrants becoming exercisable for shares of common stock, immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO in July 2013.

Comprehensive Loss

The Company is required to report all components of comprehensive loss, including net loss, in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on investments. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for all periods presented.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents are only included when their effect is dilutive. The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, which include convertible preferred stock, warrants, outstanding stock options under the stock option plan and common stock subject to repurchase by the Company, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share in the periods in which they would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to compute basic and diluted shares outstanding due to the Company’s net loss position.

8

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		15,412,498			1,060,533
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)
Diluted	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Convertible preferred stock		—		9,565,021
Warrants to purchase preferred stock		—		280,675
Warrants to purchase common stock		149,704		—
Common stock options		1,615,719		593,803
Common stock subject to repurchase		207,680		271,099
Total		1,973,103		10,710,598

3. Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the accounting guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1:	Includes financial instruments for which quoted market prices for identical instruments are available in active markets.
Level 2:	Includes financial instruments for which there are inputs other than quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transaction (less active markets) or model-driven valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3:	Includes financial instruments for which fair value is derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable, including management’s own assumptions.

9

Below is a summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	March 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	2,180,809	$	2,180,809	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		70,000		—		70,000		—
Corporate debt securities		48,526,378		—		48,526,378		—
Total assets	$	50,777,187	$	2,180,809	$	48,596,378	$	—

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	3,832,902	$	3,832,902	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		255,000		—		255,000		—
Corporate debt securities		50,438,149		—		50,438,149		—
Debt securities in government sponsored entities		1,500,885		—		1,500,885		—
Total assets	$	56,026,936	$	3,832,902	$	52,194,034	$	—

The Company’s marketable securities, consisting principally of debt securities, are classified as available-for-sale, are stated at fair value and consist of Level 2 financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy. The Company determines the fair value of its debt security holdings based on pricing from a service provider. The service provider values the securities based on using market prices from a variety of industry-standard independent data providers. Such market prices may be quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or pricing determined using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs), such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures.

The fair value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability was determined based on “Level 3” inputs and utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the Series A convertible preferred stock warrants. The Series B convertible preferred stock warrants utilized a Monte Carlo model. The warrant liabilities were marked to market before converting to equity at the IPO. The following table presents activity for the convertible preferred stock warrant liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

10

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	160,345
Issuance of preferred stock warrants		625,679
Changes in fair value reflected as other financing expense		3,457,184
Conversion to equity at IPO		(4,243,208	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

The fair value of the convertible promissory notes was determined based on “Level 3” inputs and valued the notes utilizing an estimated cost of debt from publicly available information on issuances of high yield fixed income securities issued by comparable companies. The Company concluded that a 15% discount rate was appropriate, resulting in an initial fair value for the notes of approximately $970,000. The discount was accreted to interest expense through the Company’s IPO and was accreted completely at the IPO as the notes plus accrued interest converted to common stock at the IPO. The following table presents activity for the convertible promissory notes measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—
Issuance of convertible promissory notes		970,000
Accretion of debt discount to interest expense		31,439
Conversion to equity at IPO		(1,001,439	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

4. Investments

The Company invests its excess cash in money market funds and debt instruments of financial institutions, corporations, government sponsored entities and municipalities. The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities:

As of March 31, 2014	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	46,776,006	$	—	$	(766	)	$	46,775,240
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		1,752,246		—		(1,108	)		1,751,138
Municipal bonds	1 or less		70,000		—		—			70,000
Total		$	48,598,252	$	—	$	(1,874	)	$	48,596,378
As of December 31, 2013	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	47,172,466	$	11,148	$	—		$	47,183,614
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		3,254,329		206		—			3,254,535
Debt securities in government sponsored entities	1 - 2		1,500,742		143		—			1,500,885
Municipal bonds	1 or less		255,000		—		—			255,000
Total		$	52,182,537	$	11,497	$	—		$	52,194,034

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5. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

	Useful Life in Years	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Furniture and fixtures	4	$	123,685		$	115,417
Computer equipment and office equipment	4		101,218			96,569
Leasehold improvements	4		3,645			3,645
			228,548			215,631
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(195,918	)		(192,563	)
		$	32,630		$	23,068

6. Note Payable

In July 2010, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note payable to Pfizer Inc. The note bears interest at 7% per annum, which is paid quarterly, and matures on July 29, 2020. The note payable prohibits the Company from paying cash dividends and is subject to acceleration upon specified events of default as defined in the agreement including the failure to notify Pfizer of certain material adverse events. In July 2013, the note payable to Pfizer was amended to become convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock following the completion of the IPO, at the option of the holder, at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of conversion.

In May 2013, the Company entered into a note and warrant purchase agreement with certain existing investors pursuant to which it sold, in a private placement, an aggregate of $1.0 million of convertible promissory notes (the 2013 Notes), and issued warrants exercisable to purchase 1,124,026 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the 2013 Warrants). The 2013 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 6% per annum and were due and payable on the earlier of (1) any date after November 30, 2013 upon which holders of 75% of the outstanding principal amount of all such 2013 Notes demand repayment, or (2) the occurrence of a change of control of the Company, subject in each case to their earlier conversion in the event the Company completed a qualified initial public offering or private placement of debt and/or equity. The 2013 Notes did not provide for any potential adjustments to the stated conversion rates other than in the event of stock splits, stock dividends and recapitalizations. The conversion of the 2013 Notes in the event of a qualified initial public offering or private placement of equity was deemed to be the predominant settlement mechanism. As this predominant settlement mechanism provided for the settlement of a fixed monetary amount in a variable number of equity instruments, the Company concluded that it was appropriate to recognize the 2013 Notes at fair value. The Company valued the 2013 Notes utilizing an estimated cost of debt from publicly available information on issuances of high yield fixed income securities issued by comparable companies. The Company concluded that a 15% discount rate was appropriate, resulting in an initial fair value for the 2013 Notes of approximately $970,000. Upon completion of the IPO, the 2013 Notes plus accrued interest automatically converted into 91,948 shares of common stock.

The 2013 Warrants were exercisable for an aggregate of 1,124,026 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share. Upon completion of the IPO, the 2013 Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 136,236 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. The 2013 Warrants will expire on May 30, 2018. The 2013 Warrants were initially accounted for as liabilities with changes in fair value recognized within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company determined that the initial value of the 2013 Warrants was $506,000. The 2013 Warrants were valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation of various weighted scenarios. Following the IPO, the 2013 Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

The valuation at the issuance of the 2013 Notes and 2013 Warrants resulted in a deemed distribution in the amount of $474,561 accounted for as a reduction in net income attributable to common stockholders.

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In July 2013, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement, (the Credit Facility) with Oxford Finance LLC and Silicon Valley Bank (the Lenders). The Credit Facility provided funding for an aggregate principal amount of up to $15.0 million. The first term loan of the Credit Facility was funded in July 2013 in the amount of $1.0 million. On September 25, 2013, the Company prepaid the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility. Accordingly, the Credit Facility was terminated on September 25, 2013. In connection with the funding of the first term loan under the Credit Facility, the Company issued warrants to the Lenders to purchase up to an aggregate of 111,112 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share (Lender Warrants). The Lender Warrants will expire on July 3, 2023. The Lender Warrants were initially accounted for as liabilities with the changes in fair value recognized within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

The Lender Warrants were initially valued at $119,679, and such amount was recognized as additional expense. Upon completion of the IPO, the Lender Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 13,468 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. Following the IPO, the Lender Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

7. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

During 2005, the Company sold 727,273 shares of common stock to founders for approximately $6,000. During 2006, the Company sold 181,818 shares of common stock to founders for approximately $45,000, subject to certain restrictions that have since been released.

In July 2013, the Company implemented a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements give effect to the reverse split for all periods presented.

In July 2013, the Company completed the IPO of 6,000,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $11.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $58.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering-related transaction costs.

Warrants

The Company issued warrants to purchase a total of 2,333,320 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in conjunction with a convertible bridge financing in 2010 and issued the 2013 Warrants and Lender Warrants in conjunction with a convertible bridge financing and the Credit Facility funding in 2013. The Company initially accounted for the warrants as liabilities because they were exercisable for shares of preferred stock that were classified outside of permanent equity. The convertible preferred stock warrant liability was required to be recorded at fair value at the grant date of the warrants and the carrying value adjusted at each reporting date. The Company revalued the warrants at July 30, 2013 (date of IPO closing) and recorded the change in the value of the warrants of approximately $3.5 million as other financing expense. The Series A warrants converted to 280,675 shares of common stock as a result of the net exercise of such warrants at the IPO. Upon the completion of the IPO, the 2013 Warrants and the Lender Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 149,704 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. Following the IPO, the 2013 Warrants and Lender Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

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Stock Options

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under all stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2014:

	Total Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance at December 31, 2013		790,590		$	4.01
Granted		837,250			9.21
Exercised		(12,121	)		0.99
Balance at March 31, 2014		1,615,719		$	6.73

The Company recorded stock-based compensation of $379,433 and $21,418 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

The following shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance at March 31, 2014:

Common stock warrants	149,704
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,615,719
Authorized for future option grants	711,021
	2,476,444

8. Commitments

The Company leases certain office space under a noncancelable operating lease with terms through June 30, 2014. Future minimum payments under this noncancelable operating lease total $29,922 at March 31, 2014. The rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $44,883 and $38,514, respectively.

In February 2014, the Company entered into a noncancelable operating lease for certain office space starting in July 2014 through November 2019. Future minimum payments under this noncancelable operating lease total approximately $1.6 million at March 31, 2014.

In July 2010, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Pfizer, pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Idun). Under the agreement, the Company may be required to make payments to Pfizer totaling $18.0 million upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestones.

9. Spin-off of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In January 2013, the Company spun off its subsidiary Idun to the Company’s stockholders. Prior to the spin-off, rights relating to emricasan were distributed to the Company by Idun pursuant to a distribution agreement. The spin-off was conducted as a dividend of all of the outstanding capital stock of Idun to the Company’s stockholders. As a result, the Company no longer held any capital stock of Idun.

In connection with the spin-off, the Company contributed $0.5 million to Idun to provide for Idun’s initial working capital requirements. The assets remaining in Idun at the time of the spin-off consisted of cash, intellectual property rights and license and collaboration agreements unrelated to emricasan. Other than the cash of $0.5 million, none of the assets held by Idun had any historical carrying value at the time of the spin-off. As a result, the Company recognized a reduction in equity as a result of the spin-off of $0.5 million, representing the carrying value of Idun in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at the time of the spin-off.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis and the interim financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 28, 2014.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this quarterly report, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products, product approvals, research and development costs, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations and future results of anticipated products, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this quarterly report are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward- looking statements speak only as of the date of this quarterly report and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

Overview

We are a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease. We are developing our lead compound, emricasan, for the treatment of patients with chronic liver disease and acute exacerbations of chronic liver disease. Emricasan is a first-in-class, orally active pan-caspase protease inhibitor designed to reduce the activity of all ten human caspases, which are enzymes that mediate inflammation and cell death, or apoptosis. We believe that by reducing the activity of these enzymes, emricasan has the potential to interrupt the progression of liver disease and potentially provide treatment options in multiple areas of liver disease. We have observed compelling preclinical and clinical trial results that suggest emricasan may have clinical utility in slowing progression of liver diseases regardless of the original cause of the disease. To date, emricasan has been studied in over 500 subjects in ten clinical trials. In a randomized Phase 2b clinical trial in patients with liver disease, emricasan demonstrated a statistically significant, consistent, rapid and sustained reduction in elevated levels of two key biomarkers of inflammation and cell death, alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, and cleaved Cytokeratin 18, or cCK18, respectively, both of which are implicated in the severity and progression of liver disease.

We have designed a comprehensive clinical program to demonstrate the therapeutic benefit of emricasan across the spectrum of liver diseases. Our initial development strategy targets indications for emricasan with high unmet clinical need, such as patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, or ACLF, and chronic liver failure, or CLF. ACLF and CLF are potential orphan indications in the United States and the European Union.

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Although we plan to focus on the development of emricasan for ACLF and CLF, we also plan to evaluate the compound in patients who have developed liver fibrosis post-orthotopic liver transplant, or POLT, due to hepatitis C virus, or HCV, infection and have subsequently achieved sustained viral response, or SVR, following anti-HCV therapy, or POLT-HCV-SVR, as well as in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH. We were granted orphan drug designation in late 2013 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, for the treatment of POLT patients with reestablished fibrosis to delay the progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. We recently initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial in POLT-HCV-SVR patients with fibrosis. The placebo-controlled, double-blind (open to sponsor) clinical trial is designed to enroll approximately 60 patients at approximately 15 planned clinical sites in the United States. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive either 25 mg of emricasan or placebo orally twice daily for 24 months and will then be followed for another month post-treatment. The primary endpoint in this exploratory proof-of-concept clinical trial is the change in the Ishak Fibrosis Score compared to placebo. The clinical trial will also evaluate histological markers, key serum biomarkers, and the safety and tolerability of emricasan in the target patient population.

Target Therapeutic Area	Description of Patient Population	Development Plans
Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure	ACLF occurs in patients who have compensated or decompensated cirrhosis but are in relatively stable condition until an acute event sets off a rapid worsening of liver function.	•    Our planned clinical trials in ACLF will evaluate whether emricasan can halt the progression of decompensation to multi-organ failure or death in an acutely decompensating cirrhotic patient population. •    We initiated a Phase 2b ACLF clinical trial in the second half of 2013.
Chronic Liver Failure	Patients with CLF suffer from compensated or decompensated cirrhosis.	•    Our planned clinical trials in CLF will assess whether emricasan can delay or prevent disease progression. •    We plan to initiate a Phase 2 CLF clinical trial in the second half of 2014.
Post Liver Transplant Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Sustained Viral Response	In patients with POLT-HCV-SVR, liver fibrosis may persist for many years.	•    We recently initiated a placebo-controlled (sponsor open) Phase 2b clinical trial tracking biomarkers and histology in POLT patients who respond to antiviral therapy but still have underlying liver fibrosis.
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis	NASH patients suffer from inflammation due to fat buildup in the liver.	•    We recently initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial in the United States for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, and NASH. Our goal is to accumulate sufficient and relevant clinical data to allow rapid advancement of emricasan once appropriate regulatory pathways are defined.

Since our inception, our primary activities have been organizational activities, including recruiting personnel, conducting research and development, including clinical trials, and raising capital. We have funded our operations since inception primarily through sales of equity securities and convertible promissory notes. From inception through March 31, 2014, we have received net proceeds of $119.7 million from such sales, including the completion of our initial public offering, or IPO, in July 2013 of 6,000,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $11.00 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $58.6 million from our IPO, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering-related transaction costs.

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We have no products approved for sale. We have not generated any revenues to date, and we have incurred significant operating losses since our inception. We have never been profitable and have incurred consolidated net losses of approximately $15.6 million and $8.7 million in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, we had an accumulated deficit of $79.7 million.

We expect to continue to incur significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities for the foreseeable future as we continue the clinical development of emricasan and seek regulatory approval for and, if approved, pursue eventual commercialization of emricasan. As of March 31, 2014, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $51.1 million. To fund further operations, we will need to raise additional capital. We may obtain additional financing in the future through the issuance of our common stock in future public offerings, through other equity or debt financings or through collaborations or partnerships with other companies. Although it is difficult to predict future liquidity requirements, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with interest thereon, including funds raised in our IPO, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. We will need to raise additional funds to complete additional clinical trials of emricasan to fund regulatory filings for emricasan in the United States and the European Union and for potential commercialization of emricasan.

However, successful transition to profitability is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support our cost structure. We cannot assure you that we will ever be profitable or generate positive cash flow from operating activities and, unless and until we do, we will need to raise substantial additional capital through equity or debt financings or through collaborations or partnerships with other companies. We may not be able to raise additional capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and any failure to raise capital as and when needed could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to execute on our business plan.

JOBS Act

In April 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act, was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for an “emerging growth company.” As an “emerging growth company,” we are electing not to take advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision not to take advantage of the extended transition period is irrevocable. In addition, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if as an “emerging growth company” we choose to rely on such exemptions, we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis) and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our IPO or until we no longer meet the requirements of being an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.

Financial Overview

Revenues

We currently have no products approved for sale, and we have not generated any revenues to date. We have not submitted any drug candidate for regulatory approval. In the future, we may generate revenues from a combination

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of milestone payments, reimbursements and royalties in connection with any future collaboration we may enter into with respect to emricasan, as well as product sales from emricasan. However, we do not expect to receive revenues unless and until we receive approval for emricasan or potentially enter into collaboration agreements for emricasan. If we fail to achieve clinical success in the development of emricasan in a timely manner and/or obtain regulatory approval for this drug candidate, our ability to generate future revenues would be materially adversely affected.

Research and Development Expenses

The majority of our operating expenses to date have been incurred in research and development activities. In late 2011, we ceased clinical development of a drug candidate, CTS-1027, which we licensed from Roche Palo Alto LLC and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., or collectively Roche, in 2006. In early 2012, the rights to this drug candidate reverted to Roche. Research and development expenses through 2011 were primarily devoted to this drug candidate. Starting in late 2011, research and development expenses have been focused on the development of emricasan. Since acquiring emricasan in 2010, we have incurred approximately $19.5 million in the development of emricasan through March 31, 2014. Our business model is currently focused on the broad development of emricasan in various liver diseases and is dependent upon our continuing to conduct research and a significant amount of clinical development. Our research and development expenses consist primarily of:

• expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, or CROs, investigative sites and consultants that conduct our clinical trials and our preclinical studies;

• employee-related expenses, which include salaries and benefits;

• the cost of finalizing our chemistry, manufacturing and controls, or CMC, capabilities and providing clinical trial materials; and

• costs associated with other research activities and regulatory approvals.

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

At this time, due to the inherently unpredictable nature of preclinical and clinical development, we are unable to estimate with any certainty the costs we will incur in the continued development of emricasan. Clinical development timelines, the probability of success and development costs can differ materially from expectations.

We are currently focused on advancing emricasan in multiple indications, and our future research and development expenses will depend on its clinical success. In addition, we cannot forecast with any degree of certainty whether emricasan will be the subject of future collaborations, when such arrangements will be secured, if at all, and to what degree such arrangements would affect our development plans and capital requirements.

Research and development expenditures will continue to be significant and will increase as we continue clinical development of emricasan over at least the next several years. We expect to incur significant development costs as we conduct our planned Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials of emricasan, subject to receiving input from regulatory authorities.

The costs of clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of a project owing to factors that include but are not limited to the following:

• per patient trial costs;

• the number of patients that participate in the clinical trials;

• the number of sites included in the clinical trials;

• the countries in which the clinical trials are conducted;

• the length of time required to enroll eligible patients;

• the number of doses that patients receive;

• the drop-out or discontinuation rates of patients;

• potential additional safety monitoring or other studies requested by regulatory agencies;

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• the duration of patient follow-up; and

• the efficacy and safety profile of the drug candidate.

We do not expect emricasan to be commercially available, if at all, for at least the next several years.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist principally of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive, finance and business development functions. Other general and administrative expenses include costs related to being a public company, as well as facilities, travel, patent filing and maintenance, legal and consulting expenses.

We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods, reflecting an expanding infrastructure and increased professional fees associated with being a public reporting company.

In addition, if emricasan receives regulatory approval, we expect to incur increased expenses associated with building a sales and marketing team. Some expenses may be incurred prior to receiving regulatory approval of emricasan. We do not expect to receive any such regulatory approval for at least the next several years.

Interest Income

Interest income consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists of coupon interest on our $1.0 million promissory note payable to Pfizer Inc., interest accrued on the convertible promissory notes payable to certain existing investors issued in May 2013 and interest accrued pursuant to the loan and security agreement, or the Credit Facility, with Oxford Finance LLC, as collateral agent and a lender, and certain other lenders party thereto from time to time, including Silicon Valley Bank, through our prepayment of the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility in September 2013.

Other (Expense) Income

Other (expense) income includes non-operating transactions such as those caused by currency fluctuations in the conversion of account balances held in British pounds sterling to U.S. dollars, as well as a one-time receipt of a federal income tax credit in 2010.

Other Financing Expense

Other financing expense consists of the revaluation of our convertible preferred stock warrants issued in conjunction with our 2010 and 2013 bridge note financings.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These items are monitored and analyzed by us for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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There were no significant changes during the three months ended March 31, 2014 to the critical accounting policies described in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses were $3.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2013. The increase of $2.7 million was primarily due to an increase in external costs for clinical trials and manufacturing related to emricasan and personnel costs.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2013. The increase of $0.9 million was primarily due to additional personnel costs and costs associated with being a public company, including increased insurance, investor relations, board of directors, accounting and legal expenses.

Changes in components of Other Income (Expense) were as follows:

Interest Income

Interest income was $21,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to approximately $0 for the same period in 2013. Interest income consisted of interest earned on our cash and investment balances. Prior to our IPO in July 2013, our interest income was not significant due to nominal cash and investment balances.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $18,000 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and consisted of interest related to the $1.0 million promissory note payable to Pfizer Inc.

Other Expense

Other expense was $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to $16,000 for the same period in 2013 caused by currency fluctuations in the conversion of account balances held in British pounds sterling to U.S. dollars.

Other Financing Expense

Other financing expense was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2013. Other financing expense for the period ended March 31, 2013 represents the revaluation of Series A convertible preferred stock warrants issued in connection with the 2010 bridge notes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have incurred losses since inception and negative cash flows from operating activities and, as of March 31, 2014, we had an accumulated deficit of $79.7 million. We anticipate that we will continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development and potential commercialization of emricasan and incur additional costs associated with being a public company.

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Prior to our IPO in July 2013, we funded our operations primarily through private placements of equity and convertible debt securities. In July 2013, we completed our IPO of 6,000,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $11.00 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $58.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering-related transaction costs. At March 31, 2014, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $51.1 million. To fund further operations, we will need to raise additional capital. We plan to continue to fund losses from operations and capital funding needs through future equity and debt financing, as well as potential additional collaborations. The sale of additional equity or convertible debt could result in additional dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. No assurances can be provided that financing will be available in the amounts we need or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are not able to secure adequate additional funding we may be forced to make reductions in spending, extend payment terms with suppliers, liquidate assets where possible, and/or suspend or curtail planned programs. Any of these actions could materially harm our business, results of operations and future prospects.

In May 2013, we issued $1.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible promissory notes, which automatically converted into 91,948 shares of our common stock in connection with the completion of our IPO.

In July 2013, we entered into the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility provided funding for an aggregate principal amount of up to $15.0 million. The first term loan of the Credit Facility was funded in July 2013 in the aggregate principal amount of $1.0 million. On September 25, 2013, we prepaid the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility, we prepaid the outstanding principal balance of $1.0 million plus accrued and unpaid interest, a prepayment fee of $30,000, a final payment of $50,000 and the collateral agent’s legal fees incurred with respect to the prepayment. Accordingly, the Credit Facility was terminated on September 25, 2013.

The following table sets forth a summary of the net cash flow activity for each of the periods set forth below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(5,061,125	)	$	(2,431,335	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		3,375,834			3,725,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		12,000			(489,270	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(1,673,291	)	$	804,395

Net cash used in operating activities was $5.1 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The primary use of cash was to fund our operations related to the development of emricasan.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which consisted primarily of proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, partially offset by cash used to purchase marketable securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, investing activities provided cash of $3.7 million, which consisted of proceeds from maturities of marketable securities.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $12,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, financing activities used net cash of $0.5 million mainly due to distribution to wholly owned subsidiary in connection with spin-off of Idun.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

As of March 31, 2014, there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business to the contractual obligations we reported in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Obligations and Commitments” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined by applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As of March 31, 2014, there have been no material changes in our market risk from that described in “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Inherent Limitations of Internal Controls

Our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

22

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are currently not a party to any material legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014, other than the risk factors below.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We may not be able to obtain orphan drug exclusivity for emricasan for any indication.

In the United States, under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan designation to a drug or biological product intended to treat a rare disease or condition. Such diseases and conditions are those that affect fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or if they affect more than 200,000 individuals in the United States, there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making a drug product available in the United States for these types of diseases or conditions will be recovered from sales of the product. Orphan product designation must be requested before submitting a new drug application, or NDA. If the FDA grants orphan product designation, the identity of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by that agency. Orphan product designation does not convey any advantage in or shorten the duration of the regulatory review and approval process, but it can lead to financial incentives, such as opportunities for grant funding toward clinical trial costs, tax advantages and user-fee waivers.

If a product that has orphan designation subsequently receives the first FDA approval for the disease or condition for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug marketing exclusivity for a period of seven years. Orphan drug marketing exclusivity generally prevents the FDA from approving another application, including a full NDA, to market the same drug or biological product for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances, including if the FDA concludes that the later drug is safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care. For purposes of small molecule drugs, the FDA defines “same drug” as a drug that

23

contains the same active chemical entity and is intended for the same use as the drug in question. A designated orphan drug may not receive orphan drug marketing exclusivity if it is approved for a use that is broader than the indication for which it received orphan designation. Orphan drug marketing exclusivity rights in the United States may be lost if the FDA later determines that the request for designation was materially defective or if the manufacturer is unable to assure sufficient quantity of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition.

The criteria for designating an orphan medicinal product in the European Union, or the EU, are similar in principle to those in the United States. Under Article 3 of Regulation (EC) 141/2000, a medicinal product may be designated as orphan if (1) it is intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life-threatening or chronically debilitating condition; (2) either (a) such condition affects no more than five in 10,000 persons in the EU when the application is made, or (b) the product, without the benefits derived from orphan status, would not generate sufficient return in the EU to justify investment; and (3) there exists no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such condition authorized for marketing in the EU, or if such a method exists, the product will be of significant benefit to those affected by the condition, as defined in Regulation (EC) 847/2000. Orphan medicinal products are eligible for financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers and are, upon grant of a marketing authorization, entitled to ten years of market exclusivity for the approved therapeutic indication. The application for orphan designation must be submitted before the application for marketing authorization. The applicant will receive a fee reduction for the marketing authorization application if the orphan designation has been granted, but not if the designation is still pending at the time the marketing authorization is submitted. Orphan designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process.

The ten-year market exclusivity in the EU may be reduced to six years if, at the end of the fifth year, it is established that the product no longer meets the criteria for orphan designation, for example, if the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity. Additionally, marketing authorization may be granted to a similar product for the same indication at any time if:

• the second applicant can establish that its product, although similar, is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior;

• the applicant consents to a second orphan medicinal product application; or

• the applicant cannot supply enough orphan medicinal product.

We originally applied for orphan drug designation for emricasan for the treatment of fibrosis in hepatitis C virus, or HCV, post-orthotopic liver transplant, or POLT, patients in the United States and the EU. The FDA granted an orphan drug designation for emricasan for the treatment of POLT patients with reestablished fibrosis to delay the progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. In the EU, we withdrew the application based on feedback from the applicable regulatory body that emricasan may have efficacy in fibrosis outside of the HCV-POLT patient population. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain orphan drug exclusivity for emricasan in any jurisdiction for the target indications in a timely manner or at all, or that a competitor will not obtain orphan drug exclusivity that could block the regulatory approval of emricasan for several years. If we are unable to obtain orphan drug designation in the United States or the EU, we will not receive market exclusivity which might affect our ability to generate sufficient revenues. If a competitor is able to obtain orphan exclusivity that would block emricasan’s regulatory approval, our ability to generate revenues would be significantly reduced which would harm our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

24

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

Use of Proceeds

On July 24, 2013, our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-189305), which registered an aggregate amount of up to $69.0 million of our common stock, was declared effective by the SEC for our initial public offering, or IPO. On July 25, 2013, we filed a Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) (File No. 333-190115), which registered an additional aggregate amount of up to $6.9 million of our common stock. At the closing of our IPO on July 30, 2013, we sold 6,000,000 shares of common stock at an IPO price of $11.00 per share and received gross proceeds of $66.0 million, which resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $58.6 million, after underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $4.6 million and offering-related transaction costs of approximately $2.8 million. None of the expenses associated with our IPO were paid to directors, officers, persons owning ten percent or more of any class of equity securities, or to their associates, or to our affiliates. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and Piper Jaffray & Co. acted as joint book-running managers and JMP Securities LLC and

25

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. acted as co-managers for our IPO. On August 23, 2013, the underwriters’ 30-day over-allotment option to purchase an additional 900,000 shares of common stock in our IPO expired without being exercised and the IPO terminated.

We intend to use the net offering proceeds to fund the clinical development of emricasan and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Pending use of the net proceeds, we plan to invest the net proceeds from our IPO in short- and intermediate-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government. Through March 31, 2014, the net proceeds have been applied as follows: $5.4 million towards the clinical development of emricasan and $7.6 million towards working capital and general corporate purposes.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

A list of exhibits is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

26

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	CONATUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	(principal executive officer)
Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Charles J. Cashion
	Charles J. Cashion
	Senior Vice President, Finance,
	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
	(principal financial and accounting officer)

27

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
3.1(1)	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2(1)	Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1(2)	Specimen Common Stock Certificate
4.2(3)	First Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2011
4.3(3)	Form of Warrant issued to investors in the Registrant’s 2013 bridge financing
4.4(2)	Form of Warrant issued to lenders under the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2013, by and among the Registrant, Oxford Finance LLC, Silicon Valley Bank and the other lenders party thereto
10.1#(4)	Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan, dated January 1, 2014
10.2(4)	Office Lease Agreement, dated February 28, 2014, by and between the Registrant and The Point Office Partners, LLC
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 1, 2013.

(2) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-189305), filed with the SEC on July 8, 2013.

28

(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333- 189305), filed with the SEC on June 14, 2013.

(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014.

# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

* These certifications are being furnished solely to accompany this quarterly report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

** Users of this data are advised that pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this XBRL information is being furnished and not filed herewith for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing, or part of any registration statement or prospectus, of the Registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

29

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Form 10-Q

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Steven J. Mento, Ph.D., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. [paragraph omitted in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)];

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	(principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Form 10-Q

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Charles J. Cashion, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. [paragraph omitted in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)];

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Charles J. Cashion
	Charles J. Cashion
	Senior Vice President, Finance,
	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
	(principal financial and accounting officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Form 10-Q

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Steven J. Mento, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	Steven J. Mento, Ph.D.
	President and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

Form 10-Q

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Charles J. Cashion, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 14, 2014	/s/ Charles J. Cashion
	Charles J. Cashion
	Senior Vice President, Finance,
	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract]
Common stock warrants	149,704
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,615,719
Authorized for future option grants	711,021
Shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance	2,476,444

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	$ 50,777,187	$ 56,026,936
Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	2,180,809	3,832,902
Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	70,000	255,000
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	48,526,378	50,438,149
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value		1,500,885
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	2,180,809	3,832,902
Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	2,180,809	3,832,902
Level 1 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 1 [Member] | Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	48,596,378	52,194,034
Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 2 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	70,000	255,000
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value	48,526,378	50,438,149
Level 2 [Member] | Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value		1,500,885
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets fair value

XML

Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Investments Schedule [Abstract]

Investments

4. Investments

The Company invests its excess cash in money market funds and debt instruments of financial institutions, corporations, government sponsored entities and municipalities. The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities:

As of March 31, 2014	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	46,776,006	$	—	$	(766	)	$	46,775,240
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		1,752,246		—		(1,108	)		1,751,138
Municipal bonds	1 or less		70,000		—		—			70,000
Total		$	48,598,252	$	—	$	(1,874	)	$	48,596,378
As of December 31, 2013	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	47,172,466	$	11,148	$	—		$	47,183,614
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		3,254,329		206		—			3,254,535
Debt securities in government sponsored entities	1 - 2		1,500,742		143		—			1,500,885
Municipal bonds	1 or less		255,000		—		—			255,000
Total		$	52,182,537	$	11,497	$	—		$	52,194,034

XML

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 228,548	$ 215,631
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(195,918)	(192,563)
Property and equipment, net	32,630	23,068
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Property and equipment, gross	123,685	115,417
Computer equipment and office equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Property and equipment, gross	101,218	96,569
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 3,645	$ 3,645

XML

Investments - Summary of Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 48,598,252	$ 52,182,537
Unrealized Gains		11,497
Unrealized Losses	(1,874)
Estimated Fair Value	48,596,378	52,194,034
Corporate debt securities [Member] | 1 or less years of maturity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maturity (in years)	1 or less	1 or less
Amortized Cost	46,776,006	47,172,466
Unrealized Gains		11,148
Unrealized Losses	(766)
Estimated Fair Value	46,775,240	47,183,614
Corporate debt securities [Member] | 1 - 2 years of maturity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maturity (in years)	1 - 2 Year	1 - 2
Amortized Cost	1,752,246	3,254,329
Unrealized Gains		206
Unrealized Losses	(1,108)
Estimated Fair Value	1,751,138	3,254,535
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maturity (in years)		1 - 2
Amortized Cost		1,500,742
Unrealized Gains		143
Estimated Fair Value		1,500,885
Municipal bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maturity (in years)	1 or less	1 or less
Amortized Cost	70,000	255,000
Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	$ 70,000	$ 255,000

XML

Note Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		105 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013 Oxford Finance LLC and Silicon Valley Bank [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2013 Warrants [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Convertible promissory notes [Member]	May 31, 2013 Convertible promissory notes [Member]	May 31, 2013 Convertible promissory notes [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Convertible promissory notes [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Term loan one [Member] Oxford Finance LLC and Silicon Valley Bank [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Promissory note [Member] Pfizer Inc. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2010 Promissory note [Member] Pfizer Inc. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Common Stock [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]	May 31, 2013 Common Stock [Member] Convertible promissory notes [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Series B convertible preferred stock [Member] Term loan one [Member]	May 31, 2013 Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible promissory notes [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Note payable	$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000									$ 1,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate							6.00%					7.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date												Jul. 29, 2020
Convertible promissory note								1,000,000
Maturity and repayment terms							The 2013 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 6% per annum and were due and payable on the earlier of (1) any date after November 30, 2013 upon which holders of 75% of the outstanding principal amount of all such 2013 Notes demand repayment, or (2) the occurrence of a change of control of the Company, subject in each case to their earlier conversion in the event the Company completed a qualified initial public offering or private placement of debt and/or equity.
Discount rate on fair value							15.00%
Initial fair value of notes							970,000
Conversion of notes plus accrued interest into shares of common stock						91,948
Warrant exercisable to purchase shares														13,468	136,236		1,124,026
Exercise price of warrant per share														7.43	7.43	0.90	0.90
Warrant expiration date									May 30, 2018							Jul. 03, 2023
Initial value of warrants									506,000
Deemed distribution from promissory note and warrant issuance			474,561							474,561
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity					15,000,000						1,000,000
Warrant issued																111,112
Credit facility termination date																Sep. 25, 2013
Carrying value of warrant																$ 119,679

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Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		105 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2005	Mar. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2013 Series A Warrants [Member]	Dec. 31, 2006 Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2005 Common Stock [Member]	May 31, 2013 Common Stock [Member] Convertible promissory notes [Member] 2013 Warrants [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued to founders									181,818	727,273
Common stock, value of shares issued to founders					$ 45,000	$ 6,000
Reverse stock split outstanding common stock			1-for-8.25
Reverse stock split of outstanding common stock ratio		0.12
Stock issued during period, shares, new issues		6,000,000
Issuing price per share		$ 11.00
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock		58,600,000					58,608,454
Warrant issued												2,333,320
Other financing income (expense)	3,500,000			(547,164)			(4,267,839)
Convertible preferred stock warrants								280,675
Warrant exercisable to purchase shares											149,704
Exercise price of warrant per share											7.43
Stock-based compensation			$ 379,433	$ 21,418			$ 1,034,266

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the accounting guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1:	Includes financial instruments for which quoted market prices for identical instruments are available in active markets.
Level 2:	Includes financial instruments for which there are inputs other than quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transaction (less active markets) or model-driven valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3:	Includes financial instruments for which fair value is derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable, including management’s own assumptions.

Below is a summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	March 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	2,180,809	$	2,180,809	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		70,000		—		70,000		—
Corporate debt securities		48,526,378		—		48,526,378		—
Total assets	$	50,777,187	$	2,180,809	$	48,596,378	$	—

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	3,832,902	$	3,832,902	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		255,000		—		255,000		—
Corporate debt securities		50,438,149		—		50,438,149		—
Debt securities in government sponsored entities		1,500,885		—		1,500,885		—
Total assets	$	56,026,936	$	3,832,902	$	52,194,034	$	—

The Company’s marketable securities, consisting principally of debt securities, are classified as available-for-sale, are stated at fair value and consist of Level 2 financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy. The Company determines the fair value of its debt security holdings based on pricing from a service provider. The service provider values the securities based on using market prices from a variety of industry-standard independent data providers. Such market prices may be quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or pricing determined using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs), such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures.

The fair value of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability was determined based on “Level 3” inputs and utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the Series A convertible preferred stock warrants. The Series B convertible preferred stock warrants utilized a Monte Carlo model. The warrant liabilities were marked to market before converting to equity at the IPO. The following table presents activity for the convertible preferred stock warrant liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	160,345
Issuance of preferred stock warrants		625,679
Changes in fair value reflected as other financing expense		3,457,184
Conversion to equity at IPO		(4,243,208	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

The fair value of the convertible promissory notes was determined based on “Level 3” inputs and valued the notes utilizing an estimated cost of debt from publicly available information on issuances of high yield fixed income securities issued by comparable companies. The Company concluded that a 15% discount rate was appropriate, resulting in an initial fair value for the notes of approximately $970,000. The discount was accreted to interest expense through the Company’s IPO and was accreted completely at the IPO as the notes plus accrued interest converted to common stock at the IPO. The following table presents activity for the convertible promissory notes measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—
Issuance of convertible promissory notes		970,000
Accretion of debt discount to interest expense		31,439
Conversion to equity at IPO		(1,001,439	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

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Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Total Options, Beginning balance	790,590
Total Options, Granted	837,250
Total Options, Exercised	(12,121)
Total Options, Ending balance	1,615,719
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$ 4.01
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 9.21
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 0.99
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$ 6.73

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,485,662	$ 4,158,953
Marketable securities	48,596,378	52,194,034
Prepaid and other current assets	687,164	545,504
Total current assets	51,769,204	56,898,491
Property and equipment, net	32,630	23,068
Other assets	77,376	14,395
Total assets	51,879,210	56,935,954
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,160,063	1,494,435
Accrued compensation	456,456	1,322,569
Total current liabilities	2,616,519	2,817,004
Note payable	1,000,000	1,000,000
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 15,632,000 shares issued and 15,424,320 shares outstanding, excluding 207,680 shares subject to repurchase, at March 31, 2014; 15,619,879 shares issued and 15,386,542 shares outstanding, excluding 233,337 shares subject to repurchase, at December 31, 2013	1,542	1,539
Additional paid-in capital	127,936,873	127,536,408
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,874)	11,497
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	(79,673,850)	(74,430,494)
Total stockholders' equity	48,262,691	53,118,950
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 51,879,210	$ 56,935,954

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Organization and Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Basis of Presentation

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 13, 2005. The Company is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to product development and has not realized revenues from its planned principal operations. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage.

The Company has a limited operating history and the sales and income potential of the Company’s business and market are unproven. The Company has experienced net losses since its inception and, as of March 31, 2014, had an accumulated deficit of $79.7 million. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses for at least the next several years. Successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. If the Company is unable to generate revenues adequate to support its cost structure, the Company may need to raise additional equity or debt financing.

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to a quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014.

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Spin-off of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Additional Information (Detail) (Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Change in equity as a result of spin-off	$ 0.5
Spin-off [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for restructuring	$ 0.5

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		105 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Realized gains and losses on investments	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Other-than-temporary declines in value of marketable securities	0		0	0
Impairment losses not recognized	0
Unrecognized tax benefits			0
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits		$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the assets	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of the assets	5 years

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Outstanding Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities	1,973,103	10,710,598
Convertible preferred stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities		9,565,021
Warrants to purchase preferred stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities		280,675
Warrants to purchase common stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities	149,704
Common stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities	1,615,719	593,803
Common stock subject to repurchase [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding potentially dilutive securities	207,680	271,099

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant risk on its cash. Additionally, the Company established guidelines regarding approved investments and maturities of investments, which are designed to maintain safety and liquidity.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in readily available checking and money market accounts.

Investments

The Company classifies its investments as available-for-sale and records such assets at estimated fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company invests its excess cash balances primarily in corporate debt securities and money market funds with strong credit ratings. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method and recorded as interest income. There have been no realized gains and losses for the period ended March 31, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013, and for the period from July 13, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2014.

At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. The Company considers factors including: the significance of the decline in value compared to the cost basis, underlying factors contributing to a decline in the prices of securities in a single asset class, the length of time the market value of the security has been less than its cost basis, the security’s relative performance versus its peers, sector or asset class, expected market volatility and the market and economy in general. When the Company determines that a decline in the fair value below its cost basis is other-than-temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline occurred. There have been no other-than-temporary declines in the value of marketable securities, as it is more likely than not the Company will hold the securities until maturity or a recovery of the cost basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of the short maturity of these items.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, which consists of furniture and fixtures, computers and office equipment and leasehold improvements, are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to five years) using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company regularly reviews the carrying value and estimated lives of all of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, to determine whether indicators of impairment may exist which warrant adjustments to carrying values or estimated useful lives. The determinants used for this evaluation include management’s estimate of the asset’s ability to generate positive income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods, as well as the strategic significance of the assets to the Company’s business objective. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset’s fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses through March 31, 2014.

Research and Development Expenses

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company’s policy related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2013, there are no unrecognized tax benefits included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet that would, if recognized, affect the Company’s effective tax rate, and we have noted no material changes through March 31, 2014. The Company has not recognized interest and penalties in the condensed consolidated balance sheets or condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company is subject to U.S. and California taxation. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s tax years beginning 2005 to date are subject to examination by taxing authorities.

Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability

The Company had issued freestanding warrants exercisable to purchase shares of its Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock. These warrants were classified as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock in July 2013, as the terms for redemption of the underlying security were outside the Company’s control. The Series A convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Series B convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The fair value of all warrants, except as noted below, was remeasured at each financial reporting date with any changes in fair value being recognized in other financing (expense) income, a component of other (expense) income, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company ceased the remeasurement of the fair value upon exercise of the Series A warrants and the Series B warrants becoming exercisable for shares of common stock, immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO in July 2013.

Comprehensive Loss

The Company is required to report all components of comprehensive loss, including net loss, in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on investments. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for all periods presented.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents are only included when their effect is dilutive. The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, which include convertible preferred stock, warrants, outstanding stock options under the stock option plan and common stock subject to repurchase by the Company, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share in the periods in which they would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to compute basic and diluted shares outstanding due to the Company’s net loss position.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		15,412,498			1,060,533
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)
Diluted	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Convertible preferred stock		—		9,565,021
Warrants to purchase preferred stock		—		280,675
Warrants to purchase common stock		149,704		—
Common stock options		1,615,719		593,803
Common stock subject to repurchase		207,680		271,099
Total		1,973,103		10,710,598

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,632,000	15,619,879
Common stock, shares outstanding	15,424,320	15,386,542
Common stock, shares subject to repurchase	207,680	233,337

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Below is a summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	March 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	2,180,809	$	2,180,809	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		70,000		—		70,000		—
Corporate debt securities		48,526,378		—		48,526,378		—
Total assets	$	50,777,187	$	2,180,809	$	48,596,378	$	—

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	$	3,832,902	$	3,832,902	$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		255,000		—		255,000		—
Corporate debt securities		50,438,149		—		50,438,149		—
Debt securities in government sponsored entities		1,500,885		—		1,500,885		—
Total assets	$	56,026,936	$	3,832,902	$	52,194,034	$	—

Convertible promissory notes [Member]

Fair Value Measurements of Using Significant Unobservable Level 3 Inputs

The following table presents activity for the convertible promissory notes measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—
Issuance of convertible promissory notes		970,000
Accretion of debt discount to interest expense		31,439
Conversion to equity at IPO		(1,001,439	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

Preferred stock warrant liability [Member]

Fair Value Measurements of Using Significant Unobservable Level 3 Inputs

The following table presents activity for the convertible preferred stock warrant liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014.

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	160,345
Issuance of preferred stock warrants		625,679
Changes in fair value reflected as other financing expense		3,457,184
Conversion to equity at IPO		(4,243,208	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	CNAT
Entity Registrant Name	Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc
Entity Central Index Key	0001383701
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,632,000

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Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Investments Schedule [Abstract]

Summary of Marketable Securities

The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities:

As of March 31, 2014	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	46,776,006	$	—	$	(766	)	$	46,775,240
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		1,752,246		—		(1,108	)		1,751,138
Municipal bonds	1 or less		70,000		—		—			70,000
Total		$	48,598,252	$	—	$	(1,874	)	$	48,596,378
As of December 31, 2013	Maturity (in years)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	1 or less	$	47,172,466	$	11,148	$	—		$	47,183,614
Corporate debt securities	1 - 2		3,254,329		206		—			3,254,535
Debt securities in government sponsored entities	1 - 2		1,500,742		143		—			1,500,885
Municipal bonds	1 or less		255,000		—		—			255,000
Total		$	52,182,537	$	11,497	$	—		$	52,194,034

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		105 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating expenses:
Research and development	$ 3,650,598	$ 967,778	$ 51,423,185
General and administrative	1,595,247	748,796	24,362,646
Total operating expenses	5,245,845	1,716,574	75,785,831
Other income (expense):
Interest income	20,773	132	1,401,667
Interest expense	(17,500)	(17,500)	(1,254,899)
Other (expense) income	(784)	(15,677)	239,545
Other financing expense		(547,164)	(4,267,839)
Total other income (expense)	2,489	(580,209)	(3,881,526)
Net loss	(5,243,356)	(2,296,783)	(79,667,357)
Other comprehensive loss:
Net unrealized losses on marketable securities	(13,371)	(551)	(1,874)
Comprehensive loss	(5,256,727)	(2,297,334)	(79,669,231)
Reconciliation of net loss to net loss applicable to common stockholders:
Net loss	(5,243,356)	(2,296,783)	(79,667,357)
Gain on extinguishment of convertible preferred stock			11,491,043
Deemed distribution from promissory note issuance			(474,561)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$ (5,243,356)	$ (2,296,783)	$ (68,650,875)
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$ (0.34)	$ (2.17)
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share applicable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	15,412,498	1,060,533

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Stockholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

7. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

During 2005, the Company sold 727,273 shares of common stock to founders for approximately $6,000. During 2006, the Company sold 181,818 shares of common stock to founders for approximately $45,000, subject to certain restrictions that have since been released.

In July 2013, the Company implemented a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements give effect to the reverse split for all periods presented.

In July 2013, the Company completed the IPO of 6,000,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $11.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $58.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering-related transaction costs.

Warrants

The Company issued warrants to purchase a total of 2,333,320 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in conjunction with a convertible bridge financing in 2010 and issued the 2013 Warrants and Lender Warrants in conjunction with a convertible bridge financing and the Credit Facility funding in 2013. The Company initially accounted for the warrants as liabilities because they were exercisable for shares of preferred stock that were classified outside of permanent equity. The convertible preferred stock warrant liability was required to be recorded at fair value at the grant date of the warrants and the carrying value adjusted at each reporting date. The Company revalued the warrants at July 30, 2013 (date of IPO closing) and recorded the change in the value of the warrants of approximately $3.5 million as other financing expense. The Series A warrants converted to 280,675 shares of common stock as a result of the net exercise of such warrants at the IPO. Upon the completion of the IPO, the 2013 Warrants and the Lender Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 149,704 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. Following the IPO, the 2013 Warrants and Lender Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under all stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2014:

	Total Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance at December 31, 2013		790,590		$	4.01
Granted		837,250			9.21
Exercised		(12,121	)		0.99
Balance at March 31, 2014		1,615,719		$	6.73

The Company recorded stock-based compensation of $379,433 and $21,418 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

The following shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance at March 31, 2014:

Common stock warrants	149,704
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,615,719
Authorized for future option grants	711,021
	2,476,444

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Note Payable

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Note Payable

6. Note Payable

In July 2010, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note payable to Pfizer Inc. The note bears interest at 7% per annum, which is paid quarterly, and matures on July 29, 2020. The note payable prohibits the Company from paying cash dividends and is subject to acceleration upon specified events of default as defined in the agreement including the failure to notify Pfizer of certain material adverse events. In July 2013, the note payable to Pfizer was amended to become convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock following the completion of the IPO, at the option of the holder, at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of conversion.

In May 2013, the Company entered into a note and warrant purchase agreement with certain existing investors pursuant to which it sold, in a private placement, an aggregate of $1.0 million of convertible promissory notes (the 2013 Notes), and issued warrants exercisable to purchase 1,124,026 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the 2013 Warrants). The 2013 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 6% per annum and were due and payable on the earlier of (1) any date after November 30, 2013 upon which holders of 75% of the outstanding principal amount of all such 2013 Notes demand repayment, or (2) the occurrence of a change of control of the Company, subject in each case to their earlier conversion in the event the Company completed a qualified initial public offering or private placement of debt and/or equity. The 2013 Notes did not provide for any potential adjustments to the stated conversion rates other than in the event of stock splits, stock dividends and recapitalizations. The conversion of the 2013 Notes in the event of a qualified initial public offering or private placement of equity was deemed to be the predominant settlement mechanism. As this predominant settlement mechanism provided for the settlement of a fixed monetary amount in a variable number of equity instruments, the Company concluded that it was appropriate to recognize the 2013 Notes at fair value. The Company valued the 2013 Notes utilizing an estimated cost of debt from publicly available information on issuances of high yield fixed income securities issued by comparable companies. The Company concluded that a 15% discount rate was appropriate, resulting in an initial fair value for the 2013 Notes of approximately $970,000. Upon completion of the IPO, the 2013 Notes plus accrued interest automatically converted into 91,948 shares of common stock.

The 2013 Warrants were exercisable for an aggregate of 1,124,026 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share. Upon completion of the IPO, the 2013 Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 136,236 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. The 2013 Warrants will expire on May 30, 2018. The 2013 Warrants were initially accounted for as liabilities with changes in fair value recognized within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company determined that the initial value of the 2013 Warrants was $506,000. The 2013 Warrants were valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation of various weighted scenarios. Following the IPO, the 2013 Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

The valuation at the issuance of the 2013 Notes and 2013 Warrants resulted in a deemed distribution in the amount of $474,561 accounted for as a reduction in net income attributable to common stockholders.

In July 2013, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement, (the Credit Facility) with Oxford Finance LLC and Silicon Valley Bank (the Lenders). The Credit Facility provided funding for an aggregate principal amount of up to $15.0 million. The first term loan of the Credit Facility was funded in July 2013 in the amount of $1.0 million. On September 25, 2013, the Company prepaid the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility. Accordingly, the Credit Facility was terminated on September 25, 2013. In connection with the funding of the first term loan under the Credit Facility, the Company issued warrants to the Lenders to purchase up to an aggregate of 111,112 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share (Lender Warrants). The Lender Warrants will expire on July 3, 2023. The Lender Warrants were initially accounted for as liabilities with the changes in fair value recognized within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

The Lender Warrants were initially valued at $119,679, and such amount was recognized as additional expense. Upon completion of the IPO, the Lender Warrants became exercisable for an aggregate of 13,468 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.43 per share. Following the IPO, the Lender Warrants were reclassified into equity at their fair value at the time of the completion of the IPO.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		105 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (5,243,356)	$ (2,296,783)	$ (68,650,875)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	15,412,498	1,060,533
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.34)	$ (2.17)
Diluted	$ (0.34)	$ (2.17)

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

	Useful Life in Years	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Furniture and fixtures	4	$	123,685		$	115,417
Computer equipment and office equipment	4		101,218			96,569
Leasehold improvements	4		3,645			3,645
			228,548			215,631
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(195,918	)		(192,563	)
		$	32,630		$	23,068

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant risk on its cash. Additionally, the Company established guidelines regarding approved investments and maturities of investments, which are designed to maintain safety and liquidity.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in readily available checking and money market accounts.

Investments

Investments

The Company classifies its investments as available-for-sale and records such assets at estimated fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company invests its excess cash balances primarily in corporate debt securities and money market funds with strong credit ratings. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method and recorded as interest income. There have been no realized gains and losses for the period ended March 31, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013, and for the period from July 13, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2014.

At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. The Company considers factors including: the significance of the decline in value compared to the cost basis, underlying factors contributing to a decline in the prices of securities in a single asset class, the length of time the market value of the security has been less than its cost basis, the security’s relative performance versus its peers, sector or asset class, expected market volatility and the market and economy in general. When the Company determines that a decline in the fair value below its cost basis is other-than-temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline occurred. There have been no other-than-temporary declines in the value of marketable securities, as it is more likely than not the Company will hold the securities until maturity or a recovery of the cost basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of the short maturity of these items.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, which consists of furniture and fixtures, computers and office equipment and leasehold improvements, are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to five years) using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

The Company regularly reviews the carrying value and estimated lives of all of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, to determine whether indicators of impairment may exist which warrant adjustments to carrying values or estimated useful lives. The determinants used for this evaluation include management’s estimate of the asset’s ability to generate positive income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods, as well as the strategic significance of the assets to the Company’s business objective. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset’s fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses through March 31, 2014.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company’s policy related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2013, there are no unrecognized tax benefits included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet that would, if recognized, affect the Company’s effective tax rate, and we have noted no material changes through March 31, 2014. The Company has not recognized interest and penalties in the condensed consolidated balance sheets or condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company is subject to U.S. and California taxation. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s tax years beginning 2005 to date are subject to examination by taxing authorities.

Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability

Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability

The Company had issued freestanding warrants exercisable to purchase shares of its Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock. These warrants were classified as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock in July 2013, as the terms for redemption of the underlying security were outside the Company’s control. The Series A convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Series B convertible preferred stock warrants were recorded at fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The fair value of all warrants, except as noted below, was remeasured at each financial reporting date with any changes in fair value being recognized in other financing (expense) income, a component of other (expense) income, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company ceased the remeasurement of the fair value upon exercise of the Series A warrants and the Series B warrants becoming exercisable for shares of common stock, immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO in July 2013.

Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive Loss

The Company is required to report all components of comprehensive loss, including net loss, in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on investments. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for all periods presented.

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents are only included when their effect is dilutive. The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, which include convertible preferred stock, warrants, outstanding stock options under the stock option plan and common stock subject to repurchase by the Company, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share in the periods in which they would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to compute basic and diluted shares outstanding due to the Company’s net loss position.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		15,412,498			1,060,533
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)
Diluted	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Convertible preferred stock		—		9,565,021
Warrants to purchase preferred stock		—		280,675
Warrants to purchase common stock		149,704		—
Common stock options		1,615,719		593,803
Common stock subject to repurchase		207,680		271,099
Total		1,973,103		10,710,598

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Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments

8. Commitments

The Company leases certain office space under a noncancelable operating lease with terms through June 30, 2014. Future minimum payments under this noncancelable operating lease total $29,922 at March 31, 2014. The rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $44,883 and $38,514, respectively.

In February 2014, the Company entered into a noncancelable operating lease for certain office space starting in July 2014 through November 2019. Future minimum payments under this noncancelable operating lease total approximately $1.6 million at March 31, 2014.

In July 2010, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Pfizer, pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Idun). Under the agreement, the Company may be required to make payments to Pfizer totaling $18.0 million upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestones.

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Spin-off of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Spin-off of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

9. Spin-off of Idun Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In January 2013, the Company spun off its subsidiary Idun to the Company’s stockholders. Prior to the spin-off, rights relating to emricasan were distributed to the Company by Idun pursuant to a distribution agreement. The spin-off was conducted as a dividend of all of the outstanding capital stock of Idun to the Company’s stockholders. As a result, the Company no longer held any capital stock of Idun.

In connection with the spin-off, the Company contributed $0.5 million to Idun to provide for Idun’s initial working capital requirements. The assets remaining in Idun at the time of the spin-off consisted of cash, intellectual property rights and license and collaboration agreements unrelated to emricasan. Other than the cash of $0.5 million, none of the assets held by Idun had any historical carrying value at the time of the spin-off. As a result, the Company recognized a reduction in equity as a result of the spin-off of $0.5 million, representing the carrying value of Idun in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at the time of the spin-off.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(5,243,356	)	$	(2,296,783	)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		15,412,498			1,060,533
Net loss per share applicable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)
Diluted	$	(0.34	)	$	(2.17	)

Summary of Outstanding Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Convertible preferred stock		—		9,565,021
Warrants to purchase preferred stock		—		280,675
Warrants to purchase common stock		149,704		—
Common stock options		1,615,719		593,803
Common stock subject to repurchase		207,680		271,099
Total		1,973,103		10,710,598

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Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2010
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 44,883	$ 38,514
Stock purchase agreement, amount payable upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestone			18,000,000
Operating lease term through June 30, 2014 [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Future minimum payments for noncancelable operating lease	29,922.0
Operating lease term July 2014 through November 2019 [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Future minimum payments for noncancelable operating lease	$ 1,600,000

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Date of incorporation	Jul. 13, 2005
Accumulated deficit	$ 79,673,850	$ 74,430,494

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements of Using Significant Unobservable Level 3 Inputs (Detail) (Level 3 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Convertible promissory notes [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance
Issuance of securities	970,000
Accretion of debt discount to interest expense	31,439
Conversion to equity at IPO	(1,001,439)
Ending balance
Preferred stock warrant liability [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	160,345
Issuance of securities	625,679
Changes in fair value reflected as other financing expense	3,457,184
Conversion to equity at IPO	(4,243,208)
Ending balance

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended		105 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net loss	$ (5,243,356)	$ (2,296,783)	$ (79,667,357)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	3,356	2,698	213,068
Share-based compensation expense	379,433	21,418	1,034,266
Noncash other financing expense		547,164	4,846,240
Acquisition of in-process research and development			1,250,000
Share-based compensation in lieu of salaries			659,224
Noncash license expense			2,249,999
Amortization of premium on investments	195,533	8,922	273,099
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid and other current assets	(141,660)	(7,148)	(687,164)
Other assets	(62,981)	(25,901)	(77,376)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	665,628	(697,169)	2,160,063
Accrued compensation	(857,078)	15,464	417,718
Net cash used in operating activities	(5,061,125)	(2,431,335)	(67,328,220)
Investing activities
Maturities of investments	13,031,000	3,725,000	118,538,865
Purchase of investments	(9,642,248)		(167,410,216)
Cash paid to acquire in-process research and development			(250,000)
Capital expenditures	(12,918)		(245,698)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,375,834	3,725,000	(49,367,049)
Financing activities
Issuance of promissory notes and warrants			7,201,673
Distribution to wholly owned subsidiary in connection with spin-off of Idun		(500,000)	(500,000)
Issuance of preferred stock for cash, net of offering costs			53,731,226
Issuance of common stock related to initial public offering, net of offering costs			58,608,454
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options and cash	12,000	10,730	139,578
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,000	(489,270)	119,180,931
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,673,291)	804,395	2,485,662
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,158,953	4,036,091
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,485,662	4,840,486	2,485,662
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	17,500	17,500	275,639
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Conversion of notes payable for preferred stock			6,736,946
Conversion of notes payable for common stock			1,001,439
Issuance of warrants in conjunction with debt			2,361,223
Issuance of note payable related to acquisition of in-process research and development			$ 1,000,000

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

5. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

	Useful Life in Years	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Furniture and fixtures	4	$	123,685		$	115,417
Computer equipment and office equipment	4		101,218			96,569
Leasehold improvements	4		3,645			3,645
			228,548			215,631
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(195,918	)		(192,563	)
		$	32,630		$	23,068

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (Convertible promissory notes [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Convertible promissory notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount rate on fair value	15.00%
Initial fair value of notes	$ 970,000

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Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under all stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2014:

	Total Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance at December 31, 2013		790,590		$	4.01
Granted		837,250			9.21
Exercised		(12,121	)		0.99
Balance at March 31, 2014		1,615,719		$	6.73

Summary of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

The following shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance at March 31, 2014:

Common stock warrants	149,704
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,615,719
Authorized for future option grants	711,021
	2,476,444