EXHIBIT 5.1


              [Letterhead of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP]

May 25, 2001


Targeted Genetics Corporation
1100 Olive Way, Suite 100
Seattle, Washington  98101

Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8 for the Targeted Genetics Corporation
     1999 Stock Option Plan

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Targeted Genetics Corporation (the "Company") in
connection with the preparation of a registration statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that the
Company is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to
2,000,000 additional shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the
"Shares"), issuable under the Targeted Genetics Corporation 1999 Stock Option
Plan, as restated January 23, 2001 (the "Plan").

We have examined the Registration Statement and such documents and records of
the Company and other documents as we have deemed relevant and necessary for the
purpose of this opinion.  In giving this opinion, we are assuming the
authenticity of all instruments presented to us as originals, the conformity
with originals of all instruments presented to us as copies and the genuineness
of all signatures.

Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that any Shares
that may be issued pursuant to the Plan have been duly authorized and that, upon
(i) exercise of options to purchase shares granted under the Plan, (ii) issuance
and sale of such Shares upon such exercise in accordance with the terms of the
Plan and (iii) receipt of consideration for such Shares in accordance with the
terms of the Plan, such Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.  In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are in
the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act.

Very truly yours,

/s/ ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP