In 1989, H. Stewart Parker became CEO of Targeted Genetics, an Immunex Corp. spin-off in Seattle. which specialized in gene therapy, a frontier area of biotechnology.

In 2008, The company’s shares plummeted after a patient died during a clinical trial for its experimental rheumathoid arthritis treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined that the company’s treatment did not cause the death. Parker resigned from the company in November, 2008.   Parker has served as a member of Sangamo’s Board of Directors since June 2014.