In partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and researchers at Columbus Children's Research Institute and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Targeted Genetics is developing an adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based prophylactic vaccine candidate (tgAAC09) designed to protect against HIV infection and/or prevent progression to AIDS in people who become infected with HIV. AAV-based vaccines are used to deliver specific HIV antigens that are intended to stimulate the immune system to fight against the HIV virus. This prophylactic vaccine is based on HIV subtype C, which is the virus believed to be most prevalent in Africa and Asia. tgAAC09 consists of select HIV genes and cannot cause HIV infection or AIDS.
In December 2005, Targeted Genetics was named as a subcontractor in a $22 million NIAID contract with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Columbus Children’s Research Institute to develop AAV-based HIV/AIDS for worldwide use. Under the contract, Targeted Genetics is to receive up to $18 million of the total over 5 years. | 
