GlaxoSmithKline was today accused of profiteering from the swine flu pandemic after it emerged that it is making a 600 per cent mark-up on its vaccine for the virus.

The firm, which is one of several commissioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to produce a vaccine, said it had already agreed contracts for 195 million doses with 16 countries worldwide.

But it emerged today that the drug giant is charging the NHS £6 per dose, even though it admits the vaccine only costs £1 to produce.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: 'This is clearly a bonanza for the company.

'They have done the work so should legitimately benefit, but this is a staggeringly substantial return. I will write to the National Audit Office to determine whether we got the best deal for the taxpayer.'

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