After serving as CritiTech Inc.’s director of strategic product development, David Johnston is moving up to be the operation’s CEO.

The Lawrence-based pharmaceuticals firm, formed 12 years ago out of research conducted at Kansas University, is in the midst of having one of its cancer-fighting formulations being tested in human clinical trials through the KU Cancer Center.

While Nanotax — designed to fight ovarian and other abdominal cancers while reducing and controlling harmful side effects — is the farthest along, CritiTech also has other drug candidates working their way through other, preclinical stages. One candidate, to battle colorectal cancer, is expected to be forwarded to the FDA for consideration within two months.

“We really need to take the company, now, to the next level and get the major relationships in place with major pharmaceutical companies,” said Sam Campbell, the company’s chairman and president, who announced the promotion Thursday. “He has the experience and the ability and the background and the credibility in the marketplace to be able to do that.”

Johnston has executive and leadership experience in non-clinical chemistry, including development of pharmaceutical products, Campbell said. Johnston also has worked in clinical development — from Phase I through Phase IV trials — and dealt with regulatory approval, technology transfer, international operations, sales and marketing, and brand management.”

“He’s been successful doing these kinds of things with others,” Campbell said. “We’re gratified that he’s willing to work with us.”

Johnston’s professional experience includes serving as interim president and CEO for AerovectRX Inc., a company spun out from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. He previously worked as senior vice president for research and development at Nektar Therapeutics; and as president and chief operating officer for AAI International, handling business in North America, Europe China.

He also serves on the board of Wilmington Pharmaceuticals and the advisory board of Velquest Inc.