| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Etifoxine deuterated; GRX-917 |
| Routes of administration | Oral administration |
| Drug class | GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator;TSPO ligand |
Deuterated etifoxine (developmental code nameGRX-917) is adeuterated drug which is under development for the treatment ofanxiety disorders andmood disorders.[1][2][3][4][5]
It was originated by GABA Therapeutics and is under development by GABA Therapeutics andATAI Life Sciences.[1]
Deuterated etifoxine is adeuterated form ofetifoxine (Stresam) with improvedpharmacokinetic properties, for instance a longerelimination half-life andduration of action.[1][3][5] Etifoxine has been widely used as an anxiolytic for many decades.[6][7][8][3]
Etifoxine and deuterated etifoxine areGABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators (GABAkines) andligands of thetranslocator protein (TSPO), both of which may contribute to anxiolytic effects.[6][8][2][7] The TSPO promotessteroidogenesis ofinhibitoryneurosteroids such asallopregnanolone, which act aspotent GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators, and hence interactions with the TSPO can also indirectly potentiate the GABAA receptor.[2][3] The precise isotopic substitution of deuterated etifoxine has not yet been disclosed.[4] As of January 2023, deuterated etifoxine is inphase 1clinical trials for anxiety disorders andpreclinical development for mood disorders.[1]