Neuropozyne

Neuropozyne, informally called No-Poz or Nu-Poz, is a drug used by the mechanically augmented in the. It helps prevent neuroprosthesis rejection syndrome, a build-up of scar tissue that blocks electrical signals between augmentation electrodes and human tissue, ultimately resulting in rejection. It was created by Darrow Industries and is now manufactured exclusively by VersaLife.

Background
Unlike simple non-cybernetic implants, like a hip replacement which can be made from hypoallergenic materials, there is a need for any cybernetic augmentation that will "feel" and can be moved by the mind to have a neuroprosthetic junction, in essence a chip located within the brain to act as the interface between body and machine. Darrow Industries pioneered the PEDOT-cluster array design which was constructed to include both the organic conducting polymer electrodes and the neurons which would interface with the host's neurons, hence why it is called a "biochip".

The problem with implanting the biochip is that it causes glial tissue to build up around the junction, causing what is best described as nerve scars. The scarring eventually disrupts the integrity of the neuroprosthetic junction causing a rejection syndrome known as Darrow Deficiency Syndrome (DDS).

Neuropozyne is a compound that prevents the buildup of glial nerve tissue around the junction. It is available by prescription only and weekly doses are required to prevent the disruption of the junction. Although it is not produced with especially rare materials, its distribution is heavily monitored and it can sell for extraordinary prices on the black market.

2020s
In 2027, there is a shortage of Neuropozyne. VersaLife claims that this is due to various setbacks it has experienced. During this shortage, a competitor drug known as Riezene emerges. It is unlikely that the Neuropozyne shortage is coincidental given that Riezene, like Neuropozyne, is produced by the Illuminati using Zaaphire Biotech as a front.

The high price of Neuropozyne makes it difficult for less wealthy augmented people to afford the drug. This drives some people to acquire the drug by other illegal means. The Sarif Industries employees Brian Tindall and Tim Carella steal Neuropozyne from the company's Detroit labs and distribute if for free to people who cannot afford it. For the same reason, people are willing to use the experimental but cheaper alternative, Riezene, despite the fact that it has not been shown to be completely safe.

Following the Aug Incident and the subsequent closure of LIMB clinics, it becomes increasingly difficult for augmented people to get hold of the drug. In cities such as Útulek Station, where the augmented are sent to live in isolation, the police force has control of the Neuropozyne supply, and thus of the people that live there. During a hostage situation in Dresden, Germany, one of the requests made by the augmented terrorists responsible was for a generic form of Neuropozyne to be produced. This would result in the drug becoming much cheaper as VersaLife would no longer hold a monopoly over it. However the situation is resolved without the request being met.