OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description Of Business [Policy Text Block]

Description of the Business

Capstone Therapeutics Corp. is a biotechnology company committed to developing a pipeline of novel peptides and other molecules aimed at helping patients with under-served medical conditions. Previously, we were focused on the development and commercialization of two product platforms: AZX100 and Chrysalin (TP508). We no longer have any interest in or rights to Chrysalin. On August 3, 2012, we entered into a joint venture, LipimetiX Development, LLC, (the “JV”) to develop Apo E mimetic peptide molecule AEM-28 and its analogs.

In 2012 we wound down internal operations, ceased clinical development of AZX100 in dermal scarring, formerly our principal drug candidate, and moved to a more virtual operating model. Certain manufacturing and regulatory activities related to AZX100 that are required either from a statutory perspective or for reporting purposes, will continue. We are also performing limited pre-clinical studies with AZX100 in fibrosis. We are currently seeking development partnering or licensing opportunities for AZX100 in dermal scarring, pulmonary fibrosis and peridural fibrosis.

The JV intends to implement an initial development plan to file an IND (USA) and a CTA (Canada) and pursue FDA approval of AEM-28 as treatment for Severe Refractory Hypercholesterolemia and Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (granted Orphan Drug Designation by FDA in 2012). The initial funded development plan will extend through Phase 1a and 1b/2a clinical trials over an expected twenty-seven month period with a biomarker endpoint test targeting reduction of LDL cholesterol. The JV may also fund research or studies to investigate Apo E mimetic molecules, including AEM-28 and analogs, for treatment of acute coronary syndrome. For a description of the JV, please refer to Note B below.

The Company intends to limit its internal operations in a virtual operating model while continuing our development partnering efforts for AZX100, investigating pre-clinical, clinical or other strategic options for AZX100, monitoring and participating in the management of LipimetiX Development LLC’s AEM-28 and analogs development activities, and maintaining the required level of corporate governance and reporting required to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations.

Description of Current Peptide Drug Candidates

Apo E Mimetic Peptide Molecule – AEM-28

Apolipoprotein E is a 299 amino acid protein that plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism. AEM-28 is a 28 amino acid mimetic of Apo E that contains a domain that anchors into a lipoprotein surface while also providing the Apo E binding domain that is removed by heparin sulfate receptors in the liver. AEM-28 as an Apo E mimetic has the potential to restore the ability of these atherogenic lipoproteins to be cleared from the plasma, completing the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, and thereby reducing cardiovascular risk. This is an important mechanism of action for AEM-28. For patients that lack LDL receptors (Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, HoFH), or have Severe Refractory Hypercholesterolemia, AEM-28 may provide a therapeutic solution. Our joint venture has an Exclusive License Agreement with the University of Alabama Birmingham Research Foundation for AEM-28 and certain of its analogs.

AZX100

AZX100 is a novel synthetic 24-amino acid peptide and is believed to have smooth muscle relaxation and anti-fibrotic properties. AZX100 has been evaluated for medically and commercially significant applications, such as prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scarring and treatment of pulmonary and peridural fibrosis. We filed an IND for a dermal scarring indication in 2007 and completed Phase 1a and Phase 1b safety clinical trials in dermal scarring in 2008. We commenced Phase 2 clinical trials in dermal scarring following shoulder surgery and keloid scar revision in the first quarter of 2009. During 2010 we completed and reported results for our clinical trials in keloid scar revision and substantially completed our Phase 2 clinical trial in dermal scarring following shoulder surgery. We completed and reported our Phase 2 clinical trial in dermal scarring following shoulder surgery in 2011. We have an exclusive worldwide license to AZX100.

Company History [Policy Text Block]

Company History

Prior to November 26, 2003, we developed, manufactured and marketed proprietary, technologically advanced orthopedic products designed to promote the healing of musculoskeletal bone and tissue, with particular emphasis on fracture healing and spine repair. Our product lines, which included bone growth stimulation and fracture fixation devices, are referred to as our “Bone Device Business.”

On November 26, 2003, we sold our Bone Device Business. Our principal business remains focused on under-served medical conditions, although through biopharmaceutical approaches rather than through the use of medical devices.

On August 5, 2004, we purchased substantially all of the assets and intellectual property of Chrysalis Biotechnology, Inc. (“CBI”), including its exclusive worldwide license for Chrysalin for all medical indications. We became a development stage entity commensurate with the acquisition. Subsequently, our efforts were focused on research and development of Chrysalin with the goal of commercializing our product candidates. (In March 2012, we returned all rights to the Chrysalin intellectual property and no longer have any interest in, or rights to Chrysalin.)

On February 27, 2006, we purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of AzERx, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, we acquired an exclusive license for the core intellectual property relating to AZX100.

On August 3, 2012, we entered into a joint venture, LipimetiX Development, LLC, (see Note B below) to develop Apo E mimetic peptide molecule AEM-28 and analogs.

Our development activities represent a single operating segment as they shared the same product development path and utilized the same Company resources. As a result, we determined that it is appropriate to reflect our operations as one reportable segment. Through September 30, 2013, we have incurred $153 million in net losses as a development stage company.

OrthoLogic Corp. commenced doing business under the trade name of Capstone Therapeutics on October 1, 2008, and we formally changed our name from OrthoLogic Corp. to Capstone Therapeutics Corp. on May 21, 2010.

In these notes, references to “we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company”, “Capstone Therapeutics”, “Capstone”, and “OrthoLogic” refer to Capstone Therapeutics Corp. References to our Bone Device Business refer to our former business line of bone growth stimulation and fracture fixation devices, including the OL1000 product line, SpinaLogic®, OrthoFrame® and OrthoFrame/Mayo. References to our joint venture refer to LipimetiX Development, LLC.

Basis Of Presentation and Management Plan [Policy Text Block]

Financial Statement Presentation

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed interim financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, and all adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the complete fiscal year. The financial statements include the consolidated results of Capstone Therapeutics Corp. and our 60% owned subsidiary, LipimetiX Development, LLC. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Information presented as of December 31, 2012 is derived from audited financial statements.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make a number of assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management’s assumptions regarding current events and actions that may impact us in the future, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Legal and Other Contingencies

As discussed in Part II, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Legal Proceedings” and in Note C, “Contingency – Legal Proceedings” in Notes to Financial Statements, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. There is significant judgment required in both the probability determination and as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, there was not at least a reasonable possibility the Company may have incurred a material loss with respect to loss contingencies. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company are subject to significant uncertainty. Therefore, if the qui tam legal matter is resolved against the Company in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s financial statements could be materially adversely affected.

Interest in Unincorporated Joint Ventures or Partnerships, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Joint Venture Accounting

The Company entered into a joint venture to which it has contributed $6,000,000, and the noncontrolling interests have contributed certain patent license rights. Neither the Company nor the noncontrolling interests have an obligation to contribute additional funds to the joint venture or to assume any joint venture liabilities or to provide a guarantee of either joint venture performance or any joint venture liability. The financial position and results of operations of the joint venture are presented on a consolidated basis with the financial position and results of operations of the Company. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Joint venture losses were recorded on the basis of common ownership equity interests (60% Company / 40% noncontrolling interests) until common ownership equity was reduced to $0. Subsequent joint venture losses have been allocated to the preferred ownership equity (100% Company). Subsequent to March 31, 2013, all joint venture losses are being allocated to the Company.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loss per Common Share   

In determining loss per common share for a period, we use weighted average shares outstanding during the period for primary shares and we utilize the treasury stock method to calculate the weighted average shares outstanding during the period for diluted shares. Utilizing the treasury stock method for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, 130,611 shares of common stock were determined to be outstanding during the period and excluded from the calculations of diluted loss per share because they would be anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2013, options and warrants to purchase 3,464,935 shares of our common stock, at exercise prices ranging from $0.16 to $7.83 per share, were outstanding.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

At September 30, 2013, cash and cash equivalents included money market accounts. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2013 include $2.5 million held in, and reserved for use by, LipimetiX Development, LLC and unavailable for general use by the Company.