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                                  EXHIBIT 99.1

PRESS RELEASE

              TARGETED GENETICS' ACQUISITION OF RGENE THERAPEUTICS
                            APPROVED BY SHAREHOLDERS

         Acquisition expands Targeted Genetics' technology capabilities and
product pipeline

         SEATTLE--June 19, 1996--Targeted Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq: TGEN)
today announced that its agreement to acquire RGene Therapeutics, Inc. of The
Woodlands, Texas has been approved by Targeted Genetics shareholders and the
acquisition is effective immediately. RGene stockholders previously approved the
acquisition.

         The acquisition of RGene by Targeted Genetics in a stock-swap buyout
was announced on April 16, 1996, but was subject to approval by the companies'
shareholders. Under terms of the merger agreement, Targeted Genetics acquires
all outstanding shares of RGene stock in exchange for approximately 3.64 million
unregistered shares of Targeted Genetics Common Stock.

         As a result of the merger, Targeted Genetics acquires proprietary
non-viral gene delivery technology that complements the viral technologies the
company currently has under development; a potential gene therapy product for
the treatment of cancer that is already in Phase I clinical trials; and key
relationships with leading scientists in the gene therapy field.

         "With the acquisition of RGene Therapeutics, Targeted Genetics gains a
leading position in non-viral gene delivery, and becomes the only company with
ongoing clinical trials using three different delivery systems: retroviral
vectors, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, and now non-viral vectors. This
broad base of gene delivery systems can be used to address a broad spectrum of
diseases," said H. Stewart Parker, Targeted Genetics president and chief
executive officer. "Also, the acquisition brings together a critical mass of
technology and know-how in the cancer field."

         Targeted Genetics is currently conducting two Phase I clinical trials
examining the use of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for the treatment of
cystic fibrosis by in vivo delivery of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane
regulator (CFTR) gene; and a 
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Phase I trial examining the use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific
CTLs to prevent the onset of full-blown AIDS in patients with HIV.

         Targeted Genetics Corporation develops gene and cell therapies for the
treatment of certain acquired and inherited diseases. The company's principal
focus is on in vivo adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, initially for
cystic fibrosis; CTL immunotherapy for infectious diseases and cancer; and stem
cell gene therapy.

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