Vaccine Trials started on January 2020 - Before the Pandemic

EU MEP - "clinical trials of Covid vaccines started before the pandemic, how is that possible?"
Novax Vaxxx trials also started on Jan 2020.

"Goodlove was one of 150 to take part in the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trial that began in January 2020. It would be another vaccine option that expects to receive emergency use authorization in the upcoming months."
https://www.kwwl.com/coronavirus/uihc-vaccine-trials-could-lead-to-another-covid-19-vaccine-option/article_e1e547e4-c775-5436-8383-6f2298bf6384.html