US President Donald Trump’s administration has selected five companies, including Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc, as the most likely candidates for the production of the new COVID-19 vaccine, Reuters reported.

Selected companies will receive access to additional state funds, assistance in conducting clinical trials, financial and logistical support.

The White House will announce the decision in the next few weeks.

The US plans to conduct large-scale clinical trials involving a total of 100,000 to 150,000 volunteers to deliver an effective vaccine by the end of this year. To achieve the goal, the government plans to begin testing mid-stage in July.