Beyond the Pill: New Norliqva® Reformulation Eases Treatment Burden for Young Patients

FARMVILLE, NC – April 20, 2026 – CMP Pharma today announced the nationwide availability of a significant reformulation of Norliqva® (amlodipine), its oral liquid solution for hypertension. The new version, now alcohol-free with a mixed berry flavor, is engineered to eliminate the need for refrigeration or shaking, addressing longstanding challenges in administering medication to pediatric patients and marking a notable step forward in patient-centric drug design.

This development arrives as healthcare providers grapple with a rising prevalence of pediatric hypertension. For children, particularly the estimated 1 in 25 American youths aged 12 to 19 with the condition, treatment adherence is a critical hurdle. The new Norliqva formulation is indicated for patients six years and older and is designed specifically for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets, a condition known as dysphagia.

By creating a stable, ready-to-use liquid, the company aims to replace the inconsistent and often stressful practice of crushing tablets or relying on specially compounded versions of amlodipine, which can vary in stability and dosage accuracy.

Addressing a Growing Pediatric Health Challenge

The need for more accessible pediatric treatments is underscored by troubling health trends. A systematic review published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that the global prevalence of hypertension in minors nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified elevated blood pressure in a significant portion of the youth population, often linked to rising obesity rates.

For families managing this chronic condition, daily medication is a reality, and the challenges are practical and profound. Many children struggle to swallow solid pills, leading caregivers to crush tablets—a practice that can alter a drug's effectiveness and lead to inaccurate dosing. While compounding pharmacies can create liquid alternatives, these preparations may lack the rigorous stability testing of an FDA-approved product and can introduce variables in potency and purity.

Furthermore, medication adherence in children is notoriously difficult. Factors like unpleasant taste, complex administration steps, and undesirable ingredients can turn medicine time into a daily battle, potentially compromising treatment outcomes. The new Norliqva formulation directly targets these barriers.

A Leap Forward in Formulation and Convenience

CMP Pharma's reformulation introduces three key improvements based on feedback from healthcare professionals, fundamentally changing the user experience.

First, the solution is now alcohol-free, a critical safety consideration for pediatric medications. The removal of alcohol addresses a common concern among both parents and pediatricians regarding the long-term administration of drugs to developing bodies.

Second, the product no longer requires refrigeration. This seemingly simple change carries immense practical benefits. It liberates families from the logistical constraints of cold-chain storage, simplifying travel and daily routines. It also eliminates the risk of the medication losing potency due to improper storage, a common issue outside of controlled clinical settings.

Third, the oral solution is ready-to-use and does not require shaking. Suspensions that must be shaken before use carry an inherent risk of inconsistent dosing if not mixed properly. By creating a true solution, CMP Pharma ensures that each dose delivers a consistent concentration of amlodipine, enhancing safety and reliability while reducing caregiver burden.

"At CMP Pharma, our goal is to not only provide essential medications, but to continuously refine them to better serve patients," said Brad Barger, Chief Transformation Officer at CMP Pharma, Inc. "The Norliqva alcohol-free reformulation reflects our dedication to optimizing treatment options for the patient populations we serve. We are providing healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients with an FDA-approved liquid solution with convenient features such as no requirement for refrigeration or shaking prior to use."

The Evolving Landscape of Liquid Formulations

The launch of the reformulated Norliqva highlights a dynamic and competitive area of the pharmaceutical market focused on improving drug delivery for vulnerable populations. Until recently, options for liquid amlodipine included compounded versions and other FDA-approved suspensions, which often required the very steps—refrigeration and shaking—that the new Norliqva eliminates.

The market is clearly responding to the demand for more user-friendly options. Just this month, Pangea Pharmaceuticals launched Sdamlo™, the first FDA-approved amlodipine powder for oral solution. Also alcohol-free and requiring no refrigeration, Sdamlo is provided in unit-dose packets, a format designed to ensure precise dosing, particularly for tube-fed patients.

While Norliqva offers the convenience of a ready-made liquid and Sdamlo provides pre-measured unit doses, both innovations signal a clear industry trajectory. Companies are no longer just competing on the efficacy of the active ingredient but on the entire patient experience, recognizing that ease of use is a powerful driver of medication adherence and, ultimately, better health outcomes.

The Broader Shift Toward Patient-Centric Design

This reformulation is more than an update to a single product; it exemplifies a wider industry trend toward patient-centric innovation. Pharmaceutical companies, particularly specialty firms like CMP Pharma, are increasingly focusing on niche markets with unmet needs, finding success by solving practical problems that larger manufacturers may overlook.

The development of child-friendly formulations is heavily encouraged by regulatory bodies. The FDA's Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) provide incentives and mandates for companies to study and develop drugs specifically for pediatric use. This has spurred a wave of innovation in creating age-appropriate dosage forms, from flavored liquids and chewable tablets to orally dissolving films.

Achieving a stable, room-temperature liquid formulation is a significant scientific achievement. It requires sophisticated formulation science to prevent the active ingredient from degrading and to ensure microbial safety without relying on cold storage. This investment in advanced drug delivery technology is becoming a key differentiator in a crowded marketplace, promising a future where managing chronic illness becomes less of a burden and more seamlessly integrated into a patient's daily life.