Effects of dexpramipexole on brain mitochondrial conductances and cellular bioenergetic efficiency

► Improvement of bioenergetic efficiency may ameliorate mitochondrial damage. ► Mitochondrial damage is a hallmark of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS. ► Dexpramipexole (DEX) is a drug undergoing clinical trials in ALS. ► DEX inhibited stress- or injury-induced neuronal mitochondrial conductance. ► DEX reduced oxygen consumption while maintaining or increasing ATP levels.