U.S.-based Novavax approved in 41 countries, but not the U.S. They submitted their application last January. Advisory committee voted unanimously to approve on June 6. Yet it's not been approved.
Meanwhile, Moderna's vaccine for young kids which is only 37% effective, far below the FDA's minimum of 70%, was approved in 1 day.
Naw, there are no conspiracies against smaller companies.