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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


      We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration
statement of Novavax, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated February 7, 1997,
except as to Note 13 for which the date is March 14, 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Novavax, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and
1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, which report is
included in Novavax, Inc.'s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the
caption "Experts."



                                    /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                    ----------------------------------
                                        Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.




Rockville, Maryland
February 17, 1998
