necrosis

Permanent fillers like silicone or paraffin have been used but are not recommended, as they have been associated with long-term complications like necrosis and deformities.

A report by the Coroner would find that Mr Cull had died as a result of complications caused by a bowel obstruction and necrosis.

The study, published in the journal Addiction, warned about side effects including airway compromise and skin ulcers - or “tissue necrosis” - which can lead to limb amputation.

More than 400,000 others develop necrosis, when the tissue around the bite dies and turns black.

The drug is not effective against all snake venom - but the scientists say it could be cheaper and more flexible than existing antivenoms, many of which work against only a single snake species and cannot prevent necrosis.