I emailed Dynamic Bicycles to ask if the Nexus brifter was available yet as a standalone component, and I got this reply:

"We have just a couple of the Versa VRS-8 shifter sets left for immediate delivery. After our initial inventory is gone, they will only be available through distribution and retailers. The retail price on the Versa VRS-8 shifter set is $229. We have set aside a few sets with black levers for immediate delivery at a special price of $199. This $199 special price is only available direct from Dynamic."