Darigabat and subtype-selective GABA-A modulation: pharmacology, clinical development, and translational challenges

Darigabat is a selective γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor positive allosteric modulator targeting α2, α3, and α5 subunits, developed to preserve anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects while reducing α1-mediated sedation and cognitive adverse events. Subtype-selective modulation represents a strategy to improve the safety of GABAergic therapies.

A literature search in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to June 2025 identified 20 preclinical and clinical studies. Darigabat demonstrated dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, high brain penetration, and overall acceptable tolerability, with dose-dependent central nervous system adverse effects at higher exposures. Preclinical models showed anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity. However, clinical trials reported heterogeneous and inconsistent efficacy across indications.

Darigabat supports the feasibility of subtype-selective GABA-A modulation. Early-phase studies in healthy volunteers suggested improved acute tolerability compared with nonselective benzodiazepines. In contrast, repeated-dose studies in patients revealed dose-dependent central nervous system adverse effects, including somnolence, psychomotor slowing, and cognitive impairment, indicating that α1-sparing reduces but does not eliminate these effects. Current evidence does not support a clear therapeutic role in chronic central nervous system disorders. Future research should focus on exposure-response relationships, identification of responsive subgroups, and biomarker integration. The ability to retain efficacy with improved safety remains uncertain.