• Diagnosis of SLE for at least 6 months prior to screening by fulfilling the Revised Criteria for Classification of SLE according to the 1997 Update of the 1982 ACR criteria

• Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) (titer ≥1:80) during screening

• Positivity for at least one serological characteristic

• Total hSELENA-SLEDAI score ≥6 (including points attributed from arthritis and rash) during screening and at least 4 points from clinical features at randomization as confirmed by a Sponsor-selected independent reviewer(s)

• At least 1 BILAG A score or 2 BILAG B scores during screening as confirmed by a Sponsor-selected independent reviewer(s)

• Receiving at least one of the standard of care (SOC) for SLE (combination is possible)

• Body weight within 45 kg to 120 kg (inclusive) at screening

• Contraceptive use by men or women should be consistent with local regulations regarding the methods of contraception for those participating in clinical studies.