Executive directors at vaccines group Powderject shared £163,000 in bonuses last year, according to the company's annual report.

The performance-related payments came after a year which saw sales increase significantly at the Oxford-based company which develops vaccines.

Chairman and chief executive Dr Paul Drayson, 41, received a £52,000 bonus and a salary of £315,000. With benefits, his total pay package for the year was £385,000, up from £335,000.

Dr Terry Burkoth, 60, senior vice-president of science and technology, received a £26,000 bonus and £170,000 salary as part of a £201,000 package, up from £179,000.

Charles Swingland, 48, company secretary, received a £24,000 bonus and £150,000 salary as part of a £180,000 package, up from £160,000.

Finance director Steven Harris, 35, received £24,000 bonus and £136,000 salary as part of a £161,000 package.

Larry Ellberger, 53, senior vice-president of corporate development, who was appointed to the board in June 2000, received a £21,000 bonus and £152,000 salary as part of a £179,000 package.

The report shows that Gordon Saul, who stepped down from the board in June 2000, gained £683,000 on the exercise of share options during the year.

In his chairman's statement, Dr Drayson said: "The last year has seen Powderject undergo an exciting and extremely positive transformation. With the acquisition of Medeva's vaccines business (rebranded under the established Evans Vaccines name) we are now a major player in the vaccines field.