How Abcuro’s Executive Assistant Used Offsite to Boost Team Collaboration

Our Client

Abcuro is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, focused on developing first-in-class immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Their lead candidate, ulviprubart (ABC008), is a monoclonal antibody designed to selectively deplete highly cytotoxic T cells by targeting the killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1). This approach aims to treat conditions such as inclusion body myositis (IBM) and T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL), where these cytotoxic T cells play a pivotal role in disease progression. 

Inclusion body myositis is a progressive autoimmune muscle disease characterized by chronic inflammation and muscle degeneration, leading to significant disability. Currently, there are no approved disease-modifying treatments for IBM. Abcuro's ulviprubart has received orphan drug designation from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of IBM. The company is advancing ulviprubart through a Phase 2/3 registrational trial, with plans to file a Biologics License Application (BLA) pending positive results. Abcuro's mission is to address unmet medical needs by precisely modulating the immune system to develop effective therapies for patients with serious autoimmune and oncologic diseases.

Choosing to Work with Offsite

When the team first decided to partner with Offsite, they knew they were choosing more than just a service provider; they were selecting a team that would be fully invested in their success. From the initial consultation, it was clear that Offsite wasn’t just about event coordination—they truly understood the intricacies and challenges of working with a startup. With so many moving parts and variables to juggle, it was essential to find someone who could provide structure and guidance. Offsite’s personalized approach and hands-on support reassured them that they had made the right choice for their event planning needs.

What truly stood out was Offsite’s ability to adjust to a fast-paced environment. As a startup, the team often found themselves managing tight deadlines and unexpected changes. Offsite’s seamless integration into the planning process made these challenges easier to navigate. From the start, they demonstrated the ability to not just keep things on track, but to offer solutions before problems arose. Their commitment to ensuring the team’s vision came to life made them an invaluable partner in bringing the event to fruition.

"Offsite not only kept us on track, but Harlie also proactively got ahead of situations both small and large for us. — Samantha Sundaram, Executive Assistant

Seamless Event Planning

Planning an event for a startup can feel like trying to herd cats with a constant flow of last-minute changes and countless tasks to oversee. Offsite’s expertise shone through in how they handled the overwhelming number of details, keeping everything in line. Their ability to create a structured plan while staying flexible for adjustments was essential in helping the team stay on course, even as the unexpected cropped up. The team knew that with Offsite leading the way, the event would be planned to perfection without missing a beat.

Whether it was coordinating logistics or managing communications, Offsite provided clarity and direction in moments of uncertainty. Their consistent communication and exceptional organizational skills helped alleviate the stress of managing so many elements. With Offsite’s support, the team was able to focus on the bigger picture while they handled the minutiae, ensuring everything was executed smoothly from start to finish

Proactive Problem Solving

Two weeks before the event, disaster struck—there was a fire at the venue, and it was uncertain whether the team would need to change locations. In a situation that could have easily spiraled into panic, Offsite stepped in and immediately took control. Samantha Sundaram, Executive Assistant attested that the company proactively began working on contingency plans. Even before the team could start stressing over backup venues, Offsite had already identified alternatives and initiated conversations to secure a solid Plan B. Their calm and collected approach during this crisis gave the team the peace of mind they needed to carry on with preparations.

What truly sets Offsite apart is their ability to stay ahead of the problem. They weren’t just reactive; they anticipated the team’s needs and offered solutions before they even had to ask. Their foresight and swift action turned what could have been a major setback into just a small bump in the road. The team felt completely supported, knowing that Offsite was handling everything with precision and care, ensuring that the event would proceed without any hitches, no matter what challenges arose.

“Before we could even begin contingency planning, Harlie was on it, and it was such a sigh of relief to know that we would have an excellent plan B if needed.”

Confidence in Execution: The Unmatched Support and Attention to Detail from Offsite

As the event date drew closer, it was clear that Offsite had put in the hard work behind the scenes. From the smallest details to the overarching plan, their attention to every aspect of the event was nothing short of impressive. Offsite didn’t just execute tasks—they ensured every detail aligned with the team’s vision. Their thoroughness in planning gave the team complete confidence that the event would be seamless, allowing them to focus on engaging with their audience rather than worrying about logistics.

The support the team received from Offsite extended beyond just planning—they remained a constant presence, available and responsive at every stage. Their communication was always clear and timely, leaving no room for confusion. Knowing that such an experienced team was behind them every step of the way helped the team walk into the event with complete confidence. Offsite’s unmatched attention to detail and proactive approach made the difference between a good event and an extraordinary one.

Developing Offsite Cadence

Over time, working with Offsite helped the team develop a productive cadence that made their collaboration feel seamless. Offsite’s ability to adapt to the team’s needs and work alongside them became an essential part of their workflow. With each project, Offsite understood the team’s pace and preferences, adjusting their processes to match their requirements while maintaining the quality and efficiency needed. 

This mutual understanding allowed the team to move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect at each stage of the planning process. Developing this cadence with Offsite truly enhanced their ability to manage and execute events with precision.