On Friday accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) named Cindy Eckert, Sprout Pharmaceuticals CEO, as an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award Winner.

The award is claimed to recognise founders who "rewrite the rules, spark innovation, and leave a mark". Eckert rose to the top of 36 finalists from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Eckert led the development of the first and only FDA-approved pill to treat low libido in women -- clinically known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), a condition that affects 40% of women at some point in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. Until Sprout's achievement of FDA approval, no clinically proven treatment options existed for women's sexual dysfunction while 26 existed for men.

Chosen by an independent panel of judges for vision, growth, and impact, Eckert will represent the Southeast at EY's national Entrepreneur Of The Year US Awards in November at the Strategic Growth Forum.