Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Business Arrowhead Research develops novel drugs to treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using the broadest portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep and durable knockdown of target genes. Arrowhead’s most advanced drug candidate in clinical development is ARC-520, which is designed to treat chronic hepatitis B infection by inhibiting the production of all HBV gene products. The goal is to reverse the immune suppression that prevents the body from controlling the virus and clearing the disease. Arrowhead’s second clinical candidate is ARC-AAT, a treatment for a rare liver disease associated with a genetic disorder that causes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Liquidity Historically, the Company’s primary source of financing has been through the sale of securities of Arrowhead Research Corp. Research and development activities have required significant capital investment since the Company’s inception and we expect our operations to continue to require cash investment in fiscal 2015 and beyond as the Company continues its research and development efforts, as well as clinical trials, and related drug manufacturing. At September 30, 2014, the Company had $132.5 million in cash to fund operations. In addition to its cash resources, the Company has invested excess cash in investment grade commercial bonds maturing in less than 2 years. These bonds provide a source of liquidity, although the Company plans to hold them until maturity. At September 30, 2014, the Company had invested $44.7 million in these bonds. During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company’s cash position increased by $113.4 million which was the result of the receipt of cash from the issuance of equity of $172.6 million and cash from the exercise of warrants and options of $12.9 million, partially offset by cash outflows of $35.4 million related to continuing operating activities, net cash invested in fixed income investments of $34.8 million, and capital expenditures of $1.7 million. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation— The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Arrowhead and its Subsidiaries. Arrowhead’s primary operating subsidiary is Arrowhead Madison, which is located in Madison, Wisconsin, where the Company’s research and development facilities are located. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation, and noncontrolling interests are accounted for in the Company’s financial statements. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Additionally, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company had no restricted cash at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company maintains bank accounts for its operations at two financial institutions. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per account. Management believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which these deposits are held. Investments—the Company may invest excess cash balances in short-term and long-term marketable debt securities. Investments may consist of certificates of deposits, money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprise securities, corporate bonds and/or commercial paper. The Company accounts for its investment in marketable securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. This statement requires certain securities to be classified into three categories: Held-to-maturity—Debt securities that the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at amortized cost. Trading Securities—Debt and equity securities that are bought and held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Available-for-Sale—Debt and equity securities not classified as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The Company classifies its investments in marketable debt securities based on the facts and circumstances present at the time of purchase of the securities. At September 30, 2014, the Company classified all of its investments as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are measured and recorded at amortized cost on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Discounts and premiums to par value of the debt securities are amortized to interest income/expense over the term of the security. No gains or losses on investment securities are realized until they are sold or a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are recorded at cost, which may equal fair market value in the case of property and equipment acquired in conjunction with a business acquisition. Depreciation of property and equipment is recorded using the straight-line method over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the expected useful life or the remaining lease term. Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization—At September 30, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization include certain license agreements. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. In-Process Research & Development (IPR&D)—IPR&D assets represent capitalized on-going research projects that Arrowhead acquired through business combinations. Such assets are initially measured at their acquisition date fair values. The amounts capitalized are being accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of R&D efforts associated with the project. Upon successful completion of a project, Arrowhead will make a determination as to the then remaining useful life of the intangible asset and begin amortization. Based on ASC 350 – Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, Arrowhead tests its indefinite-lived assets for impairment at least annually, through a two-step process. The first step is a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the indefinite lived assets are impaired. Arrowhead considers relevant events and circumstances that could affect the inputs used to determine the fair value of the intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the intangible assets is impaired, a second step is performed which is a quantitative test to determine the fair value of the intangible asset. If the carrying amount of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount of that excess. If circumstances determine that it is appropriate, the Company may also elect to bypass step one, and proceed directly to the second step. Contingent Consideration - The consideration for our acquisitions often includes future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. For example, milestone payments might be based on the achievement of various regulatory approvals or future sales milestones, and royalty payments might be based on drug product sales levels. We record a contingent consideration obligation for such contingent payments at fair value on the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models designed to estimate the probability of the occurrence of such contingent payments based on various assumptions and incorporating estimated success rates. Estimated payments are discounted using present value techniques to arrive at estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. We revalue these contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration obligations are recognized within our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rates, changes in the amount or timing of expected expenditures associated with product development, changes in the amount or timing of cash flows from products upon commercialization, changes in the assumed achievement or timing of any development milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events and changes in the assumed probability associated with regulatory approval. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, changes in assumptions could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Noncontrolling Interests in Majority-Owned Subsidiaries—Operating losses applicable to majority-owned Ablaris, Calando (prior to its deconsolidation), and Unidym (prior to its disposal) have periodically exceeded the noncontrolling interests in the equity capital of either Subsidiary. Such excess losses applicable to the noncontrolling interests have been and are borne by the Company as there is no obligation of the noncontrolling interests to fund any losses in excess of their original investment. There is also no obligation or commitment on the part of the Company to fund operating losses of any Subsidiary whether wholly-owned or majority-owned. The Company allocates the noncontrolling interest’s share of net loss in excess of the noncontrolling interest’s initial investment in accordance with FASB ASC 810-10. When there is a change in the Company’s proportionate share of a Subsidiary resulting from additional equity transactions in a Subsidiary, the change is accounted for as an equity transaction in consolidation. To the extent that the increase in the calculated value of the Company’s interest in the equity of the Subsidiary exceeds the Company’s investment in the offering, that increase in value is referred to as the Company’s “increase in its proportionate share of the Subsidiary’s equity” and the amount is recorded as an increase in the Company’s Additional Paid-in Capital. Revenue Recognition—Revenue from license fees are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has passed or services have been rendered, a price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. We may generate revenue from product sales, technology licenses, collaborative research and development arrangements, and research grants. Revenue under technology licenses and collaborative agreements typically consists of nonrefundable and/or guaranteed technology license fees, collaborative research funding and various milestone and future product royalty or profit-sharing payments. Revenue associated with research and development funding payments under collaborative agreements is recognized ratably over the relevant periods specified in the agreement, generally the research and development period. Revenue from up-front license fees, milestones and product royalties are recognized as earned based on the completion of the milestones and product sales, as defined in the respective agreements. Payments received in advance of recognition as revenue are recorded as deferred revenue. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Company accrues an allowance for doubtful accounts based on estimates of uncollectible revenues by analyzing historical collections, accounts receivable aging and other factors. Accounts receivable are written off when all collection attempts have failed. Research and Development—Costs and expenses that can be clearly identified as research and development are charged to expense as incurred in accordance with FASB ASC 730-10. Included in research and development costs are operating costs, facilities, supplies, external services, clinical trial and manufacturing costs, and overhead directly related to the Company’s research and development operations, as well as costs to acquire technology licenses. Earnings (Loss) per Share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares primarily consist of stock options and restricted stock units issued to employees and warrants to purchase Common Stock of the Company. All outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been excluded from the calculation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. Stock-Based Compensation—The Company accounts for share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards to be based on estimated fair values. We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of our stock options at the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions to calculate the value of stock options. We use historical data among other information to estimate the expected price volatility and the expected forfeiture rate. The fair value of restricted stock units granted is based upon the quoted closing market price per share on the date of grant, adjusted for assumed forfeitures. Expense for stock options and restricted stock units is recognized over the requisite service period. Derivative Assets and Liabilities - We account for warrants and other derivative financial instruments as either equity or assets/liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of each instrument. Warrants classified as equity are recorded as additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and no further adjustments to their valuation are made. Some of our warrants were determined to be ineligible for equity classification because of provisions that may result in an adjustment to their exercise price. Warrants classified as derivative liabilities and other derivative financial instruments that require separate accounting as assets or liabilities are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value on the date of issuance and are revalued on each subsequent balance sheet date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with any changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. We estimate the fair value of these assets/liabilities using option pricing models that are based on the individual characteristics of the warrants or instruments on the valuation date, as well as assumptions for expected volatility, expected life and risk-free interest rate. Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The provision for income taxes, if any, represents the tax payable for the period and the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the period. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Topic 915): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which states that in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity’s management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-10, Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance, which eliminates the distinction and separate requirements for development stage entities and other reporting entities under U.S. GAAP. Specifically the amendment eliminates the requirement for development stage entities to 1) present inception-to-date information in the statements of income, cash flow and shareholders’ equity, 2) label the financial statements as those of a development stage entity, 3) disclose a description of the development stage activities in which the entity is engaged and 4) disclose the first year in which the entity is no longer a development stage entity that in prior years it had been in the development stage. ASU 2014-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted ASU 2014-10 effectively beginning with the filing of our Form 10-Q for period ended June 30, 2014. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. ASU No. 2014-09 provides that an entity recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption and will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. The Company is evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on its financial statements. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which eliminates diversity in practice for the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from disallowance of a tax position. ASU 2013-11 affects only the presentation of such amounts in an entity’s balance sheet and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which amended the guidance in ASU 2011-08 to simplify the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. ASU 2012-02 becomes effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after September 15, 2012 and earlier adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Arrowhead Research develops novel drugs to treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using the broadest portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep and durable knockdown of target genes. Arrowhead’s most advanced drug candidate in clinical development is ARC-520, which is designed to treat chronic hepatitis B infection by inhibiting the production of all HBV gene products. The goal is to reverse the immune suppression that prevents the body from controlling the virus and clearing the disease. Arrowhead’s second clinical candidate is ARC-AAT, a treatment for a rare liver disease associated with a genetic disorder that causes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Liquidity

Historically, the Company’s primary source of financing has been through the sale of securities of Arrowhead Research Corp. Research and development activities have required significant capital investment since the Company’s inception and we expect our operations to continue to require cash investment in fiscal 2015 and beyond as the Company continues its research and development efforts, as well as clinical trials, and related drug manufacturing.

At September 30, 2014, the Company had $132.5 million in cash to fund operations. In addition to its cash resources, the Company has invested excess cash in investment grade commercial bonds maturing in less than 2 years. These bonds provide a source of liquidity, although the Company plans to hold them until maturity. At September 30, 2014, the Company had invested $44.7 million in these bonds. During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company’s cash position increased by $113.4 million which was the result of the receipt of cash from the issuance of equity of $172.6 million and cash from the exercise of warrants and options of $12.9 million, partially offset by cash outflows of $35.4 million related to continuing operating activities, net cash invested in fixed income investments of $34.8 million, and capital expenditures of $1.7 million.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation— The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Arrowhead and its Subsidiaries. Arrowhead’s primary operating subsidiary is Arrowhead Madison, which is located in Madison, Wisconsin, where the Company’s research and development facilities are located. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation, and noncontrolling interests are accounted for in the Company’s financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Additionally, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company had no restricted cash at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company maintains bank accounts for its operations at two financial institutions. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per account. Management believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which these deposits are held.

Investments—the Company may invest excess cash balances in short-term and long-term marketable debt securities. Investments may consist of certificates of deposits, money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprise securities, corporate bonds and/or commercial paper. The Company accounts for its investment in marketable securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. This statement requires certain securities to be classified into three categories:

Held-to-maturity—Debt securities that the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at amortized cost.

Trading Securities—Debt and equity securities that are bought and held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

Available-for-Sale—Debt and equity securities not classified as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

The Company classifies its investments in marketable debt securities based on the facts and circumstances present at the time of purchase of the securities. At September 30, 2014, the Company classified all of its investments as held-to-maturity.

Held-to-maturity investments are measured and recorded at amortized cost on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Discounts and premiums to par value of the debt securities are amortized to interest income/expense over the term of the security. No gains or losses on investment securities are realized until they are sold or a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary.

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are recorded at cost, which may equal fair market value in the case of property and equipment acquired in conjunction with a business acquisition. Depreciation of property and equipment is recorded using the straight-line method over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the expected useful life or the remaining lease term. Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization—At September 30, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization include certain license agreements. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.

In-Process Research & Development (IPR&D)—IPR&D assets represent capitalized on-going research projects that Arrowhead acquired through business combinations. Such assets are initially measured at their acquisition date fair values. The amounts capitalized are being accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of R&D efforts associated with the project. Upon successful completion of a project, Arrowhead will make a determination as to the then remaining useful life of the intangible asset and begin amortization. Based on ASC 350 – Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, Arrowhead tests its indefinite-lived assets for impairment at least annually, through a two-step process. The first step is a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the indefinite lived assets are impaired. Arrowhead considers relevant events and circumstances that could affect the inputs used to determine the fair value of the intangible assets. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the intangible assets is impaired, a second step is performed which is a quantitative test to determine the fair value of the intangible asset. If the carrying amount of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount of that excess. If circumstances determine that it is appropriate, the Company may also elect to bypass step one, and proceed directly to the second step.

Contingent Consideration - The consideration for our acquisitions often includes future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. For example, milestone payments might be based on the achievement of various regulatory approvals or future sales milestones, and royalty payments might be based on drug product sales levels. We record a contingent consideration obligation for such contingent payments at fair value on the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models designed to estimate the probability of the occurrence of such contingent payments based on various assumptions and incorporating estimated success rates. Estimated payments are discounted using present value techniques to arrive at estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. We revalue these contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration obligations are recognized within our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rates, changes in the amount or timing of expected expenditures associated with product development, changes in the amount or timing of cash flows from products upon commercialization, changes in the assumed achievement or timing of any development milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events and changes in the assumed probability associated with regulatory approval. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, changes in assumptions could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period.

Noncontrolling Interests in Majority-Owned Subsidiaries—Operating losses applicable to majority-owned Ablaris, Calando (prior to its deconsolidation), and Unidym (prior to its disposal) have periodically exceeded the noncontrolling interests in the equity capital of either Subsidiary. Such excess losses applicable to the noncontrolling interests have been and are borne by the Company as there is no obligation of the noncontrolling interests to fund any losses in excess of their original investment. There is also no obligation or commitment on the part of the Company to fund operating losses of any Subsidiary whether wholly-owned or majority-owned. The Company allocates the noncontrolling interest’s share of net loss in excess of the noncontrolling interest’s initial investment in accordance with FASB ASC 810-10.

When there is a change in the Company’s proportionate share of a Subsidiary resulting from additional equity transactions in a Subsidiary, the change is accounted for as an equity transaction in consolidation. To the extent that the increase in the calculated value of the Company’s interest in the equity of the Subsidiary exceeds the Company’s investment in the offering, that increase in value is referred to as the Company’s “increase in its proportionate share of the Subsidiary’s equity” and the amount is recorded as an increase in the Company’s Additional Paid-in Capital.

Revenue Recognition—Revenue from license fees are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has passed or services have been rendered, a price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. We may generate revenue from product sales, technology licenses, collaborative research and development arrangements, and research grants. Revenue under technology licenses and collaborative agreements typically consists of nonrefundable and/or guaranteed technology license fees, collaborative research funding and various milestone and future product royalty or profit-sharing payments.

Revenue associated with research and development funding payments under collaborative agreements is recognized ratably over the relevant periods specified in the agreement, generally the research and development period. Revenue from up-front license fees, milestones and product royalties are recognized as earned based on the completion of the milestones and product sales, as defined in the respective agreements. Payments received in advance of recognition as revenue are recorded as deferred revenue.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Company accrues an allowance for doubtful accounts based on estimates of uncollectible revenues by analyzing historical collections, accounts receivable aging and other factors. Accounts receivable are written off when all collection attempts have failed.

Research and Development—Costs and expenses that can be clearly identified as research and development are charged to expense as incurred in accordance with FASB ASC 730-10. Included in research and development costs are operating costs, facilities, supplies, external services, clinical trial and manufacturing costs, and overhead directly related to the Company’s research and development operations, as well as costs to acquire technology licenses.

Earnings (Loss) per Share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares primarily consist of stock options and restricted stock units issued to employees and warrants to purchase Common Stock of the Company. All outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been excluded from the calculation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Stock-Based Compensation—The Company accounts for share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards to be based on estimated fair values. We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of our stock options at the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions to calculate the value of stock options. We use historical data among other information to estimate the expected price volatility and the expected forfeiture rate. The fair value of restricted stock units granted is based upon the quoted closing market price per share on the date of grant, adjusted for assumed forfeitures. Expense for stock options and restricted stock units is recognized over the requisite service period.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities - We account for warrants and other derivative financial instruments as either equity or assets/liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of each instrument. Warrants classified as equity are recorded as additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and no further adjustments to their valuation are made. Some of our warrants were determined to be ineligible for equity classification because of provisions that may result in an adjustment to their exercise price. Warrants classified as derivative liabilities and other derivative financial instruments that require separate accounting as assets or liabilities are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value on the date of issuance and are revalued on each subsequent balance sheet date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with any changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. We estimate the fair value of these assets/liabilities using option pricing models that are based on the individual characteristics of the warrants or instruments on the valuation date, as well as assumptions for expected volatility, expected life and risk-free interest rate.

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The provision for income taxes, if any, represents the tax payable for the period and the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the period.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Topic 915): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which states that in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity’s management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-10, Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance, which eliminates the distinction and separate requirements for development stage entities and other reporting entities under U.S. GAAP. Specifically the amendment eliminates the requirement for development stage entities to 1) present inception-to-date information in the statements of income, cash flow and shareholders’ equity, 2) label the financial statements as those of a development stage entity, 3) disclose a description of the development stage activities in which the entity is engaged and 4) disclose the first year in which the entity is no longer a development stage entity that in prior years it had been in the development stage. ASU 2014-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted ASU 2014-10 effectively beginning with the filing of our Form 10-Q for period ended June 30, 2014.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. ASU No. 2014-09 provides that an entity recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption and will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. The Company is evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on its financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which eliminates diversity in practice for the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from disallowance of a tax position. ASU 2013-11 affects only the presentation of such amounts in an entity’s balance sheet and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which amended the guidance in ASU 2011-08 to simplify the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment. ASU 2012-02 becomes effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after September 15, 2012 and earlier adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial statements.