Our Story

Wax-it Histology Services has a rich history rooted in innovation and dedication to excellence. A company named Wax-it was established in 1994 by two histotechnologists but ceased operations in 2002. However, in 2003, a visionary PhD student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), our current CEO/President Dr. Aruna Somasiri, identified an opportunity to resurrect the esteemed Wax-it name. With the support of Dr. Arthur Leg and Dr. Kenneth To, who were graduate students at the time, and the blessing of the former Wax-it owners, the young team revived the company. They acquired well-functioning equipment and secured office space in the UBC endowment. Thus, Wax-it Histology Services Inc. was born.

Our journey began with a simple goal: to provide fast and reliable histology services. Starting with our alma mater, UBC, as our first client, we quickly gained traction. Leveraging the recognition of our name from past ventures, the Wax-it team diligently cultivated our client base. Through the power of word of mouth, our reputation spread from Vancouver to the shores of the US market. Today, over 80% of our clients hail from the USA, a testament to the quality and trust we’ve earned through our commitment to excellence.

In 2012, after rigorous preparation and audits by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), we proudly achieved Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) Accreditation, solidifying our commitment to quality and compliance. Over the years, we have expanded our services beyond General Histology, embracing advancements in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Resin Histology/Medical Device Histopathology. Recognizing the growing demand for specialized services, we established dedicated departments for IHC and Resin Histology in 2010.

Embracing the digital pathology era, we invested in cutting-edge equipment and talent to launch our imaging unit, enabling high-throughput whole slide brightfield imaging and immunofluorescence with multiplexing capabilities.

During the pandemic, our company operated continuously, expanding our footprint threefold as we completed four GLP projects within a span of just 8 months for COVID-19 vaccines. The success of our clients was evident as these studies progressed into clinical trials. Over the years, Wax-it has contributed to a diverse range of studies, including preclinical research for the development of QLT drugs targeting eye diseases, pioneering work on stents for Angiotech through advanced resin studies, and extensive projects involving lipid nanoparticles.Our dedication to advancing science and supporting our clients success remains unwavering.

Beyond our technical expertise, we are passionate about nurturing talent and giving back to the community. Through partnerships with programs like the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), we have trained numerous fresh graduates, empowering them to thrive in the Canadian workforce.

With a legacy of excellence and a vision for the future, Wax-it Histology Services continues to push boundaries, driving innovation in preclinical studies and beyond.
Join us on our journey as we shape the future of histology and contribute to groundbreaking research worldwide.