Ro5-4864

Ro5-4864 (4'-Chlorodiazepam) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative, the 4'-chloro derivative of diazepam. However unlike most benzodiazepine derivatives, Ro5-4864 lacks affinity for GABAA receptors and lacks typical benzodiazepine effects, instead being sedative yet also convulsant and anxiogenic in effects. Ro5-4864 was found to be a potent ligand for the "peripheral benzodiazepine receptor", later renamed to mitochondrial translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO). Interestingly despite its convulsant effects, at lower doses Ro5-4864 has proved to be neuroprotective and has become widely used for research into the role of the TSPO protein in neurotoxicity,     as well as having analgesic and possible antidepressant, cardioprotective and anti-cancer effects.