data + articles · 2 listed
newest 2004spec sheet10 rows
DAA-1097 is a high-affinity synthetic ligand of the translocator protein TSPO, historically called the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. Despite that old name it is not a benzodiazepine and does not act at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site; instead it targets an 18 kDa protein on mitochondrial membranes involved in inflammation, neurosteroid synthesis, and cell survival. It has been studied as a research tool for neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Neuroprotective signaling
- Analgesic effects in preclinical models
- Possible effects on mitochondrial and steroid pathways
Mechanism
DAA-1097 binds TSPO with high affinity on the outer membrane, where TSPO participates in cholesterol transport for neurosteroid production, mitochondrial function, and modulation of microglial/immune activation. By engaging this target, TSPO ligands like DAA-1097 are thought to dampen neuroinflammatory signaling and support neurosteroid-mediated neuroprotection, which underlies the reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in preclinical models. Importantly, it works entirely through TSPO and not through the central benzodiazepine (-A) receptor, so it is not a sedative or anxiolytic in the benzodiazepine sense.
receptor fingerprint
TSPO (translocator protein, 18 kDa)High-affinity ligand
/ Modulation via TSPO
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
DAA-1097 is a preclinical research ligand with no established human safety profile, so its risks in people are essentially unknown. As a TSPO-targeting agent it could in principle affect mitochondrial function, steroid synthesis, and immune signaling, none of which are well mapped for this specific compound in humans. It should be treated strictly as an experimental research chemical rather than a therapeutic. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
Strictly a laboratory ligand. Two studies, no human data, and no way to know what a TSPO-targeting agent does to mitochondrial and steroid pathways in a person. There is nothing here to take.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1.Design, synthesis and structure-affinity relationships of aryloxyanilide derivatives as novel peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands
- 2.Neuropharmacological profile of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonists, DAA1097 and DAA1106
2 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Is DAA-1097 a benzodiazepine?
No. It binds TSPO, the so-called peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, which is a different protein from the GABA-A benzodiazepine site; it is not sedating in that way.
What is TSPO?
TSPO is an 18 kDa mitochondrial protein involved in cholesterol transport, neurosteroid synthesis, and inflammatory regulation.
Is it used in people?
No. It is a preclinical research ligand with no established clinical use or human safety data. Not medical advice.
Limitations of the evidence
- Unknown human safety
Adverse effects
- Possible effects on mitochondrial and steroid pathways