Genzyme taps Meeker for new COO post; Amphastar hired P.I. to probe FDA's Woodcock;

@FiercePharma: FDA warning letter requires early exec presence, artful response. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

Genzyme, the embattled biotechnology company, says it has created the new position of chief operating officer and appointed executive vice president David Meeker to the post. Release | Report

For more than two months in late 2008, private investigators working for generics maker Amphastar gathered information on CDER's Janet Woodcock, unearthing details about her family and re-tracing her steps on a business trip to Thailand. Report

Boehringer Ingelheim's prostate drug Flomax, previously available only by prescription, will now be sold over the counter in U.K. pharmacies. Report

Duodart, a two-in-one prostrate drug from GlaxoSmithKline, has been approved in Europe. Report

Allergan, the Irvine-based maker of Botox and other drugs, had its outlook raised by Fitch Ratings. Report

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: New Boehringer fund to invest $135M in biotech, start-ups. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Two things to highlight on this Glaxo/Isis deal. Glaxo is showing its love of rare diseases, and Isis gets marks for staying in control to proof-of-concept. | Follow @JohnCFierce

ArQule shares skyrocket on promising Phase II lung cancer data. Report

Vivus hands back rights to testosterone therapy. Item

Experts fear gene patent ruling's impact on biotech. Story

Eisai pursues blockbuster approvals for breast cancer drug. Article

Isis bags $1.53B rare disease development deal with GSK. Report

Medical Device News

Report: Feds scrutinizing Boston Scientific recall. Article

Boston Scientific's CEO gets $33.4 million; Baxter chief's pay falls. Story

A Johnson & Johnson unit received an offer from private-equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner for its breast-care business. Report

And Finally... The ability to show the quality of connections within the brain is leading to better understanding of creativity, intelligence and mental illness. Report