I wonder what it is, too. Your guesses are good. I am just riffing here, but maybe a drug that makes you want to buy whatever you see, drug that makes you believe whatever you hear or read, a drug that makes everyone the same color, or a drug that makes kids completely docile.
Oh yeah maybe it's something addictive so people try some and buy more & more of like an energy/protein drink/bar, fast food additive, or a vitamin supplement.
That is also what I'm thinking. Nate was a project manager at the biotech company PFR Biometrics. I'm guessing his team made something highly addictive that will go in an energy drink.