Results for the year - Deferred share activity (Details)
EquityInstruments in Thousands
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
DKK (kr)
EquityInstruments
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
EquityInstruments
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
EquityInstruments
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
EquityInstruments
Dec. 31, 2014
EquityInstruments
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]            
Research and development costs | $     $ 4,852,000 $ 7,984,000 $ 6,000,000  
General and administrative costs | $     2,230,000 6,304,000 7,541,000  
Total | $ $ 11,700,000   $ 7,082,000 $ 14,288,000 $ 13,541,000  
Deferred shares            
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]            
Outstanding at beginning   3,517 3,517 4,814 5,686  
Granted   900 900 125 550  
Vested and issued       (1,422) (1,422)  
Forfeited   (2,842) (2,842)      
Effect of the Amendment and the Deferred Share Adjustment   (875) (875)      
Outstanding at end   700 700 3,517 4,814 5,686
Vested and unissued   234 234      
Exercise price   kr 0.01 $ 0.0016      
Key Management Personnel | Deferred shares            
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]            
Outstanding at beginning   3,217 3,217 4,264 5,686  
Granted   450 450 125    
Vested and issued       (1,422) (1,422)  
Transfer       250    
Forfeited   (2,842) (2,842)      
Effect of the Amendment and the Deferred Share Adjustment   (419) (419)      
Outstanding at end   406 406 3,217 4,264 5,686
Vested and unissued   127 127      
Employees and consultants | Deferred shares            
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]            
Outstanding at beginning   300 300 550    
Granted   450 450   550  
Transfer       (250)    
Effect of the Amendment and the Deferred Share Adjustment   (456) (456)      
Outstanding at end   294 294 300 550  
Vested and unissued   107 107      
Chief Financial Officer | Deferred shares            
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]            
Vesting term           4 years