* CuraGen Corp., of Boston, said it has discovered more than 60,000 human genetic variations that may be responsible for various diseases. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms are variations in DNA that have accumulated over time in the general population. They were discovered through the company's SeqCalling process.

* GeneMedicine Inc., of The Woodlands, Texas, expanded its research collaboration with Merck & Co., of Whitehouse Station, N.J., to evaluate GeneMedicine's GeneSwitch technology for use with Merck's vector system. The collaboration began in December 1997 and initially focused on two potential therapeutic applications. The current agreement expands the deal to three therapeutic targets.

* Quantum Biotechnologies Inc., of Montreal, closed a $7.5 million international financing, the second closing in a $10 million financing. The proceeds will be used to expand the company's worldwide in-licensing and acquisition programs for technologies to serve the genomics marketplace. The company supplies adenovirus vectors to markets of gene-driven drug discovery, genetic diversity and gene detection.

* SangStat Medical Corp., of Menlo Park, Calif., launched SangCya, its oral cyclosporine solution. The drug was approved by the FDA in late October for prevention of rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. (See BioWorld Today, Nov. 5, 1998, p. 1.)