Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Jun. 30, 2012	Aug. 10, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	GALT
Entity Registrant Name	GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001133416
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,819,346

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 13,130	$ 6,397
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	85	104
Total current assets	13,215	6,501
Property and equipment, net	4	6
Restricted cash	69	69
Intangible assets, net	34	36
Total assets	13,322	6,612
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	246	384
Accrued expenses	1,254	1,551
Accrued dividends payable	80	80
Deferred revenue	200	200
Total current liabilities	1,780	2,215
Total liabilities	1,780	2,215
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 8,001,000 designated at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 1,562,500 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011	632	632
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 15,819,346 and 12,919,538 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	16	13
Additional paid-in capital	78,583	66,367
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	(74,325)	(69,137)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	4,906	(2,125)
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity (deficit)	13,322	6,612
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	1,689	1,681
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	2,793	2,687
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	$ 2,154	$ 2,154

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Undesignated stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Undesignated stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Undesignated stock, designated	8,001,000	8,001,000
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, issued	1,562,500	1,562,500
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, outstanding	1,562,500	1,562,500
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued	15,819,346	12,919,538
Common stock, outstanding	15,819,346	12,919,538
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	$ 1,800,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	1,800,000
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	4,200,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	4,200,000
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	220	220
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	220	220
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	4,366,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	$ 2,200,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		144 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012
Operating expenses:
Research and development	$ 1,215	$ 1,291	$ 2,116	$ 2,035	$ 25,199
General and administrative	1,453	1,700	2,505	2,969	44,169
Total operating expenses	2,668	2,991	4,621	5,004	69,368
Total operating loss	(2,668)	(2,991)	(4,621)	(5,004)	(69,368)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	8	4	11	9	805
Interest expense					(4,451)
Change in fair value of convertible debt instrument					(3,426)
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		(140)		(524)	9,022
Other income					491
Total other income (expense)	8	(136)	11	(515)	2,441
Net loss	(2,660)	(3,127)	(4,610)	(5,519)	(66,927)
Preferred stock dividends	(267)	(750)	(464)	(1,022)	(3,723)
Preferred stock accretion	(57)	(57)	(114)	(115)	(3,929)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders	$ (2,984)	$ (3,934)	$ (5,188)	$ (6,656)	$ (74,579)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	$ (0.19)	$ (0.34)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.59)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	15,710	11,590	14,360	11,374

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Total USD ($)	Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock USD ($)	Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock USD ($)	Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock USD ($)	Series A 12% convertible preferred stock USD ($)	Common Stock USD ($)	Common Stock Series A Preferred Stock	Common Stock Series B One Preferred Stock	Common Stock Series B Two Preferred Stock	Common Stock Series C Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital USD ($)	Additional Paid-In Capital Series A Preferred Stock USD ($)	Additional Paid-In Capital Series B One Preferred Stock USD ($)	Additional Paid-In Capital Series B Two Preferred Stock USD ($)	Additional Paid-In Capital Series C Preferred Stock USD ($)	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage USD ($)	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage Series A Preferred Stock USD ($)	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage Series B One Preferred Stock USD ($)	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage Series B Two Preferred Stock USD ($)	Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage Series C Preferred Stock USD ($)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (2,125,000)	$ 1,681,000	$ 2,687,000	$ 2,154,000	$ 632,000	$ 13,000					$ 66,367,000					$ (69,137,000)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		900,000	2,100,000	220	1,562,500	12,919,538
Accretion of Series B redeemable convertible preferred stock	(86,000)	8,000	78,000													(86,000)
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature for Series B-2	(28,000)		28,000													(28,000)
Issuance of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs of $1,597,000 (in shares)						2,666,722
Issuance of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs of $1,597,000	10,403,000					3,000					10,400,000
Issuance of shares related to reverse split of common stock						3,324
Convertible preferred stock dividend (in shares)							15,625	38,925	90,825	13,380
Convertible preferred stock dividend												68,000	103,000	239,000	54,000		(68,000)	(103,000)	(239,000)	(54,000)
Issuance of common stock to a consultant (in shares)						7,000
Issuance of common stock to a consultant	16,000										16,000
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants						12,177
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	51,830					51,830
Stock-based compensation expense	1,336,000										1,336,000
Net loss	(4,610,000)															(4,610,000)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 4,906,000	$ 1,689,000	$ 2,793,000	$ 2,154,000	$ 632,000	$ 16,000					$ 78,583,000					$ (74,325,000)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2012		900,000	2,100,000	220	1,562,500	15,819,346

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended		144 Months Ended
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (4,610,000)	$ (5,519,000)	$ (66,927,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,000	5,000	550,000
Stock-based compensation expense	1,352,000	2,039,000	10,934,000
Non-cash interest expense			4,279,000
Change in fair value of convertible debt instrument			3,426,000
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		524,000	(9,022,000)
Write off of intangible assets			351,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Grant receivable		234,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,000	(1,000)	(84,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(435,000)	(156,000)	1,770,000
Other long-term liabilities		(9,000)
Net cash used in operating activities	(3,670,000)	(2,883,000)	(54,723,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment			(426,000)
Change in restricted cash		(5,000)	(69,000)
Increase in patents costs and other assets			(404,000)
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,000)	(899,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible debt instruments			10,621,000
Repayment of convertible debt instruments			(1,641,000)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants and options		4,851,000	11,293,000
Proceeds from shareholder advances			9,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,403,000	4,981,000	68,752,000
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,733,000	2,093,000	13,130,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,397,000	5,891,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	13,130,000	7,984,000	13,130,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE - Cash paid for interest			114,000
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of equity warrants in connection with equity offerings	4,445,000		9,482,000
Conversion of accrued expenses into common stock	16,000		319,000
Cashless exercise of common stock options and warrants	190,000		629,000
Conversion and redemption of convertible notes and accrued interest into common stock			12,243,000
Conversion of extension costs related to convertible notes into common stock			171,000
Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock	464,000	1,022,000	3,643,000
Issuance of warrants to induce conversion of notes payable			503,000
Issuance of stock to acquire Pro-Pharmaceuticals-NV			107,000
Common Stock
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants	10,403,000		39,093,000
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants			1,691,000
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants			1,548,000
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants			3,935,000
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants		$ 130,000	$ 2,203,000

Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Basis of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation

Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) is a development-stage company that is applying its leadership in galectin science and drug development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease and cancer. These candidates are based on the Company’s targeting of galectin proteins which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic function. These compounds also may have application for drugs to treat other diseases and chronic health conditions.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2012 and the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the cumulative period from inception (July 10, 2000) through June 30, 2012 and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and for the cumulative period from inception (July 10, 2000) to June 30, 2012. All adjustments made to the interim financial statements include all those of a normal and recurring nature. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are available to be issued. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

On March 23, 2012, the Company effected a one-for-six reverse stock split. All common share and per share amounts in these financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the reverse split. On March 28, 2012, the Company sold 2,666,722 shares of common stock and related warrants to purchase 1,333,361 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $12.0 million (net cash proceeds $10.4 million). See Note 6 for further discussion of the transaction.

At June 30, 2012, the Company had $13,130,000 of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes that with the cash and cash equivalents on hand at June 30, 2012 there is sufficient cash to fund operations through 2013. If the Company is unsuccessful in raising additional capital or is unsuccessful in bringing its products to market before the end of 2013, the Company may be required to cease operations or seek bankruptcy protection.

As shown in the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company incurred cumulative net losses applicable to common stockholders of $74.6 million for the cumulative period from inception (July 10, 2000) through June 30, 2012. The Company’s net losses have resulted principally from costs associated with (i) research and development expenses, including clinical trial costs, (ii) general and administrative activities and (iii) the Company’s financing transactions including interest, dividend payments, and the costs related to fair value accounting for the Company’s convertible debt instruments. As a result of planned expenditures for future research, discovery, development and commercialization activities and potential legal cost to protect its intellectual property, the Company expects to incur additional losses and use additional cash in its operations for the foreseeable future. Through June 30, 2012, the Company had raised a net total of $68.8 million in capital through sale and issuance of common stock, common stock purchase warrants, convertible preferred stock and debt securities in public and private offerings. From inception (July 10, 2000) through June 30, 2012, the Company used cash of $54.7 million in its operations.

The Company was founded in July 2000, was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2001 under the name “Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” and changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” on May 26, 2011. On March 23, 2012, the Company began trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol GALT. Immediately prior to March 23, 2012, the Company was traded on the Over-the Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol GALT.OB.

The Company is subject to a number of risks similar to those of other development-stage companies, including dependence on key individuals, uncertainty of product development and generation of revenues, dependence on outside sources of capital, risks associated with clinical trials of products, dependence on third-party collaborators for research operations, need for regulatory approval of products, risks associated with protection of intellectual property, and competition with larger, better-capitalized companies. Successful completion of the Company’s development program and, ultimately, the attainment of profitable operations is dependent upon future events, including obtaining adequate financing to fulfill its development activities and achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all, or successfully market its products.

Agreement with PROCAPS S.A.

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Agreement with PROCAPS S.A.

2. Agreement with PROCAPS S.A.

On March 25, 2010, the Company granted PROCAPS S.A. (“PROCAPS”) (in the form of a definitive term sheet) exclusive rights to market and sell GM-CT-01 (formerly DAVANAT^®) to treat cancer in Colombia, South America. PROCAPS is an international, privately held pharmaceutical company based in Barranquilla, Colombia. In October 2010, the Company received a payment of $200,000 and shipped GM-CT-01 to PROCAPS to be used by PROCAPS to qualify its vial filling process and to replicate the Company’s stability study. The $200,000 payment from PROCAPS is included as deferred revenue on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company will recognize the revenue when the remaining deliverables of the collaboration agreement have been completed.

On October 18, 2011, the Company entered into a Collaboration, Supply, Marketing and Distribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) with PROCAPS. The Agreement grants PROCAPS first negotiation rights to enter into similar agreements in other Central and South American countries. The Company is the sole manufacturer and supplier of GM-CT-01 to PROCAPS. The Agreement obligates PROCAPS to procure regulatory approvals necessary for the marketing and sale of GM-CT-01 naming the Company as the owner of such approvals to the extent permitted by law, or alternatively hold the approvals for the Company’s benefit. PROCAPS must pay the Company a stated fee for each dose it purchases and royalties at an incremental rate determined by annual net sales of GM-CT-01. The Company retains all intellectual property rights to GM-CT-01 and related products and PROCAPS may not produce, modify, reverse engineer, or otherwise interfere with the GM-CT-01 compound. PROCAPS may not manufacture or sell products that compete with GM-CT-01 during the term of the Agreement and for five years thereafter.

Accrued Expenses

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Accrued Expenses

3.	Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
		(in thousands)
Legal and accounting fees	$	71	$	69
Accrued compensation		180		385
Severance agreement (Note 9)		1,000		1,000
Other		3		97

Total	$	1,254	$	1,551

Stock-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation

4.	Stock-Based Compensation

Following is the stock-based compensation expense related to common stock options, common stock, restricted common stock and common stock warrants:


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
Research and development	$	359	$	614	$	508	$	1,138
General and administrative		520		714		844		901

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	879	$	1,328	$	1,352	$	2,039

The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans, including non-plan grants to Company executives, from December 31, 2011 through June 30, 2012:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011		3,091,474		$	6.83
Granted		480,000			2.08
Exercised		(51,830	)		2.31
Options forfeited/cancelled		(228,014	)		7.65

Outstanding, June 30, 2012		3,291,630		$	6.15

As of June 30, 2012, there was $6,292,000 of unrecognized compensation related to 1,362,675 unvested options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted–average period of approximately 3.7 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.72. The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $1.04 and $1.02, respectively.

Of the options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011, 166,668 vest only upon the achievement of certain market conditions (83,334 and 83,334 upon the Company achieving a market capitalization of $5 billion and $10 billion, respectively). These market condition stock option awards were valued at $1,006,000 using a Monte Carlo model and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 5.5 years. Assumptions used to value these options included the following: annualized volatility of 110%, annualized drift/risk-free interest rate of 3.5% and a forecast horizon/life of 10 years.

The fair value of all other options granted is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:


	Six Months Ended June 30,		Cumulative Period from Inception (July 10, 2000) to June 30,
	2012	2011	2012
Risk-free interest rate	0.91%	1.91%	1.98%
Expected life of the options	5.6 years	5.1 years	5.1 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock	116%	121%	119%
Expected dividend rate	0%	0%	0%

In May 2012, the Company granted 7,000 shares of common stock to a consultant for payment of past services. These shares of common stock were valued at $16,000, based on the market value of the shares at the date of grant and are included in stock based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Issuance of common stock and warrants, issuance costs	$ 1,597,000

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		144 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	May 31, 2012	Mar. 28, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	May 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2009
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock and warrants			2,666,722
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock			1,333,361								100,000	12,000	33,333
Gross proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants			$ 12,000,000
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants			10,403,000
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	13,130,000			13,130,000	7,984,000	13,130,000	7,984,000	13,130,000	6,397,000	5,891,000
Net losses applicable to common stockholders				(2,984,000)	(3,934,000)	(5,188,000)	(6,656,000)	(74,579,000)
Net total capital through sale and issuance of common stock and warrants	68,800,000	16,000				16,000
Net cash used in operating activities						$ (3,670,000)	$ (2,883,000)	$ (54,723,000)

Agreement with PROCAPS S.A. - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 200	$ 200

Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2009
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Legal and accounting fees	$ 71	$ 69
Accrued compensation	180	385	1,000
Severance agreement (Note 9)	1,000	1,000
Other	3	97
Total	$ 1,254	$ 1,551

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012
Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,091,474
Granted	480,000
Exercised	(51,830)
Options forfeited/cancelled	(228,014)
Outstanding, June 30, 2012	3,291,630
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	$ 6.83
Granted	$ 2.08
Exercised	$ 2.31
Options forfeited/cancelled	$ 7.65
Outstanding, June 30, 2012	$ 6.15

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		144 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	May 31, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012	Mar. 28, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 6,292,000				$ 6,292,000		$ 6,292,000		$ 6,292,000
Unvested option	1,362,675				1,362,675		1,362,675		1,362,675
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period							3 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options grant					$ 1.72	$ 1.04	$ 1.72	$ 1.02
Stock Option expected to vest only upon achievement of certain market conditions						166,668		166,668
Annualized volatility							116.00%	121.00%	119.00%
Annualized risk free rate							0.91%	1.91%	1.98%
Expected life							5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 1 month 6 days
Issuance of common stock to a consultant, shares		7,000	1,159,445	1,333,361
Issuance of common stock to a consultant, amount	68,800,000	16,000					16,000
Monte Carlo Option Pricing Model
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost						1,006,000		1,006,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period								5 years 6 months
Annualized volatility								110.00%
Annualized risk free rate								3.50%
Expected life								10 years
Scenario 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Option expected to vest only upon achievement of certain market conditions						83,334		83,334
Required Market capitalization for vesting stock option								5,000,000,000
Scenario 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Option expected to vest only upon achievement of certain market conditions						83,334		83,334
Required Market capitalization for vesting stock option								$ 10,000,000,000

Summary of Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Summary of Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012
Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	6,673,405
Granted	1,379,739
Exercised	(12,177)
Forfeited/cancelled	(616,726)
Outstanding, June 30, 2012	7,424,241
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	$ 3.95
Granted	$ 5.63
Exercised	$ 3.18
Forfeited/cancelled	$ 10.62
Outstanding, June 30, 2012	$ 3.71

Common Stock and Warrant Offering and Reverse Split - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012	Mar. 23, 2012	Mar. 28, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	May 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2009
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Stock issued, shares	7,000	1,159,445		1,333,361
Common share issued		2			15,819,346	12,919,538
Warrant to purchase common stock		1
Option to purchase additional units to cover over-allotments		45 days
Additional units authorize for issuance		173,916
Public Offering price		$ 9.00
Exercise price of warrant		5.63					4.26	15.00	3.00
Expiration date of warrant		Mar. 28, 2017
Issuance of common stock and warrants				2,666,722
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock				1,333,361			100,000	12,000	33,333
Gross proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants				$ 12,000,000
Net proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants				10,403,000
Value of warrants					10,000
Stock issued during stock splits			3,324
Warrant one
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Price per share of warrants				$ 5.63
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock				1,333,361
Value of warrants				4,445,000
Closing price of warrant issued				$ 4.20
Warrant, expected life				5 years
Warrant, volatility rate				119.00%
Warrant, risk free interest rate				1.05%
Warrant two
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Exercise price of warrant				5.63
Expiration date of warrant				May 02, 2016
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock				46,378
Value of warrants				$ 143,000
Closing price of warrant issued				$ 4.20
Warrant, expected life				4 years 37 days
Warrant, volatility rate				117.00%
Warrant, risk free interest rate				0.78%

Dilutive Shares Which Could Exist Pursuant to Exercise of Outstanding Stock Instruments and Which were not Included in Calculation (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	13,342,981	13,006,761
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	7,424,241	7,131,567
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	3,291,630	3,218,916
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation		20,834
Contingently Issuable Shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	2,627,110	2,635,444

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2009	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Severance Payment Due to Dr. Platt		$ 1,000,000	$ 180,000	$ 385,000
Cashless stock option vested		83,334
Royalty Revenue		50,000,000
Cashless stock option exercisable		50,000
Market Capitalization		100,000,000
Severance payment period		6 months
Dividend rights issued	5
Rate of dividend	6.00%
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Series C prefer stock converted to common stock	5
Common Stock
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Conversion of share, common stock issued	8,334
Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity Investment		$ 10,000,000
Cashless stock option exercisable period		10 years