CHESTER, N.J., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARxT) today announced that Michael J. Valentino, president and CEO, is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2006 award winner for his leadership and achievement in the field of Life Sciences. Valentino was presented this award at a special 20th anniversary gala event on Thursday, June 22, 2006, at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey. The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) program in New Jersey recognizes the leaders and visionaries who are creating and building world-class businesses.

"It is a great honor to receive this prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award," said Michael J. Valentino, president and CEO. "I accept this award on behalf of all Adams employees. I want to express my sincere gratitude to my talented management team, fellow Board members and employees for their dedication, hard work and tremendous winning spirit! Collectively, we are raising the bar in terms of what's possible as a start-up company, driving innovation in product development, marketing and distribution."

According to Ernst & Young, finalists and award recipients are chosen on a regional, national and global level. The New Jersey Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) program is one of 29 regional U.S. programs. The New Jersey finalists were chosen by a panel of independent judges composed of area business, academic and civic leaders as well as three award recipients representing the 2005 Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) program. A total of 32 finalists representing 29 New Jersey companies were announced by Ernst & Young on May 22.

All regional award recipients from the 29 U.S. programs are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2006 National program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 18, 2006. The overall National Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2006 award recipient is then considered for the world event held in Monte Carlo.

About Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc.

Adams is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the late-stage development, commercialization and marketing of over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals for the treatment of respiratory disorders.

About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Awards

The Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) awards program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 100 cities and 35 countries.

SOURCE Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc.