Alendronate Binds to Tooth Root Surfaces and Inhibits Progression of Feline Tooth Resorption: A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study

Tissue distribution, bioavailability, and efficacy of alendronate in preventing progression of resorption of teeth were evaluated in cats. [Butyl-4-14C-]-alendronate accumulates on subgingival tooth and alveolar bone surfaces adjacent to vascularized tissue resulting in concentration of the drug around tooth roots. Three cats were treated with a 0.03 mg/kg IV bolus of [butyl-4-14C-]-alendronate followed by blood, urine, and feces collection and euthanasia 24-hours later. Drug tissue distribution was accessed by autoradiography and sample combustion. To assess bioavailability, 12 cats were administered alendronate orally (3.0 or 9.0 mg/kg in water or 9.0 mg/kg in tuna water) and urine was collected for 24-hours. In these formulations, alendronate oral bioavailability in cats was approximately 3 %. In addition, 10 cats with radiographic evidence of pre-existing tooth resorption (14 affected teeth) were treated with vehicle or 3.0 mg/kg alendronate per os once weekly for 22-weeks and, then, 9.0 mg/kg per os twice weekly for 27-weeks in a random, masked study. Radiographic area of resorption was measured and progression scored every 3 to 4-months.In placebo-treated cats, resorption progressed in five of six teeth (+ 97 % average increase in area of resorption), whereas progression of resorption was seen in only three of eight affected teeth in alendronate-treated cats with a – 22 % average change (decrease) in area (P < 0.01 difference in number of teeth showing progression; P < 0.001 difference in area of resorption).Alendronate accumulated preferentially on subgingival tooth surfaces and adjacent alveolar bone and, at a dose of 9 mg/kg twice weekly, effectively slowed or arrested the progression of resorption.