If the pill form is like the UP version (administered from below, if ya know what I mean) -- we know that there is virtually NO systemic absorption from the colon. It would be likely that this is the same for a time-release pill that opens in the intestines.

So, it is doubtful that there would be any systemic absorption which means NO effect on COVID in pill form.

That's why the ABSSSI clinical trial used the IV form.