Novel parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptides and analogs thereof of the PTH(1-34) fragment are disclosed that combine the N-terminal signaling domain (residues 1-9) and the C-terminal binding domain (residues 15-31) via a linker. Nucleic acid molecules and peptides for PTH(1-9)-(Gly)5-PTH(15-31) (PG5) and PTH(1-9)-(Gly)7-PTH(15-31) and a novel PTH receptor are disclosed. Additionally, methods of screening for PTH agonists, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are disclosed.