Stockholders' deficiency - Stock-based compensation expense (Details 4) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Allocated share based compensation expense $ 1,103,209 $ 272,594
Research and development
   
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Allocated share based compensation expense 522,725 196,281
General and administrative
   
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Allocated share based compensation expense $ 580,484 $ 76,313