Ganaxolone binds to allosteric sites of the GABAA receptor to modulate and open the chloride ion channel, resulting in a hyperpolarization of the neuron [REF].
Ganaxolone's mechanism is similar to allopregnanolone; however, the addition of the 3β-methyl group to the chemical structure prevents ganaxolone from being metabolized like allopregnanolone into an active hormonal steroid.