Final answer:
When scientists compete for a cure in gene therapy research, significant financial investments can create conflicts of interest, potentially affecting the judgment of researchers and participants, as seen in the ethical concerns raised by the Jesse Gelsinger case.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a scientist competes for a cure, particularly in the realm of gene therapies, there is often a significant financial investment at stake due to the years of laboratory and clinical research required. The high costs involved, especially by the clinical trials stage, create financial pressures for pharmaceutical companies and their shareholders. This financial stake can lead to potential conflicts of interest, potentially influencing the judgment of researchers, funders, and trial participants. The ethical concern is whether the risks to a small group of participants in the short term are justifiable against the potential for a game-changing new treatment for a serious disease. The Jesse Gelsinger case is an example of when things can go wrong, highlighting the balance that must be struck between rapid advancement and ensuring participant safety.