'Today' Host Hoda Kotb Discusses Potential Coronavirus Vaccine, 'Encouraging' Development In New Trial

Throughout the majority of 2020, people around the globe have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in a range of ways. However, during an appearance on Monday morning's episode of "Today," NBC News Medical Correspondent Dr. John Torres shared some "encouraging" news with host Hoda Kotb.

On the new episode of the NBC news show, it was stated that one small study conducted by the biotech firm Moderna had shown promising results in regards to a possible COVID-19 vaccine. Even though the trial is in the early phases, Torres noted that the initial steps towards finding a treatment or cure for COVID-19 have been positive.

"For some of the participants -- they don't have all the results yet, early results now -- but in eight of the participants, they actually ended up seroconverting, we call it," he stated, adding, "Because of the vaccine they had antibodies. The good part is those antibodies are neutralizing, in other words, they'll take care of coronavirus and prevent it from taking hold... they are getting levels equivalent to people who recovered from coronavirus and now we think have some immunity to it."

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However, as noted by Torres, there are still two phases left in the process. Phase two will consist of roughly 600 people, and then phase three will begin, which they believe will start in July. That, he said, will provide a lot of answers. If all goes according to plan, then a vaccine is likely.

"Keeping our fingers crossed, hopefully soon," Torres added.

Kotb also asked when people could expect a vaccine if everything goes as hoped.

"It just depends on how phase three pans out. That usually takes months or years. In this case, they're hoping months," he responded. Torres then added that 12-18 months is a likely timeframe, adding that "sometime after the New Year is when we'll get it, maybe before if things fall into place really well." The full interview can be seen below.

Aside from the recent conversation, COVID-19 has inspired the NBC news show to amend their daily operations in recent months in several ways, including inspiring Kotb's co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and "Today" weatherman Al Roker to fulfill their on-air duties remotely. Additionally, Kotb herself has also discussed the "incredible" part of her own experience self-isolating.