Cheaper generic rivals have continued to hit sales

Cheap copies of its drugs, particularly anti-depressants Paxil and Wellbutrin, and a weak dollar had hit profits, but global sales were up 1% in 2004.

The firm is confident its new drug pipeline will deliver profits despite the failure of an obesity drug.

Chief executive Jean-Pierre Garnier said it had been a "difficult year".

2005 will also be an important year in terms of research and development pipeline progress Jean-Pierre Garnier, GSK chief executive Check Glaxo's share price

Shares in the group closed 4 pence higher at 1236 pence on the London market.

Mr Garnier said the company had absorbed over �1.5bn of lost sales to generics but still managing to grow the business.

"The continuing success of our key products means we can now look forward to a good performance in 2005," he said.

"2005 will also be an important year in terms of research and development pipeline progress."

However, the firm discontinued development of an experimental treatment for obesity, known as '771, after disappointing clinical trial results.

Glaxo is relying on new treatments for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, depression, HIV/AIDS and allergies to lift the pace of sales growth after several disappointing years.