#United States #San Diego #Neurelis #VALTOCO #Craig Chambliss

Craig Chambliss: The Visionary Behind Neurelis

On June 15, 2026, San Diego witnessed a celebration of entrepreneurship as Craig Chambliss, founder and CEO of Neurelis, Inc., was awarded the distinguished EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Pacific Southwest Award. As the mastermind behind VALTOCO®—a nasal spray solution for epilepsy—Chambliss stood out among nearly a thousand participants, showcasing the spirit of innovation, persistence, and exemplary leadership.

This esteemed award, celebrating its 41st year, recognizes entrepreneurs from diverse industries who demonstrate a significant impact within their communities. Chambliss expressed his gratitude for being selected among such an eminent group of finalists and emphasized his commitment to enhancing patient care, particularly for those affected by epilepsy.

Chambliss stated, “I founded Neurelis to bring a much-needed treatment to enhance patient care and health outcomes for people with epilepsy.” This highlights the core mission of Neurelis, which is dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from neurological disorders.

Neurelis developed its signature product, VALTOCO, to provide an innovative treatment for intermittent episodes of seizure activity, offering a vital therapy for individuals 2 years and older. This therapy utilizes a proprietary diazepam formulation that employs INTRAVAIL® technology for noninvasive drug delivery—rewriting treatment protocols for numerous patients.

The EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year award program rigorously evaluated nominees based on various criteria, including entrepreneurial spirit and the lasting impact of their work. Mr. Chambliss’s recognition is not only a testament to his leadership but also to the collective efforts of his dedicated team, shareholders, and the broader epilepsy community.

Since its inception, Neurelis has made significant strides toward achieving growth. Chambliss stresses that the company’s achievements in patient care result from a shared commitment to addressing the specific needs of the community they serve. His vision for growth is inherently tied to improving the lives of patients impacted by neurological issues, especially those struggling with frequent seizures.

With this award, Craig Chambliss will now proceed to compete for the National Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, which will be determined at the Strategic Growth Forum® this November. Winners at this level will then advance to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in May 2027, showcasing the best entrepreneurial talents globally.

The Road Ahead for Neurelis

Looking forward, Neurelis is expanding its horizon beyond VALTOCO. The company is currently engaged in developing NRL-1004, an intranasal olanzapine designed for treating acute agitation in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, and NRL-1049—a new chemical entity under investigation for cerebral cavernous malformations. This reflects Neurelis's broader commitment to addressing diverse medical needs through innovation.

A Community-Centric Approach

Chambliss's mantra extends beyond corporate achievements; he stresses the importance of community involvement. He passionately believes in raising awareness about epilepsy and supporting individuals impacted by this challenging condition. The recognition he received serves as a platform for advocating greater understanding and helps shed light on the importance of innovative health solutions.

In summary, as the recipient of the EY U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Craig Chambliss epitomizes the spirit of entrepreneurship—resilient, innovative, and community-focused. His leadership in Neurelis continues to make waves in the medical industry, paving the way for new therapies that significantly enhance patient outcomes.