The novel coronavirus has spread across borders, with authorities taking measures to prevent the outbreak from becoming a pandemic. One of the avenues of urgent investigation is the search for a vaccine.

Among researchers across the world in a race against time to create a vaccine is Dr Paul Stoffels, the vice-chairman and chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson.

"We know that (the coronavirus) is spreading very far… that it is new to humanity," said Stoffels, who works at Johnson & Johnson's vaccine facility in the south Netherlands city of Leiden.

"That's why (the coronavirus) is a high risk," he added. "We know that it kills. It is very deadly for the elderly, weak people. And that is why we need to make sure that we contain it as quickly as possible."

But even with the hardest work, it may not be quick enough for some. Stoffels estimates that it may take eight months to a year before a vaccine completes the rigorous testing needed before public usage.