The Nasdaq is leading the charge today, with biotech exchange-traded fund (ETF) SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) up over 2% today. Digging deeper, Alpine Immune Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:ALPN) is soaring to eight-year highs today, up 36.9% to trade at $64.39, after news that Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) will acquire the biotech company for $4.9 billion. The buyout represents a 67% premium to ALP's share price before rumors of it.  The news is lifting Vera Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VERA) as well, as Vera's lead candida ...