A Lawrence-based drug research company could receive a $197,500 boost from the Kansas Bioscience Authority to complete the first phase of a drug trial.

Since 2008, CritiTech has been holding phase one clinical trials to study Nanotax, a reformulated drug for fighting ovarian cancer that has fewer side effects than drugs already on the market.

The company had hoped to finish the trials by now but has had trouble enrolling the number of patients needed to complete the study.

So far, 10 patients have gone through the phase one trial and results have been positive. But more patients are needed.

“Very few people qualify for these types of studies. Basically, it’s patients who have exhausted other forms of therapies. It’s a very small pool and we are hoping to expand the base from which we can draw,” said Charles Decedue with CritiTech.

On Monday, the KBA investment committee recommended investing $197,500 toward a $450,000 project that would allow for an additional clinical research site. The recommendation will be passed onto the entire KBA board for approval.

President and Chairman of CritiTech Sam Campbell said new leadership that has arrived at the Kansas University Cancer Center has helped move the trial along.

“All of the patients have received treatment well and haven’t suffered from adverse side effects. The drug is performing as anticipated. We are very anxious to get the study done. It affects the value and credibility of our company and the cancer center,” Campbell said.

Along with determining what side effects are present with the new drug, the clinical trial is looking at how much of the drug patients can tolerate.

By the end of 2011, CritiTech hopes to finish the trial so it can advanced to the second phase of the study and focus on other drug research.

On Monday, the KBA investment committee also recommended approving:

• A $1.5 million investment to go toward a $13 million project to build the K-State Feed Technology Center.

• A $131,800 million investment to go toward ChocoFinesse, a company that is working to develop a healthier chocolate substitute.

• A $500,000 incentive to relocate the Kansas City, Mo. based company Evogen to Kansas.