Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 12-70 years at screening.
2. Has a diagnosis of SLE for at least 6 months prior to the screening visit.
3. Meets the 2019 EULAR/ACR Classification criteria for SLE.
4. Moderately to severely active SLE defined by the following:

1. SELENA SLEDAI total score ≥6 points with clinical SLEDAI score ≥4 points at screening;
2. BILAG organ system scores of at least 1A or 2B at screening.
3. Clinical SLEDAI score of ≥4 at Day 0 prior to randomization.
4. At least one positive serologic parameter within the screening period.
5. Currently receiving at least one of the SOC SLE medications: oral corticosteroid, antimalarial and/or immunosuppressive agent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active lupus nephritis undergoing induction therapy or unstable renal diseases within 12 weeks prior to screening.
2. Active or unstable neuropsychiatric SLE.
3. Autoimmune or rheumatic disease other than SLE