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Ian Spatz


Ian Spatz counsels clients on health reform efforts and issues affecting health care providers and insurers, pharmaceutical companies, the consuming public, and U.S. health care initiatives.

Ian’s practice areas include national health care policies and programs; pharmaceutical pricing, including as it relates to Medicare and Medicaid; intellectual property protection; and policies related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the research, approval, manufacturing and marketing of medicines.

Prior to joining Manatt, Ian served 15 years in increasingly responsible positions at Merck & Company Inc. As Merck’s vice president for global health policy, he directed U.S. public policy and related public affairs activities and represented the company before Congress, the White House and the media. Ian is also the founder and principal of the policy consulting firm Rock Creek Policy Group.

While at Merck, Ian led the successful five-year campaign that helped to develop and gain enactment of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, providing millions of American elderly and persons with disabilities with drug insurance for the first time. He also promoted legislation to create a program of market exclusivity incentives for research on the pediatric uses of medicines. In addition, he guided company efforts in resolving an international trade dispute over the licensing of medicines in the developing world.

Before joining Merck, Ian served as legislative director for Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). In that role, he directed the senator's legislative staff in developing and implementing legislative strategies, proposal drafting and floor action, including coordinating the passage of appropriations bills.

Ian is a member of the faculty of the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy where he teaches courses in health economics and health law.


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Manatt Health