Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete audited financial statements. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The information furnished in this report reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for each period presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2020 or for any future period.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of ConsolidationThe condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Adhera Therapeutics, Inc. and the wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ithena, Cequent, MDRNA, and Atossa, and eliminate any inter-company balances and transactions.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying 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 revenue and expenses during the reported period. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include revenue and related discounts and allowances and accruals related to our operating activity including legal and other consulting expenses. Actual results could differ materially from such estimates under different assumptions or circumstances.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company considers the fair value of cash, accounts payable, debt, accounts receivable and accrued expenses not to be materially different from their carrying value. These financial instruments have short-term maturities. We follow authoritative guidance with respect to fair value reporting issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) for financial assets and liabilities, which defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The guidance does not apply to measurements related to share-based payments. The guidance discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels: Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore developed using estimates and assumptions developed by us, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment indicators throughout the year and performs detailed testing whenever impairment indicators are present. In addition, we perform detailed impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets, at least annually, at December 31. When necessary, the Company records charges for impairments. Specifically: •For finite-lived intangible assets, such as developed technology rights, and for other long-lived assets, we compare the undiscounted amount of the projected cash flows associated with the asset, or asset group, to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount is found to be greater, we record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over fair value. In addition, in all cases of an impairment review, we re-evaluate the remaining useful lives of the assets and modify them, as appropriate; and •For indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as acquired in-process R&D assets, each year and whenever impairment indicators are present, we determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over fair value, if any.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue, Net The Company adopted the new revenue recognition guidelines in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), effective with the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The Company terminated all commercial operations in December 2019, therefore all revenue and cost of goods sold disclosure only apply to periods prior to the first quarter of 2020. The Company sells its medicines primarily to wholesale distributors and specialty pharmacy providers under agreements with payment terms typically less than 90 days. These customers subsequently resell the Company’s medicines to health care patients. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. The majority of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation to transfer medicines. Accordingly, revenues from medicine sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s medicines, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring medicines and is generally based upon a list or fixed price less allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts. Company records an estimate of unrealized revenue reductions, and the related liability, for bottles sold to pharmacies but not yet prescribed. Medicine Sales Discounts and Allowances The nature of the Company’s contracts gives rise to variable consideration because of allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts. Allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts are recorded at the time of sale to wholesale pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacies. The Company applies significant judgments and estimates in determining some of these allowances. If actual results differ from its estimates, the Company will be required to make adjustments to these allowances in the future. The Company’s adjustments to gross sales are discussed further below. Patient Access Programs The Company offers discounts to patients under which the patient receives a discount on his or her prescription. In circumstances when a patient’s prescription is rejected by a third-party payer, the Company will pay for the full cost of the prescription. The Company reimburses pharmacies for this discount directly or through third-party vendors. The Company reduces gross sales by the amount of actual co-pay and other patient assistance in the period based on the invoices received. The Company also records an accrual to reduce gross sales for estimated co-pay and other patient assistance on units sold to distributors or pharmacies that have not yet been prescribed/dispensed to a patient. The Company calculates accrued co-pay and other patient assistance fee estimates using the expected value method. The estimate is based on contract prices, estimated percentages of medicine that will be prescribed to qualified patients, average assistance paid based on reporting from the third-party vendors and estimated levels of inventory in the distribution channel. Accrued co-pay and other patient assistance fees are included in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Patient assistance programs include both co-pay assistance and fully bought down prescriptions. Sales Returns Consistent with industry practice, the Company maintains a return policy that allows customers to return medicines within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the medicine expiration date. Generally, medicines may be returned for a period beginning six months prior to its expiration date and up to one year after its expiration date. The right of return expires on the earlier of one year after the medicine expiration date or the time that the medicine is dispensed to the patient. The majority of medicine returns result from medicine dating, which falls within the range set by the Company’s policy and are settled through the issuance of a credit to the customer. The Company calculates sales returns using the expected value method. The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon industry experience. This period is known to the Company based on the shelf life of medicines at the time of shipment. The Company records sales returns in “accrued expenses” and as a reduction of revenue.
Cost of Goods Sold	Cost of Goods Sold Distribution Service Fees The Company includes distribution service fees paid for inventory management services as cost of goods sold. The Company calculates accrued distribution service fee estimates using the most likely amount method. The Company accrues estimated distribution fees based on contractually determined amounts. Accrued distribution service fees are included in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Shipping Fees The Company includes fees incurred by pharmacies for shipping medicines to patients as cost of goods sold. The Company calculates accrued shipping fee estimates using the expected value method. The Company records accrued shipping fees in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Non-Commercial Product The Company records the cost of non-commercial product distributed to patients as a cost of goods sold. Royalties on Product Sales The Company records royalty fees on the sale of commercial product as a cost of goods sold.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU No. 2016-2”). Under ASU No. 2016-2, an entity is required to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by class of underlying assets. ASU No. 2016-2 became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach at the adoption date through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company elected to not recognize lease assets and liabilities for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less.
Net Loss per Common Share	Net Loss per Common 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 stock equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents are only included when their effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities which include outstanding warrants, stock options and preferred stock have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, basic and diluted net loss were the same.

Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete audited financial statements. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The information furnished in this report reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for each period presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2020 or for any future period.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of ConsolidationThe condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Adhera Therapeutics, Inc. and the wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ithena, Cequent, MDRNA, and Atossa, and eliminate any inter-company balances and transactions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying 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 revenue and expenses during the reported period. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include revenue and related discounts and allowances and accruals related to our operating activity including legal and other consulting expenses. Actual results could differ materially from such estimates under different assumptions or circumstances.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company considers the fair value of cash, accounts payable, debt, accounts receivable and accrued expenses not to be materially different from their carrying value. These financial instruments have short-term maturities. We follow authoritative guidance with respect to fair value reporting issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) for financial assets and liabilities, which defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The guidance does not apply to measurements related to share-based payments. The guidance discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore developed using estimates and assumptions developed by us, which reflect those that a market participant would use.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment indicators throughout the year and performs detailed testing whenever impairment indicators are present. In addition, we perform detailed impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets, at least annually, at December 31. When necessary, the Company records charges for impairments. Specifically:

•For finite-lived intangible assets, such as developed technology rights, and for other long-lived assets, we compare the undiscounted amount of the projected cash flows associated with the asset, or asset group, to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount is found to be greater, we record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over fair value. In addition, in all cases of an impairment review, we re-evaluate the remaining useful lives of the assets and modify them, as appropriate; and

•For indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as acquired in-process R&D assets, each year and whenever impairment indicators are present, we determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over fair value, if any.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue, Net

The Company adopted the new revenue recognition guidelines in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), effective with the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The Company terminated all commercial operations in December 2019, therefore all revenue and cost of goods sold disclosure only apply to periods prior to the first quarter of 2020.

The Company sells its medicines primarily to wholesale distributors and specialty pharmacy providers under agreements with payment terms typically less than 90 days. These customers subsequently resell the Company’s medicines to health care patients. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. The majority of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation to transfer medicines. Accordingly, revenues from medicine sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s medicines, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring medicines and is generally based upon a list or fixed price less allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts. Company records an estimate of unrealized revenue reductions, and the related liability, for bottles sold to pharmacies but not yet prescribed.

Medicine Sales Discounts and Allowances

The nature of the Company’s contracts gives rise to variable consideration because of allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts. Allowances for medicine returns, rebates and discounts are recorded at the time of sale to wholesale pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacies. The Company applies significant judgments and estimates in determining some of these allowances. If actual results differ from its estimates, the Company will be required to make adjustments to these allowances in the future. The Company’s adjustments to gross sales are discussed further below.

Patient Access Programs

The Company offers discounts to patients under which the patient receives a discount on his or her prescription. In circumstances when a patient’s prescription is rejected by a third-party payer, the Company will pay for the full cost of the prescription. The Company reimburses pharmacies for this discount directly or through third-party vendors. The Company reduces gross sales by the amount of actual co-pay and other patient assistance in the period based on the invoices received. The Company also records an accrual to reduce gross sales for estimated co-pay and other patient assistance on units sold to distributors or pharmacies that have not yet been prescribed/dispensed to a patient. The Company calculates accrued co-pay and other patient assistance fee estimates using the expected value method. The estimate is based on contract prices, estimated percentages of medicine that will be prescribed to qualified patients, average assistance paid based on reporting from the third-party vendors and estimated levels of inventory in the distribution channel. Accrued co-pay and other patient assistance fees are

included in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Patient assistance programs include both co-pay assistance and fully bought down prescriptions.

Sales Returns

Consistent with industry practice, the Company maintains a return policy that allows customers to return medicines within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the medicine expiration date. Generally, medicines may be returned for a period beginning six months prior to its expiration date and up to one year after its expiration date. The right of return expires on the earlier of one year after the medicine expiration date or the time that the medicine is dispensed to the patient. The majority of medicine returns result from medicine dating, which falls within the range set by the Company’s policy and are settled through the issuance of a credit to the customer. The Company calculates sales returns using the expected value method. The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon industry experience. This period is known to the Company based on the shelf life of medicines at the time of shipment. The Company records sales returns in “accrued expenses” and as a reduction of revenue.

Cost of Goods Sold

Distribution Service Fees

The Company includes distribution service fees paid for inventory management services as cost of goods sold. The Company calculates accrued distribution service fee estimates using the most likely amount method. The Company accrues estimated distribution fees based on contractually determined amounts. Accrued distribution service fees are included in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Shipping Fees

The Company includes fees incurred by pharmacies for shipping medicines to patients as cost of goods sold. The Company calculates accrued shipping fee estimates using the expected value method. The Company records accrued shipping fees in “accrued expenses” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Non-Commercial Product

The Company records the cost of non-commercial product distributed to patients as a cost of goods sold.

Royalties on Product Sales

The Company records royalty fees on the sale of commercial product as a cost of goods sold.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU No. 2016-2”). Under ASU No. 2016-2, an entity is required to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by class of underlying assets. ASU No. 2016-2 became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach at the adoption date through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company elected to not recognize lease assets and liabilities for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less.

Net Loss per Common 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 stock equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents are only included when their effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities which include outstanding warrants, stock options and preferred stock have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, basic and diluted net loss were the same.