Ro5-4864

Ro5-4864

Ro5-4864 is a benzodiazepine derivative drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche in the 1970s. It is a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist, which has no affinity for the central GABA_A receptor benzodiazepine binding site.

Chemistry

Ro5-4864, also known as 4'-chlorodiazepam, is a synthetic molecule of the benzodiazepine class. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs with a core chemical structure of a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring.

Pharmacology

Ro5-4864 is a selective agonist for the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, also known as the translocator protein (TSPO). This is in contrast to most benzodiazepine drugs, which are agonists for the GABA_A receptor. The TSPO is found primarily in the mitochondria of glial cells in the brain, where it plays a role in the synthesis of steroid hormones and the regulation of mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis.

Clinical significance

Ro5-4864 has been used in scientific research to study the role of the TSPO in the brain. It has been found to have neuroprotective effects in models of brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. However, it has not been developed for clinical use.

See also

• Benzodiazepine
• Translocator protein
• Hoffmann-La Roche