Potent benzodiazepine receptor agonist (IC50 = 1 nM). Non-selective between α1-, α2-, α3- and α5-subunit containing GABAA receptors (Ki values are 4.1, 4.2, 6 and 4.5 nM for inhibition of [3H]Ro15-1788 binding to human recombinant α1β3γ2, α2β3γ2, α3β3γ2 and α5β3γ2 receptors respectively). Anxiolytic following systemic administration in vivo.