TWO doctors who took part in a drugs trial during which a patient died have been cleared of allegations of serious professional misconduct.

Professor Desmond Sheridan, of Dukes Wood Drive, Gerrards Cross, was cleared on Sunday, after a seven-day hearing of the General Medical Council, of failing to properly supervise Dr Robert Davies who was treating 66-year-old heart patient, Alan Bowler.

Mr Bowler, who lived at Chiltern Road, Chesham, died after taking part in the study of a new heart drug, Flosequinan, in 1992.

Professor Sheridan's colleague Dr Davies, of Churchfield, Broxbourne, Herts, was cleared of wrongly placing Mr Bowler on the trial. Both doctors had denied the allegations.

Mr Bowler died after taking part in the trials in March 1992.

He was identified as a potential candidate for the study after being referred by his GP to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

A pre-trial examination showed Mr Bowler had moderate coronary artery disease.

Dr Davies had then concluded that the drug trial could proceed safely.

But the hearing was told that just five minutes after Flosequinan was infused, Mr Bowler became unwell and arrested.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Mr Bowler died.

Committee chairman John Shaw said: "Dr Davies' clinical decisions to identify Mr Bowler as a candidate for the drug study were not inappropriate, irresponsible or contrary to the research protocol or contrary to the patient's best interests.

"The decision to perform the further catheterisation as part of the trial was neither inappropriate, not irresponsible, not dangerous, but was a responsible clinical decision."

The doctors were found not guilty of serious professional misconduct.

They issued a joint statement expressing sympathy to Mrs Bowler and her family and said that they were relieved that the inquiry had ended.