GRX-917’s main mechanism of action increases the amount of naturally occurring neurosteroids (like allopregnanolone) by activation of TSPO on mitochondria. This increase of endogenous neurosteroids occurs in areas in the brain where they are used to activate GABA receptors, slowing dysregulated brain activity in diseases like anxiety and depression, but minimizing the typical side effects of GABA drugs, like benzodiazepines. Additionally, increases of neurosteroids acting at other receptors have been found to minimize neuroinflammation, affect neuroregeneration and modulate the activation of microglia – potentially key elements in therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.
