A UA alumnus hopes to battle the illicit use of prescription medication, such as Adderall and Ritalin, with a new study aid pill.

Tyler Johansen developed a supplement company in his early years as a finance and entrepreneurship student at the UA. The idea was further propelled when Johansen was researching the pharmaceutical industry at an entrepreneurial summer research program.

Johansen launched Brainiac Supplements LLC and released the company’s first product, “”Study Buddy,”” on March 8. This pill was developed in coalition with pharmacists who promise to improve energy, increase memory, enhance focus and even alleviate hangovers.

“”In my college days, we used to drink coffee, studying for exams,”” said Jim Jindrick, a mentor-in-residence at Eller.

Now, mental stimulants for Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have become a popular yet dangerous tool.

“”There’s times when students become very stressed … the idea is to formulate a useful and healthier alternative,””  Jindrick said.

Study Buddy sells exclusively at the UA.

David Dougall, the manager of the Food Stop Division, and who oversees all of the UA’s convenience stores, said there’s been positive feedback from students showing enhanced mental stimulation after using Study Buddy.

Initially, an order of 250 packets came in, but Dougall said he already has another shipment placed for 100 additional packs of Study Buddy just for next week.

“”It was initially sold at Bookend Cafe, near the UA Main Library, since its location would strategically work with what it is intended for,”” Dougall said. “”(It’s) where students study.””

Now it’s available at four different locations on campus.

Christiana Ageh, the supervisor for U-Mart has seen a definite increase in popularity among students but couldn’t give a definite number.

She added that the Bookend Cafe has sold the most of the supplement.

“”Bookend is doing great; they’ve already sold out all of their first shipment and needed to request more orders,”” Ageh said. Even though it’s a new product, UA students “”seem to really like it,”” she said.

Upon graduating from the UA, Johansen moved to Phoenix, got laid off and moved back to Tucson with the motivation to start the company. The company was costly to get off the ground, but Johansen’s endeavor was financially backed by his father.

If it is successful at the UA, Johansen plans to expand his business to other Arizona college campuses and eventually take Study Buddy nationwide.