The Trump administration has selected five companies, including Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc, as the most likely candidates to produce a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, The New York Times reported, citing senior officials.

The other two companies are Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co Inc, according to the paper.

The selected companies will get access to additional government funds, help in running clinical trials, and financial and logistical support, the paper reported.