Novavax, Inc.
A maker of protein-based vaccines against infectious diseases, this Maryland biotech is best known for Nuvaxovid, its COVID-19 shot that delivers pre-made spike proteins grown in moth cells rather than genetic instructions. Founded in 1987 and spun off from its parent IGI in 1995, it gained its Matrix-M immune-boosting adjuvant by buying Sweden's Isconova in 2013. The name blends "nova" (new) with "vax" (vaccine).