MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Under Fire After Poor Phase 3 Results Lead to Major Class Action Lawsuit
On October 17, 2025, a significant securities class action lawsuit was initiated against MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ: MLTX), a clinical-stage biotech firm focused on therapies for inflammatory skin diseases. This lawsuit, entitled Bridgewood v. MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, centers around the disappointing outcomes of Phase 3 clinical trials for MoonLake's solo drug candidate, sonelokimab (referred to as SLK). Investors reacted drastically following the announcement of the trial results, which indicated that only one out of two Phase 3 trials had met the statistical significance required to demonstrate efficacy. Following the announcement on September 28, 2025, MoonLake shares plummeted by $55.75, causing an approximate 90% decrease in stock value.
MoonLake's SLK was touted as a highly awaited treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition. The company had previously claimed that SLK, due to its innovative Nanobody structure, would surpass the efficacy of competitors like BIMZELX, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for the same indication. They indicated that this unique structure would afford numerous advantages, including superior tissue penetration and enhanced clinical responses, which they believed would position SLK as the gold standard treatment for HS.
Despite these assertions, the lawsuit contends that MoonLake misrepresented critical details surrounding SLK's trial design and efficacy. Specifically, it claims that the company did not adequately disclose that the distinctive features of SLK's Nanobody structure did not guarantee it would outperform traditional monoclonal antibodies in clinical settings. The lawsuit alleges that this misinformation led to substantial financial losses for investors who had relied on MoonLake's optimistic projections and marketing assertions.
The class period for the lawsuit runs from March 10, 2024, up until the date of the crash, September 29, 2025. Legal representatives from Hagens Berman, the firm leading the class action, are actively encouraging any investors who experienced significant losses during this period to come forward and join the case. Hagens Berman has been noted for their dedication to investor rights and has recovered over $2.9 billion for their clients in similar cases.
The repercussions of this class action could have lasting impacts on MoonLake’s reputation and financial health as they grapple with the fallout from their Phase 3 trial results. The next steps include a thorough examination of whether the company misled investors about SLK's capabilities versus its leading competitor, BIMZELX. As referred to in the proceedings, the clinical data released showed that, contrary to earlier claims of advantageous outcomes, SLK’s results did not provide the impressive benefit that investors were led to expect. Legal teams are now focused on gathering evidence and testimonies from those within the company who might shed light on the situation.
In light of these developments, investors remain cautious as they await the outcome of this class action suit. For those currently holding shares or considering future investments, MoonLake’s case serves as a substantial reminder of the inherent risks associated with biotech investments, especially those promising groundbreaking therapies based on unproven trial results. Furthermore, this situation brings to the forefront the critical need for transparency in clinical trial reporting and the potential ramifications when company communication falls short.
As this legal battle unfolds, both current shareholders and potential investors will be closely monitoring MoonLake's statements and actions in the coming months, waiting to see how the firm's leadership addresses the allegations and strives to restore trust among its stakeholders.