What do the approved protein vaccines contain?

Novavax's protein vaccine against Covid-19 (Nuvaxovid) is approved in Switzerland. It contains spike proteins that are produced in cell cultures in the laboratory and then purified. A nanoparticle (polysorbate 80) is then added to the spike proteins. This causes the spike proteins to assemble into nanostructures.

In addition, the vaccine contains a so-called adjuvant (immune response enhancer) to improve vaccine protection. The adjuvant is based on saponins. These are active plant substances obtained from the soap bark tree.